Category: MSFTAdvocate

Features and functionality removed or depreciated in Windows 10 (version 2004)

Just released are the details about features and functionalities that were removed in Windows 10 (version 2004). 

The list below provided via the Microsoft post is subject to change and might not include every affected feature or functionality.

FeatureDetails and mitigationRemoved in version
CortanaCortana has been updated and enhanced in the Windows 10 May 2020 Update. With these changes, some previously available consumer skills such as music, connected home, and other non-Microsoft skills are no longer available.2004
Windows To GoWindows To Go was announced as deprecated in Windows 10, version 1903 and is removed in this release.2004
Mobile Plans and Messaging appsBoth apps are still supported, but are now distributed in a different way. OEMs can now include these apps in Windows images for cellular enabled devices. The apps are removed for non-cellular devices.2004

You can read the full post to see the features that were removed from versions 1909, 1903, and 1809, and prior releases.

There are also features listed via another update that Microsoft is no longer developing (depreciated features):

FeatureDetails and mitigationAnnounced in version
Companion Device FrameworkThe Companion Device Framework is no longer under active development.2004
Microsoft EdgeThe legacy version of Microsoft Edge is no longer being developed.2004
Dynamic DisksThe Dynamic Disks feature is no longer being developed. This feature will be fully replaced by Storage Spaces in a future release.2004

An Important Update on Microsoft Training and Certification

There are some important updates that have been released regarding Microsoft Training and Certification in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

These updates are how Microsoft, together with the partner training ecosystem, is adapting to the current environment to ensure that all of you can continue to learn and get certified on Microsoft technologies, while staying safe.  

Updates include details of testing center closings and online proctoring capacity increasing to meet that demand.

Normal reschedule rules are being relaxed and cancellation fees are being waived for the time being.

Probably the biggest announcement is the delay in the retirement dates of the MCSA, MCSD, and MCSE certifications and related exams extended

As we’re all aware from prior messaging, the Microsoft Certified Solutions Architect (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification(s) were slated to be retired on June 30th of this year (2020).

Because of all the uncertainty in the current environment and the impact of all of that on the learners and their ability to finish their certification training and testing before the original retirement date, Microsoft has pushed out the retirement date for these specific certifications to January 31, 2021.

Changes have also been made to the expiring role-based certifications. If you have a role-based certification that is expiring between now and December 31, 2020, Microsoft is extending the certification and that expiration date by six months. Microsoft has indicated as an example, “if your certification is set to expire September 30, 2020, it will now expire on March 30, 2021.”

Certification expiration dates will be automatically updated. You will be able to view your updated expiration date in your certification dashboard within the next 30 days or so (the date of this post is basically the end of March 2020 so “by April 30, 2020”)

They also identified that if you have a Pearson VUE delivered certification exam voucher or discount offer that is expiring between March 26 and August 31, 2020, it will be extended until January 31, 2021. 

Read the full details on all of these changes at the Microsoft Learning Blog.