Microsoft has announced that the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application will be retired and go out of support on June 15, 2022, for certain versions of Windows 10. Already in 2020, the company hinted at the fact that it was slowly phasing out support for Internet Explorer.
On May 19th, 2021, the company announced the next stage of the journey: Internet Explorer on Windows 10 will give way to Microsoft Edge. Not only will Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, the company stated, but it will also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications. Microsoft Edge has Internet Explorer mode (“IE mode”) built in, so users can access those legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications straight from Microsoft Edge. With Microsoft Edge capable of assuming this responsibility and more.
With Microsoft Edge, we provide a path to the web’s future while still respecting the web’s past. Change was necessary, but we didn’t want to leave reliable, still-functioning websites and applications behind
Sean Lyndersay, Partner Group Program Manager, Enterprise and Security, Microsoft Edge
1. Improvements in Microsoft Edge
The company promises a dual engine advantage that supports both legacy and modern websites. Internet Explorer mode promises built-in legacy browser support for websites and applications that still require Internet Explorer. Microsoft Edge is the only browser with built-in compatibility for legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications, including support for functionality like ActiveX controls. It is also built on the Chromium project – the technology that powers many of today’s browsers – which means it delivers world-class support for modern sites.
According to the company, Microsoft Edge offers the highest-rated protection against both phishing attacks and malware on Windows 10 with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. It also offers Password Monitor, which scans the dark web to identify if your personal credentials have been compromised.
2. How are you impacted?
For users with Internet Explorer at home, Microsoft recommends a transition to Microsoft Edge before June 15, 2022. Most Windows 10 users probably already have it on their device. Users can search for “Microsoft Edge” using the Windows 10 search box or look for the icon. Microsoft has aimed to make the upgrade to Microsoft Edge simple. Once a user has opted in to moving to Microsoft Edge, it’s easy to bring over passwords, favorites and other browsing data from Internet Explorer “in a few clicks”, the company announced.
The first edition of the Internet Explorer was added to Windows 95, which was released in the mid 1990s.
