Microsoft Discontinues Legacy PostScript Fonts in Windows 11
The recent announcement from Microsoft regarding the discontinuation of legacy PostScript fonts in Windows 11 has stirred conversations in the design and business communities. The tech giant has officially marked these old font files for depreciation, aligning its timeline with Adobe’s earlier decision to retire the PostScript Type 1 font in January 2023. This move reflects a broader industry shift towards modern font technologies.
Adobe’s withdrawal of support for PostScript Type 1 fonts has already impacted several of its key products, including:
- Photoshop version 23.0
- Illustrator 27.3
- InDesign 18.2
- Digital Video and Audio 23.2
For those who still rely on these classic fonts, the option remains to utilize older versions of Adobe software. However, Adobe has transitioned to OpenType fonts, which are now compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, paving the way for a more unified approach to typography across platforms.
What Should You Do About the Adobe Type 1 Fonts?
In light of these changes, Microsoft recommends transitioning to alternative font types. Users can remove deprecated fonts through the Fonts settings page, although this process can be cumbersome as it requires clicking on each font to identify its type. A more efficient method involves using File Explorer:
- Navigate to C:\Windows\Fonts in File Explorer.
- Right-click on any column and select the Font Type option.
- Identify and remove the deprecated font types easily from this view.
In a broader context of font management, Microsoft has also confirmed plans to eliminate legacy font management in Windows 11. The Control Panel’s Fonts page will be redirected to the Settings app, streamlining the user experience while maintaining a focus on modern integration.
Phasing Out Outdated Technologies
Alongside the deprecation of Adobe Type 1 fonts, Microsoft has recently phased out NTLM and Direct Access, marking a total of six announcements in 2024 aimed at phasing out outdated technologies. The previous year saw a wave of similar announcements, including the retirement of several legacy applications such as Steps Recorder, Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool, and the ever-reliable WordPad. However, there remains a workaround for those who wish to continue using WordPad.
You Can Use WordPad in 24H2
With the impending release of Windows 11 24H2, WordPad is set to be removed entirely. Despite its utility as an offline application for viewing text files, documents, and RTF files, Microsoft encourages users to transition to Notepad or Word. Although WordPad does not appear in the Windows 11 Insider 24H2 builds, there is a solution available. A guide has been created to assist users in retaining access to WordPad by downloading a core file package and placing it in the specified location outlined in the guide.
As Microsoft continues to evolve its software ecosystem, the transition away from legacy applications and font types underscores a commitment to modernization, even as it bids farewell to familiar tools like Cortana and WordPad.
