Everything Microsoft removed in the Windows 10 May 2021 Update

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The legacy version of Edge isn't the only thing Microsoft removed in the Windows 10 May 2021 Update.

Dell XPS 13 9300
Dell XPS 13 9300 (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • The Windows 10 May 2021 Update has a short list of removed features.
  • Most notably, the legacy version of Microsoft Edge is no longer supported.
  • The update also has a couple of features that are no longer in development.

Windows 10 updates generally bring new features to PCs, but Microsoft also occasionally removes features through major updates. These features are sometimes replaced by other options, but in some cases, Microsoft simply decides to go in another direction. The Windows 10 May 2021 Update is no exception, as it includes a short list of removed features.

In addition to removing a couple of features, Microsoft also stopped developing two features. These deprecated features are still available but aren't actively developed. They may be removed in future updates but are available for now.

Here's everything that was removed with the Windows 10 May 2021 Update, as outlined by Microsoft:

  • Support for Windows 2000 Display Driver Model (XDDM) based remote display drivers is removed in this release. Independent Software Vendors that use an XDDM-based remote display driver should plan a migration to the WDDM driver model. For more information on implementing remote display indirect display driver, see Updates for IddCx versions 1.4 and later.
  • The legacy version of Microsoft Edge is no longer supported after March 9, 2021. For more information, see End of support reminder for Microsoft Edge Legacy.

Here are the features Microsoft lists as no longer in development:

  • Roaming of Personalization settings (including wallpaper, slideshow, accent colors, and lock screen images) is no longer being developed and might be removed in a future release.
  • The WMIC tool is deprecated in Windows 10, version 21H1 and the 21H1 semi-annual channel release of Windows Server. This tool is superseded by Windows PowerShell for WMI. Note: This deprecation only applies to the command-line management tool. WMI itself is not affected.

The most notable removal is the legacy version of Microsoft Edge. The Chromium-based Microsoft Edge came out around a year ago but now completely replaces the legacy version of Edge. That's a welcome swap for many, as the new Edge has earned positive reviews and continues to gain new features.

After you've installed the update, make sure to free up space on your Windows 10 PC.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 930, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.