- Microsoft to deprecate the built-in troubleshooters for Windows 11.
- The change will start on version 23H2 in late 2023 and higher releases.
- The company is expected to completely remove the tools by 2025.
- Older versions of Windows won’t be affected.
Microsoft is in the process of phasing out the legacy Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool (MSDT) and MSDT Troubleshooters for Windows 11 (and higher releases). According to the company, the plan is to deprecate the legacy troubleshooters with the release of version 23H2. However, it’ll take several years before the tools are completely removed from the operating system.
In 2023, Windows 11 23H2 will start redirecting some of the troubleshooters to the new “Get Help” app to diagnose and resolve the issue. In 2024, the plan is to remove the troubleshooters and complete the redirections to the Get Help app. Finally, in 2025, Microsoft will completely remove the MSDT platform from the operating system.
These tools have been around for many years, and you were able to launch them manually to diagnose and fix common problems (such as printing, updates, sound, Bluetooth, and networking issues). Also, in some cases, the tools would start automatically in an attempt to correct a specific problem.
It’s important to note that Microsoft is phasing out the legacy troubleshooter platform on Windows 11 23H2 and higher releases. If you have Windows 11 22H2 or earlier, or Windows 10, 8.1, or 7, you will continue to be able to launch the troubleshooters to diagnose and correct common problems.
The Get Help app will now be the platform to resolve common issues on your computer. If you are using Windows 11, you can access the app from the Start menu. Also, if, for example, you’re dealing with audio issues, you will find an option to launch the app directly from the “Sound” settings.
The app is super straightforward since it only includes a search box that you can use to look up a problem. As you type, the app will start using predictions to show results on the topic quickly. You can then choose the result to start the troubleshooting steps.
In some cases, the Get Help app will guide you with steps on things you need to do to correct the problem. In other situations, you will be offered an option to run a tool that may fix the issue, and you may also receive a combination of steps and tools to resolve the problem.
Also, the app offers an option to contact Microsoft support directly if you need additional help. If you want to start a conversation, you will asked to specify the product, and then you’ll be given the option to chat with support through the browser, or if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you will be able to get phone support.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].