BLOG: What deprecation means in practical terms for Windows and Windows Server

Intro

What deprecation / deprecated features means in practical terms?
An important and careful read every time.

Each release of Windows / Windows Server doesn't only come with enhanced features and fixes, but also deprecation notices you have to consider.


Understanding the term

It's a tag on a role or feature that longer under development.

And it marks the start of getting stale or even being removed completely from the OS. Most of the time all deprecated features will become optional features, first.


Karl, how do you deal with deprecated features?

I personally try to consult customers to remove inbox Optional Features. In this case they may not accidently use these, or otherwise notice they are in use when missing in the first place.

Feature removals are quite rare but that's exactly why you should really consider watching the space of deprecation notices.


Are deprecated features generally removed?

Clear no. But there's a risk of that. You should not build a business around or on deprecated features.
Removals can occour quickly, usually are rather planned, when a security concern arises and no fix / remediation can be made, or a feature, by telemetry, is rarely used in the first place.


Are deprecated features supported?

It depends. Every feature in-box is under the support policy of the product. So far the rules.
Do not expect up to par Microsoft support for deprecated features. Same as with OS versions outside the mainstream support (extended support), like Windows Server 2016 / 2019, both widely spread, at the time of writing.
Keep an eye on the product support matrix and the support conditions. Microsoft used to call these Lifecycle Policies, of each product.

Also other (Microsoft) products you are running on top of an OS. Speaking for the OS, the Microsoft support team might advice you to move on when for break / fix situation, no remediation can be found, and the product is deprecated or outside mainstream support.


References

Windows Server 2025 preview removed and deprecated features

Windows 11 deprecated features

Microsoft's terminology on deprecation and others

Microsoft Lifecycle Policies and product support lookup