The classic internet browser has reached the end of the line.
Back in the mid-90s, Microsoft introduced the original Internet Explorer browser, a program that played a crucial role in popularizing internet usage. However, over time, Internet Explorer lost its prominence to browsers like Firefox, Chrome, and even Microsoft Edge. The browser also faced several antitrust controversies.
As a result of its diminishing relevance, Microsoft has made the decision to officially retire Internet Explorer starting today. Even though the browser can still be used, Microsoft will no longer provide updates or technical support for it.
Sean Lyndersay, a general manager at Microsoft, stated in a blog post, “In the coming months, launching Internet Explorer will gradually redirect users to our new modern browser, Microsoft Edge with IE mode. Users will continue to see the Internet Explorer icon on their devices, but clicking on it will open Microsoft Edge with easy access to IE mode instead. Eventually, Internet Explorer will be permanently disabled in a future Windows Update, leading to the removal of the Internet Explorer icons from devices.”
Time to bid farewell to Internet Explorer. Microsoft will no longer support this once-dominant browser starting Wednesday, as users have shifted to faster and more stable alternatives. https://t.co/fovamIOeNM
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 15, 2022
Additionally, Lyndersay mentioned, “Microsoft Edge will periodically check with users every 30 days to confirm if they still require IE mode for specific sites. As more websites adopt modern standards, the reliance on IE mode will decrease, encouraging users to use the modern rendering engine more frequently.”
