A browser that once reigned, and was many of our introductions to the World Wide Web, is finally retiring 27 years later. Internet Explorer’s end of life is scheduled for June 15, 2022, version 11 being it’s last. While it was a great crash course for users in the 90s, many browsers have arisen with much better security and features. Internet Explorer is filled with “security vulnerabilities and frequent malware threats.”

This transition has been planned since the summer of 2021, over a year after Microsoft Edge’s debut, so we hope you aren’t too alarmed. If you use Windows 10 or 11, or have an IoT (smart device) with version 20H2 or later, you will not be able to access Internet Explorer in a few months. You will be redirected to Edge instead.

On the contrary, the following won’t be affected, as they aren’t compatible with the Windows 10 update:

  • Internet Explorer mode in Edge
    • This may be a good in-between solution for some of you. Ease your way into Edge!
    • Microsoft plans to support this mode through at least 2029, going end-of-life as the supported Windows 10 version does as well.
  • Internet Explorer platform (MSHTML/Trident), including WebOC
  • Internet Explorer 11 desktop application on:
    • Windows 8.1
    • Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU)
    • Windows Server SAC (all versions)
    • Windows 10 IoT Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) (all versions)
    • Windows Server LTSC (all versions)
    • Windows 10 client LTSC (all versions)

As aforementioned in the first bullet point, we highly suggest moving to Edge. It is our #1 suggested browser and what we use in the office. (To learn our other suggestions, head here.) Microsoft’s transition from Internet Explorer to Edge has gone extremely successful, with heightened security, privacy (they don’t make money on tracking, increasing data protection), and customizable features.

In general, if a software, website, or application is dated (for example, Internet Explorer, Yahoo, Aol, etc.), despite your comfortability utilizing it, you should still move to a newer version or option. Once services become outdated, or the company releases a newer version, security updates for the original version are often slim to none, while the new version continuously improves. Therefore, you’re not only experiencing less compatibility with other users (think about the ease of collaboration for everyone using Gmail) or a less-than-aesthetically pleasing user experience, it also is a security threat to you, your data, and potentially your company.

If you aren’t sure, based on the bulleted list above, if you will be affected come June or not, schedule a call with Bill here. As a head’s up though, for security purposes, our IT consulting advice will be to switch to Edge regardless. Additionally, get in touch if you need technical support switching to a new browser or the Internet Explorer mode in Edge!