Microsoft to Deprecate Legacy DRM for Media Player on Windows 7, 8

Microsoft has announced the deprecation of several legacy Digital Rights Management (DRM) services, impacting users of Windows Media Player, Silverlight, and older Windows versions such as Windows 7 and 8. This decision is part of Microsoft's initiative to modernize its digital content protection infrastructure. The phase-out will affect media playback functionalities, including streaming and playback of protected content on older devices. Users relying on Windows Media Player for DRM-protected music or Silverlight for streaming will be particularly affected, as these services will cease to function. The company has not specified when the full retirement will occur, but users are advised to take action to avoid disruptions. Microsoft recommends upgrading to the latest Windows versions or using alternative media applications that do not depend on deprecated DRM services. Users wishing to retain access to their DRM-protected content should consider re-downloading from licensed sources or converting their media libraries to non-DRM formats. This marks a significant shift away from technologies like Silverlight, which became obsolete with the rise of HTML5, and Windows Media Player, which has lost relevance due to modern streaming platforms.

- Microsoft is phasing out legacy DRM services affecting Windows Media Player and Silverlight.

- Users of Windows 7 and 8 will lose access to DRM-protected content.

- The exact timeline for the full retirement of these services is not yet determined.

- Users are encouraged to upgrade their systems or switch to alternative media applications.

- The move reflects a broader trend away from outdated technologies in favor of modern solutions.