Microsoft has pulled the plug on its infamous browser, Internet Explorer, on Valentine’s Day no less. The browser was known for being one of the first on the market, but also notorious for being one of the slowest on desktop computers.
Killing off Internet Explorer marks the end of an era for early computer users. IE was a regular on Windows operating systems for over two decades and was the first ever encounter many had with the world wide web. While the browser had fallen out of favor with millennials and Gen Z’ers more recently, some users still relied on it for legacy applications and compatibility.
Microsoft officially retired Internet Explorer in June 2022, but the company has now permanently disabled the web browser through a Microsoft Edge update on certain versions of Windows 10. The update ensures that users can no longer launch Internet Explorer 11 on most client versions of Windows 10. Microsoft has made it clear that users will not be able to reverse this change.
According to Microsoft’s FAQ page, the Microsoft Edge update will be delivered to all devices, both commercial and consumer, at the same time. Also, transitioning from IE11 to Microsoft Edge will be included as part of all future Microsoft Edge updates.
Organisations that have transitioned from IE11 to Microsoft Edge with IE mode will not be impacted when the IE11 desktop application is permanently disabled. Microsoft has taken this step to ensure that its users have a better browsing experience, and the company’s move is expected to be positively received by most users.
This latest move by Microsoft is expected to drive users towards Microsoft Edge, the company’s latest browser offering which promises faster speed, advanced features, and improved security features. It also gives credence to Microsoft’s future with Bing and its integration of AI technology.