Microsoft Pulls Plug on Deployment Tool: What's Next?

Microsoft has officially retired its long-standing Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), bringing an end to all support and future updates. This decision, announced initially in December 2024, means that as of October 2025, the enterprise deployment toolset will receive no further security patches or compatibility fixes for new operating system releases. Although current MDT deployments are expected to continue functioning, the absence of support for future OS versions necessitates a transition for organizations.

MDT, first released in 2003, was instrumental in deploying Windows operating systems and applications through various methods, including automation and bootable media. Microsoft now recommends that users migrate to its cloud-based Windows Autopilot for provisioning or utilize Configuration Manager's operating system deployment features for on-premises infrastructure requirements. However, the company acknowledges that a direct in-place upgrade path is not available, requiring a more comprehensive transition.