In a recent Windows 11 Dev Channel build, Microsoft has hinted at its plans to retire the Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool (MSDT) in two years’ time. The new build, 25276, adds new features to the Task Manager and redesigned dialog boxes, but it also reveals Microsoft’s plans for MSDT’s retirement.
Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool (MSDT)
Twitter user and Stardock engineer Rafael Rivera was the first to notice the change in the latest build. MSDT, in recent years, has been exploited by threat actors as it can be abused to run remote code executions (RCE). This is a security concern that Microsoft plans to address by retiring MSDT in 2025.
Security Vulnerabilities Discovered
Last year, security researchers discovered two vulnerabilities in MSDT, known as Follina and DogWalk. One of the vulnerabilities even received an unofficial patch, highlighting the need for Microsoft to address the security concerns surrounding MSDT.
Windows 12 Release
The retirement of MSDT coincides with the expected release of Windows 12 in 2024, which has reportedly moved back to a three-year cadence. The retirement of MSDT is expected to enhance the security measures of Windows 12, providing users with a more secure experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft has announced the retirement of MSDT in an effort to improve the security measures of the upcoming Windows 12 release. The retirement of MSDT is scheduled for 2025, addressing the security concerns that have been raised in recent years.
