Microsoft to Retire Internet Explorer 11 for some versions of Windows 10
Microsoft announced that the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application will be retired on June 15, 2022, for certain versions of Windows 10. Legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications will continue to work with Microsoft Edge’s built-in Internet Explorer mode.
At the time of the announcement, the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application remains unaffected on some Windows versions: Windows 8.1, Windows 7 Extended Security Updates, Windows 10 Server SAC, Windows 10 IoT Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), Windows 10 Server LTSC, Windows 10 client LTSC. Windows 10 LSTC may be used in devices with a long life such as MRI machines and air traffic control systems.
Microsoft Edge’s Internet Explorer mode provides built-in support for legacy websites and applications that still require Internet Explorer. Edge for instance uniquely supports ActiveX controls, a technology introduced in 1996. Legacy applications support is particularly important for enterprises, which Microsoft estimated having 1,678 legacy apps on average.
Beyond compatibility with legacy Internet Explorer applications, Microsoft quotes two advantages of switching to the dual-engine Microsoft Edge.
- Internet Explorer users will be able to enjoy the modern features regularly shipping with the Edge browsers. This includes productivity features such as Edge Collections — which allows organising ideas, or browser tab management (vertical tabs, putting tabs to sleep to increase speed by saving system resources).
- Internet Explorer users will benefit from Microsoft Edge’s agility when responding to reported security issues.
The announcement post explained:
Internet Explorer 11 packaged security updates monthly, Microsoft Edge can issue security patches for immediate vulnerabilities within days, if not hours.
Edge’s Internet Explorer mode will be supported at least until the end of 2029. This provides additional time for IT departments to transition away from legacy applications.
For more information and to read the full Microsoft FAQ article, click here.
For additional support to your IT department in transitioning away from legacy applications, contact us today.
