MC1188937 – WINS removal: Moving forward with modern name resolution

Product:

Windows, Windows Server

Platform:

Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact

Links:

Details:

If you manage Windows Servers, plan for removal of Windows Internet Name Service (WINS). WINS was officially deprecated since Windows Server 2022 and will be removed from all Windows Server releases following Windows Server 2025. Standard support will continue through the lifecycle of Windows Server 2025, until November 2034. We encourage you to migrate to modern Domain Name System (DNS)-based name resolution solutions before then.

When will this happen:
WINS deprecation was announced in Windows Server 2022. Deprecation means the feature remains supported and maintained, but there is no further active development or new functionality planned.
November 2034 is the end of the lifecycle for Windows Server 2025, which also marks the end of support for WINS.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-11-22

updated:
2025-11-22

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

WINS Removal Impact on Legacy Applications
Legacy applications relying on WINS for name resolution will fail to function properly, leading to potential downtime and loss of productivity.
   - roles: System Administrator, Application Developer
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/get-started/removed-deprecated-features-windows-server?tabs=ws22, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/technologies/wins/wins-top" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/technologies/wins/wins-top

Increased Network Latency
Without proper migration to DNS, users may experience increased latency in network communications as fallback mechanisms are not optimized for performance.
   - roles: Network Engineer, End User
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/dns/dns-overview, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/wins-removal-moving-forward-with-modern-name-resolution-f00381f0-7237-4f7b-8e78-aa6f9c5b279f " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://support.microsoft.com/topic/wins-removal-moving-forward-with-modern-name-resolution-f00381f0-7237-4f7b-8e78-aa6f9c5b279f

Service Disruption
Services that depend on WINS for name resolution may become unavailable, causing disruptions in business operations and user access to critical applications.
   - roles: IT Support Specialist, Business Analyst
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/technologies/wins/wins-top" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/technologies/wins/wins-top, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/get-started/removed-deprecated-features-windows-server?tabs=ws22 " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/get-started/removed-deprecated-features-windows-server?tabs=ws22

Increased Support Calls
Users may face issues accessing resources, leading to a spike in support calls and increased workload for IT support teams.
   - roles: Help Desk Technician, System Administrator
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/wins-removal-moving-forward-with-modern-name-resolution-f00381f0-7237-4f7b-8e78-aa6f9c5b279f, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/dns/dns-overview " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/dns/dns-overview

Compliance Risks
Failure to migrate from WINS may lead to compliance issues if legacy systems are not updated, risking data security and regulatory adherence.
   - roles: Compliance Officer, IT Manager
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/get-started/removed-deprecated-features-windows-server?tabs=ws22, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/technologies/wins/wins-top" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/technologies/wins/wins-top

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Modernizing Name Resolution Infrastructure
Transitioning from WINS to DNS will streamline name resolution processes, enhance reliability, and improve overall network performance. Modern DNS solutions offer better scalability and security compared to WINS, which is crucial for organizations aiming for a robust IT infrastructure.
   - next-steps: Conduct an audit of current applications and services relying on WINS, and plan a phased migration strategy to DNS-based solutions, including necessary training for IT staff.
   - roles: Network Administrators, IT Managers, System Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/get-started/removed-deprecated-features-windows-server?tabs=ws22, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/dns/dns-overview

Application Modernization
Updating or retiring legacy applications that depend on WINS will reduce compatibility issues in the future and improve user experience by leveraging modern technologies that support DNS.
   - next-steps: Identify all applications using WINS, assess their functionality, and create a roadmap for either updating or replacing these applications with DNS-compatible solutions.
   - roles: Application Developers, IT Managers, System Administrators
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/wins-removal-moving-forward-with-modern-name-resolution-f00381f0-7237-4f7b-8e78-aa6f9c5b279f

Enhanced Network Security
Migrating to DNS-based name resolution can improve network security by enabling the implementation of advanced security features such as DNSSEC, which helps protect against DNS spoofing and other attacks.
   - next-steps: Evaluate current network security policies and integrate DNS security measures, ensuring that all IT staff are trained on the new protocols and practices.
   - roles: Network Security Administrators, IT Managers, System Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/technologies/wins/wins-top, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/dns/dns-overview

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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