Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) has existed since 1994, but support ends in 2034.
Microsoft is eliminating one of the oldest network components in Windows Server. WINS, the Windows Internet Name Service from 1994, will permanently disappear from future versions of Windows Server. Windows Server 2025 will be the last release to include this feature.
WINS Overtaken by DNS
WINS was once used for naming on Windows networks, but has recently been completely overshadowed by DNS. Modern networks rely exclusively on DNS standards, causing WINS usage to drastically decline. Microsoft already marked the feature as deprecated in Windows Server 2022 and is now beginning the complete phase-out plan.
While WINS will remain supported until November 2034 under the fixed lifecycle policy of Windows Server 2025, the feature has not received new functionality for years. The support end date coincides with the end of extended support for Windows Server 2025.
Migrating to DNS
Microsoft advises companies to migrate to DNS in time. The tech giant emphasizes that DNS better aligns with modern standards, works better with recent software, and is stronger in terms of security.
The recommended steps according to Microsoft are to map dependencies, modernize or phase out legacy applications, avoid temporary workarounds, and deploy a scalable DNS environment.
What’s Disappearing?
When Windows Internet Name Service is removed, the following will also disappear:
• the WINS Server role and binaries
• the WINS MMC snap-in
• all related automation APIs and management interfaces
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