In addition to the new changes and features shipping with the Windows 10 version 1903, May 2019 Update, during the development process, it’s also the time when Microsoft does a house-cleanup to remove features that may be obsolete, no longer useful, or are getting replaced with new experiences.
Typically, the functionalities that are getting removed from Windows 10 aren’t significant. In the case of version 1903, you’ll no longer be able to sync your messages using the desktop messaging app, and the XDDM-based remote display driver is no longer available. Also, starting with the May 2019 Update, Windows 10 is deprecating the Wi-Fi WEP and TKIP connections, Windows To Go, and Paint 3D app.
Features removed on version 1903
Windows 10 version 1903 is removing these features:
- XDDM-based remote display driver: Starting with this release the Remote Desktop Services uses a Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) based Indirect Display Driver (IDD) for a single session remote desktop. Independent Software Vendors that use XDDM-based remote display driver should plan a migration to the WDDM driver model.
- Desktop messaging app doesn’t offer messages sync: The messaging app on Desktop has a sync feature that can be used to sync SMS text messages received from Windows Mobile and keep a copy of them on the Desktop. The sync feature has been removed from all devices.
Features deprecated on version 1903
Windows 10 version 1903 is deprecating these features:
- Print 3D app: This app is no longer being developed, and Microsoft recommends using the 3D Builder for 3D printing app.
- Windows To Go: Windows To Go is no longer being developed. The feature does not support feature updates and therefore does not enable you to stay current.
- Wi-Fi WEP and TKIP: Starting with the May 2019 Update a warning message will appear when connecting to Wi-Fi networks secured with WEP or TKIP, which are not as secure. In a future release, any connection to a Wi-Fi network using these old ciphers will be disallowed. Wi-Fi routers should be updated to use AES ciphers, available with WPA2 or WPA3.
- Taskbar settings roaming: Roaming of taskbar settings is no longer being developed, and Microsoft plans to disable it in future updates.
You can always check this Microsoft support site for more details on the features removed or planned to be replaced with this version of Windows 10.
See also removed and deprecated features from previous versions:
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.