Organizations still using Internet Explorer are again being urged to switch to Microsoft Edge or any other browser with Microsoft’s legacy web browser set to be retired on June 15.
In a new announcement in Windows message center, the company says “the future of Internet Explorer on Windows is in Microsoft Edge” via the IE mode that provides legacy browser support within Microsoft Edge.
The desktop app will be retired on June 15 for most versions of Windows 10, and the app will redirect users who try to open it to Microsoft Edge.
Microsoft first announced the Internet Explorer retirement date in May 2021, and already stopped supporting apps for Internet Explorer in August, including Microsoft Teams.
With the demise of Internet Explorer just months away now, organizations should already be transitioned to Edge or another browser like Google Chrome or Firefox. If, for whatever reason, you aren’t, this is what you need to know.
Which platforms will be affected?
The Internet Explorer 11 desktop application delivered via the semi-annual channel will go out of support for customers running Windows 11 and Windows 10 client SKUs and Windows 10 IoT, versions 20H2 and later.
However, websites that need Internet Explorer to open can still be accessed via Edge’s built-in Internet Explorer mode. Organizations still using Internet Explorer with a large set of legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and apps can also use Internet Explorer Mode in Edge.
Other versions that remain unaffected include Internet Explorer platform (MSHTML/Trident), including WebOC and the Internet Explorer desktop application on Windows 8.1, Windows 7 Extended Security Updates, Windows 10 Server SAC, Windows 10 IoT Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), Windows 10 Sever LTSC and Windows 10 client LTSC.
What if we still rely on Internet Explorer 11?
For most users, Microsoft Edge is already installed on their device, and Microsoft is making it easier to bring over passwords, favorites and browsing data from Internet Explorer to Edge.
If an organization has legacy browser dependencies or apps that run on Internet Explorer, then they have enable legacy browser support in Edge by setting up Internet Explorer mode. For IT pros to help their organization make this switch, Microsoft offers this helpful guide and a customer adoption kit.
What happens to the Internet Explorer app?
According to Microsoft, the app won’t be removed from computers, but it won’t Internet Explorer. Instead, it will redirected to Edge.
Websites that require Internet Explorer can still be opened via Internet Explorer mode.
The MSHTML (Trident) engine, which is the underlying platform for Internet Explorer 11, is the same engine used by Internet Explorer mode, so it will continue to be supported. As will WebOC. So, custom or third-party apps that rely on the MSHTML platform should continue to work.
Microsoft says Internet Explorer mode will continue to be supported until 2029 at the latest, so you have some time to figure out a transition to Edge or another browser if you still rely on IE11.
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