Microsoft to Retire Internet Explorer in 2022

Microsoft says it is finally moving on from Internet Explorer.

On Wednesday, Microsoft announced it is planning to retire the web browser for certain versions of Windows 10 on June 15, 2022. After that time, it will also no longer provide support for Internet Explorer (IE).

“The future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 is in Microsoft Edge,” reads a blog post from Microsoft published Wednesday. “Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications.”

The news doesn’t come as a surprise: Last year, Microsoft said its Microsoft 365 apps suite would end support for IE 11 on Aug. 17, 2021. Also, back in 2019, Microsoft started blocking some sites from opening up in IE and instead directed people towards its Edge browser, seemingly keen to get people on what’s now the default browser in Windows 10.

“The future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 is in Microsoft Edge,” Microsoft says. “Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications.”

Microsoft Edge does have an “IE mode” built in, allowing users to access legacy Explorer-based websites and apps directly from the Edge browser.

While the best approach moving forward would be upgrading those legacy websites and apps, Microsoft is offering the IE mode as an alternative solution for businesses.

As for web developers, Microsoft even states the company has known they’ve “been waiting for this day for a long time,” as it’s clearly difficult to support Internet Explorer side-by-side with modern browsers.

The company recommends IE users to transition to a new browser before June 15, 2022.

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