The H.A.C.K.E.R. Project

The End of Internet Explorer

Yesterday, February 14^th, Microsoft made the huge announcement that Internet Explorer, “one of the most popular tools for accessing the Internet” and often the subject of many web browser memes, will be disabled (Britannica). According to Microsoft, Internet Explorer version 11, the latest version of Internet Explorer, has “been out of support since June 15, 2022” (WindowsCommunications) and will “be permanently disabled on certain versions of Windows 10 starting … February 14, 2023” (WindowsCommunications). Further, it is important to note that “this update will be rolled out over the span of a few days up to a week”, so it may take some time before it affects your system (Microsoft).

In my own opinion, while it is sad to see Internet Explorer go, it is not too much of a surprise. There are multiple popular web browsers that are available, and with Microsoft attempting to market Microsoft Edge, it made sense that Internet Explorer would one day be shut down.

What If I Used Internet Explorer?

Microsoft noted that any devices “that have not already been redirected from IE11 to Microsoft Edge will be redirected with … [the February 14^th, 2023] Microsoft Edge update” (WindowsCommunications). Microsoft Edge is the new browser product that Microsoft has been marketing these past few years and is seen by some as the successor of Internet Explorer.

Major changes in the technology world often cause a ripple effect throughout organizations who use that technology, and the shutdown of Internet Explorer is no exception. Microsoft warned that “organizations that have not transitioned to Microsoft Edge with IE mode may face immediate business disruption” (Microsoft). Thus, if your business used Internet Explorer, it is crucial to migrate to a new browser to reduce disruptions.

Microsoft is not leaving organizations in the dark, however. They provided an Internet Explorer Retirement Adoption Kit to aid with change management and provide “ready-made content to help you notify users and leaders in your organization about the changes and help move them to Microsoft Edge” (Van Aelstyn).

Microsoft is not leaving Internet Explorer web developers in the dark, either. Any websites “developed for IE should work in Microsoft Edge through IE mode”, but they urge that you contact App Assure for “remediation assistance” if you encounter any issues- their email address is ACHELP@microsoft.com (Van Aelstyn).

Can I Still Keep the Browser, even if it Doesn’t Work?

Alas, the answer to this question is no. Alongside the application being disabled, the removal of any “visual references, such as the IE11 icons on the Start Menu and taskbar, will begin after with the May non-security preview release” currently scheduled for May 23, 2023. (WindowsCommunications).

This change “will be included in all subsequent Windows updates”, meaning that Internet Explorer will not be found on any future Windows systems and that this removal will take place the next time you update your operating system (WindowsCommunications). For many of us, it is strange to imagine a world without Internet Explorer, but that day is dawning.

For those who do not want to let go just yet, Microsoft Edge does have an Internet Explorer mode. However, they recommend, with the shutdown of Internet Explorer and its support services, “only using Internet Explorer mode within Microsoft Edge only when necessary” (Microsoft Support).

Microsoft’s Recommendation

Since Internet Explorer will no longer be usable, Microsoft recommends that “you develop a plan to end support for Internet Explorer” if you previously utilized this browser” (Van Aelstyn). They have provided a Moving users to Microsoft Edge from Internet Explorer article as well to make the process easier. Change can be difficult, so they want to try and ease the burden on users.

[Finally, if you] are experiencing issues related to IE disablement or with using Microsoft Edge with IE mode, please reach out to Microsoft as soon as possible through one of the following paths:

• Open a support ticket for help with technical issues.
• Request help from the App Assure team for app compatibility issues.

Van Aelstyn

Resources & Further Reading

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Internet Explorer”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Jul. 2022, https://www.britannica.com/technology/Internet-Explorer.

Microsoft Support. “Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge.” Microsoft Support, Microsoft, https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/internet-explorer-mode-in-microsoft-edge-6604162f-e38a-48b2-acd2-682dbac6f0de.

Van Aelstyn, Eric. “Internet Explorer 11 Desktop App Retirement FAQ.” Techcommunity.microsoft.com, Microsoft, 19 May 2021, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/internet-explorer-11-desktop-app-retirement-faq/ba-p/2366549.

WindowsCommunications. “Windows Message Center.” Microsoft Learn, Microsoft, 14 Feb. 2023, https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/windows-message-center#3014.