Part 1: Internet Explorer: Is it dead?
Pete Downing
Demand Generation ?? @ Alchemy Tech Group ?? Marketing done right; attract customers, build actual pipeline, create community, and drive results! ?? Marketing Guru ?? Techie ?? Public Speaker ?? Social Influencer ?? Dad
No, Internet Explorer is not gone. In fact, it's still around and kicking (well, sort of). But with Edge now the default browser in Windows 10, IE is slowly losing its appeal (and market share). The Internet Explorer 11 desktop application was retired on June 15, 2022. Microsoft states enterprises have 1,678 legacy apps on average. So what does this mean for IT professionals? Are we stuck using a browser that's on its way out? Or can we find a workaround that keeps us happy? Read on to find out!
Lifecycle background for Internet Explorer 11
The operating system will dictate when support ends to make things more confusing. Microsoft has done an excellent job at documenting the lifecycle of Internet Explorer 11. Microsoft states, "Some versions of Internet Explorer may be supported past the latest Windows OS end date when Extended Security Updates (ESUs) are available. Go here for a list of products offering ESUs." Here is the current information on the various Windows OS versions and the support status.
What platforms is Internet Explorer 11 still on?
There is much fud floating around concerning this topic, and Microsoft has done a great job at answering all questions here. One thing is certain: Internet Explorer 11 will not be available on Windows 11. The good news is, that these versions of Microsoft Windows will not be affected by the recent announcement:
Does this mean IE will be supported forever? No. Here is the end-of-service dates for currently supported versions of Windows:
领英推荐
What happens next for Internet Explorer 11?
Microsoft will not just pull the plug. Internet Explorer will be retired in two phases. Phase 1 will redirect devices from IE to Microsoft Edge. You will see the following image:
Phase 2 will permanently disable Internet Explorer on any devices in-scope for IE retirement.
How can I future-proof myself moving forward?
Don't fret – The future is not that gloomy, and there are many options to mitigate the pest that is Internet Explorer. Although the retirement of Internet Explorer 11 may seem daunting for some, there are options to consider to future-proof your enterprise. Yes, enterprises have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to web browsers, but we all know this is not the solution. The future is not as bleak as it seems, and with the right tools in place, you can quickly mitigate any issues that may arise from the retirement of this legacy application. Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I will discuss some of the best options!