Goodbyes are always painful, but we suspect that this one for Microsoft’s Internet Explorer will be more on the bittersweet side of things. Long a staple in the web browsing world, Internet Explorer has largely been removed from devices running Windows 10 and Windows 11. Let’s take a moment to discuss the approach Microsoft is using to slowly phase Internet Explorer out of the web browsing space.

First, it should be mentioned that Internet Explorer is not necessarily “dead,” so to speak. Its successor, Microsoft Edge, does in fact have an IE mode that allows organizations to utilize the browser for specific needs, like if a web page or application requires the use of IE for whatever reason. Still, in most cases, you will find that Internet Explorer is no longer available, nor does it need to be.

For those of us who are running Windows 11, you might notice that Microsoft omitted Internet Explorer entirely from the operating system. Now, Windows 10 users will notice something similar happening, with version 20H2 having removed Internet Explorer. Do note that enterprise and server editions of Windows 10 remain unaffected by this. The same can be said for any users of Windows 8.1, 7, or lower; if you are using one of these earlier versions of Windows, you get to keep your precious Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer might still be available in the Start menu, but instead of opening the web browser, you will instead be redirected to Microsoft Edge. All file types that would normally open up in a web browser like IE will open in Microsoft Edge, assuming you have not changed your default app settings.

Eventually, Microsoft plans to remove any and all traces of Internet Explorer from their operating systems. Users who want to use IE will have to use IE mode through Microsoft Edge. For those worrying about future compatibility with IE mode, worry not–Microsoft will support IE mode well into 2029.

What are your thoughts on Microsoft’s approach to the end of Internet Explorer? Will you miss the old Internet browser or have you long since moved on to other options, like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to contact us with any questions about what this means for you and your business.