Microsoft Moves Away from Adobe Type1 Fonts Amid Slow Windows 11 Adoption
In a significant shift for the Windows ecosystem, Microsoft has announced plans to deprecate support for Adobe Type1 fonts in future versions of its operating system. This move comes as businesses show reluctance in upgrading to Windows 11, despite high compatibility rates.
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| Microsoft's transition to phasing out Adobe Type1 fonts marks a significant change in Windows technology |
The End of an Era for Type1 Fonts
Microsoft recently updated its list of deprecated Windows features, adding Adobe Type1 fonts to the roster. This decision follows Adobe's own announcement last year to end support for PostScript Type1 fonts, which have been a staple in desktop publishing since their introduction in 1984.
Key points about the deprecation:
- Adobe Type1 fonts will be removed in a future Windows release
- Users are advised to remove dependencies on this font type
- The technology has been largely replaced by more modern alternatives like OpenType
Windows 11 Upgrade Hesitation
Despite the impending end-of-life for Windows 10 in October 2025, many businesses are holding back on upgrading to Windows 11. A recent study by ControlUp revealed some interesting statistics:
- 88% of systems not yet upgraded are capable of running Windows 11
- 82% of businesses have yet to make the transition
- Only 11% of systems need full replacement to be compatible
This hesitation persists even though Microsoft offers free upgrades from Windows 10 to 11 for eligible devices.
Market Share and Future Implications
Current market share data from Statcounter shows:
- Windows 10: 64.99%
- Windows 11: 30.83%
With the end-of-support deadline approaching for Windows 10, businesses face increased security risks if they don't upgrade. Only users of the Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) version will continue to receive updates beyond October 2025, albeit at an additional cost.
The Path Forward
As Microsoft continues to evolve its operating system, the deprecation of older technologies like Adobe Type1 fonts and the push towards Windows 11 represent a clear direction for the future of Windows. Businesses and individual users alike will need to assess their readiness and plan their transitions accordingly to ensure they remain secure and up-to-date in the rapidly changing tech landscape.