Internet Explorer end of support is official as of June 15, 2022 (Microsoft). Windows will open Microsoft Edge with IE mode when someone tries to use IE, Edge can bring over your favorites and passwords, and the old IE icons will be removed in a later update. For businesses, move your data, uninstall IE, and show your team how to use IE mode and Edge.
From Go-To Browser To Retirement
Internet Explorer (IE) launched in 1995 and was the main way many people got online through the late 1990s and early 2000s. Newer options, especially Google Chrome, chipped away at its lead over time.
As late as 2014, IE still accounted for about 59% of global browser use, with Chrome at 21%. Within two years, Chrome passed IE, and Apple’s Safari also pulled ahead.
Microsoft saw the shift coming. In 2015 it introduced a new default browser, Edge, to take IE’s place on Windows. Like Adobe Flash Player before it, IE has now reached the end of the road.
What Internet Explorer End of Support Means For Your Business
With support ended, Microsoft is steering people away from IE. The company said it would roll out a redirection experience over the following months. If someone opens IE, Windows will launch Microsoft Edge instead, using IE mode (details).
IE mode in Edge exists to keep legacy sites working. It runs the Trident MSHTML engine from IE11 inside Edge (how IE mode works). You may still see the IE icon on your PC, but opening it actually brings up Edge.
The IE icons you see in places like the taskbar and Start menu will go away in a future Windows update. Expect those to be removed later on.
Worried about your data? Edge will import your favorites, saved passwords, browsing history, and other settings from IE so you can keep working without starting from scratch.
What To Do Now
Remove Internet Explorer After You Migrate
Keeping unsupported software around is a security risk. Old tools that no longer get fixes are easy targets for attackers. Organizations running outdated software pay about 47% more per breach than those on current versions. Move your data to Edge (or another trusted browser) and then uninstall IE.
Show Employees How IE Mode Works
When IE shut down, many organizations in Japan were caught off guard. According to reports, IT and engineering teams were flooded with help requests from users who still relied on legacy websites. Some customers of agencies, banks, and other firms were stuck, and more than 20% of affected users hadn’t figured out what to do.
A little prep avoids the scramble. Communicate the change and give staff a quick walkthrough of IE mode in Edge. Companies can also automate IE mode so the right sites open that way by default.
Give People Time To Learn Edge
Edge is faster and more responsive than IE. It also includes strong security features (like password breach monitoring) and handy tools such as Collections. Build in a short training so your team can get comfortable and productive.
Need Help Upgrading Your Digital Tools?
If you’re planning this change for offices around Panama City, we can help you smooth it out. Have questions about IE mode or browser migration? Let’s talk — get in touch.
