Microsoft has announced the deprecation of DirectAccess from Windows, recommending users to switch to Always On VPN as a better alternative. DirectAccess, introduced in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, allowed clients to connect to corporate networks without a VPN installation. However, with advancements in network capabilities, Microsoft is phasing out DirectAccess in favor of Always On VPN.
According to official documentation, Microsoft advises users to migrate from DirectAccess to Always On VPN as DirectAccess will be removed in a future Windows release. The company has provided resources for IT admins on how to implement this transition on the Microsoft Learn website.
It is important to note that deprecated features like DirectAccess and others, such as NTLM, Driver Verifier GUI, NPLogonNotify, NPPPasswordChangeNotify APIs, TLS server authentication with short RSA keys, and Test Base for Microsoft 365, are no longer actively developed by Microsoft. While these components may still function for a period, they do not receive new updates or fixes and will eventually be removed from Windows.
Users can keep track of deprecated features in client Windows versions through Microsoft’s official resources. Additionally, Microsoft has also ceased the development of certain features in Windows Server 2025.
As technology evolves, Microsoft continues to streamline its offerings by phasing out outdated features and recommending newer, more efficient alternatives for users to enhance their computing experience.
