Microsoft has recently announced the retirement of its legacy Digital Rights Management (DRM) services, impacting users of older Windows operating systems like Windows 7 and Windows 8. This means that those still relying on the legacy Windows Media Player and Silverlight clients will no longer be able to play protected content.
The older Windows Media DRM, which was first introduced in 1999 with Windows 98, is now being phased out in favor of the more modern PlayReady DRM system. While PlayReady, introduced in 2007, is also quite old, it seems to be safe from the recent changes for now.
In addition to the DRM changes, Microsoft is also ending support for Silverlight clients, a web application framework similar to Adobe’s Flash. This move aligns with Microsoft’s broader initiative to remove legacy applications and services from its operating system.
While these changes may not affect users of newer Windows systems like Windows 11, it highlights Microsoft’s shift away from older technologies. It’s important for users to stay updated with the latest software versions to ensure compatibility and security.
Overall, the retirement of legacy DRM services and Silverlight clients is part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to streamline its offerings and focus on more modern technologies. Users are encouraged to upgrade to newer Windows versions to avoid compatibility issues and stay protected against potential security risks.