Is Internet Explorer Facing Its Demise? A Comprehensive Update on Microsoft's Continued Support for this Legacy Browser

Internet Explorer has long been known as the widely-used but outdated web browser of Microsoft. In recent years, it has faced a significant decline in usage due to its slow performance, security vulnerabilities, and compatibility issues with modern websites. The question now is: Is Internet Explorer facing its demise?

In response to the growing demand for more efficient web browsers, Microsoft has shifted its focus towards developing and promoting its new browser, Microsoft Edge. This has led to a decrease in support for Internet Explorer, culminating in the announcement last year that the browser would no longer be supported for Microsoft 365 apps and services beginning August 2021.

However, Microsoft still recognizes that some organizations heavily rely on Internet Explorer for legacy applications. As such, they have released a new version of the browser called Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge, which allows users to access old websites and apps seamlessly within the Edge browser. This way, businesses with legacy systems can continue using Internet Explorer without compromising security or productivity.

While it seems inevitable that Internet Explorer will eventually fade away completely, Microsoft's continued support for the browser shows that it will remain relevant for some time. To learn more about the current state of Internet Explorer and Microsoft's plans for it, read on for a comprehensive update.

Introduction

The internet is an essential part of our daily lives, and web browsers are the gateway to accessing it. Microsoft Internet Explorer is one of the oldest and most widely used browsers, but it has been facing criticism in recent years. Are its days numbered, or is Microsoft still committed to supporting it?

The History of Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer was first released in 1995 and became the dominant web browser in the early 2000s. However, its popularity began to wane in the late 2000s with the rise of competitors like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Despite its decline, Internet Explorer is still used by many people.

The Problems with Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer has received criticism for being slow, outdated, and insecure. Its lack of support for modern web development technologies has also caused frustration for developers who have to write extra code to make their websites work on the browser.

The Continued Support for Internet Explorer

Despite its problems, Microsoft has continued to support Internet Explorer. In fact, the company released a new version in 2019, called Internet Explorer 11. Microsoft will provide security updates for this version until 2023.

Microsoft Edge: A New Browser from Microsoft

Microsoft released a new browser, called Microsoft Edge, in 2015. It was built on a new engine, replacing the old Internet Explorer engine. Edge has received praise for its speed and support for modern web technologies.

Comparison Table

What Should You Do?

If you're still using Internet Explorer, it's time to consider upgrading to Microsoft Edge. Edge has all the features of Internet Explorer and more, with better speed, security, and support for modern web technologies.

The Future of Internet Explorer

Microsoft has stated that Internet Explorer is a compatibility solution for businesses that have legacy web applications. However, the company has also advised businesses to transition to Microsoft Edge for a better browsing experience.

Conclusion

Internet Explorer has been facing criticism for its slow speed, lack of support for modern web technologies, and security issues. While Microsoft continues to support the browser, it has also released a new browser, Microsoft Edge, that offers a better browsing experience. If you're still using Internet Explorer, it's time to consider upgrading to Microsoft Edge for a better, more secure browsing experience.

Thank you for taking the time to read this comprehensive update on Microsoft's continued support for Internet Explorer. As you've learned, while Microsoft has shifted focus to its newer browser Edge, it recognizes that many businesses and users still rely on Internet Explorer for specific applications and systems.

However, we must also acknowledge that Internet Explorer is a legacy browser, and its usage has been declining for years. As newer browsers offer improved speed, security, and compatibility, it's important to consider upgrading if possible.

In conclusion, Microsoft will continue to provide at least basic support for Internet Explorer until 2024, but it's clear that the browser's days are numbered. Whether you're a business owner or an individual user, we urge you to weigh the pros and cons and consider transitioning to a newer browser. Thank you again for reading, and we hope you found this update informative.