Microsoft Announces Plans to Phase Out Adobe PostScript Type1 Fonts in Future Windows 11 Releases

In a significant move following Adobe's discontinuation of support for Adobe PostScript Type1 fonts, Microsoft has now decided to remove these fonts from future versions of Windows 11. While removing a font might seem trivial, developers may need to conduct tests in advance to ensure that this change does not negatively impact software rendering.

In January 2023, Adobe announced it would cease support for PostScript Type1 fonts. Consequently, these fonts became unusable in Adobe Photoshop 23.0, Illustrator 27.3, InDesign 18.2, and later versions.

Systems like Windows 10/11, which have these fonts built-in, use them for rendering when applications or websites specify Adobe PostScript Type1. This usage primarily relies on developers and web administrators.

Microsoft has yet to reveal the specific timeline or the version of Windows 11 in which PostScript Type1 will be removed. However, the company advises developers to test their applications in advance to avoid any future impact.

Testing is straightforward: navigate to Windows 11 Settings, Personalization, and Fonts to find and delete PostScript Type1. Then, run software or websites to check if the removal affects rendering.

Some software that relies on these fonts may experience rendering failures, such as characters turning into boxes or other incorrect symbols, due to the absence of these fonts. In such cases, users should consult with developers.

Considering the imminent release of the Windows 11 24H2 version, it's expected that PostScript Type1 fonts will still be included. However, it's anticipated that within a year, these fonts will be completely phased out from Windows 11.

Note: This removal will only affect future releases. Existing versions of Windows, such as Windows 10, which already have these fonts pre-installed, will not be affected. Microsoft will not remove fonts or other pre-installed software from older versions.