Internet Explorer 11 Has Retired: Key Highlights
Internet Explorer (IE) is officially discontinued and no longer supported. After helping consumers use and explore the web for more than 25 years, Microsoft has stopped the line of IE browsers. It originally intended to retire IE11 in 2025. However, the company revealed last year that they have moved the timeframe up to 2022. So, as planned IE stopped working from June 15 this year.
The web is constantly developing and so are the browsers. This ever-growing nature of the internet has made all of us well used to the updated operating systems. For example, Microsoft has released Windows 11 as it retires IE11. Moreover, new web browsers do appear out of nowhere. So, what makes this retirement important, then?
What will happen to regular users?
Now opening Internet Explorer will reroute users to Microsoft Edge with IE mode. This is the new cutting-edge browser. Though on their devices, users will still see the Internet Explorer icon. For example, they can find it in the Start menu or taskbar. However, if they click it to launch Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge will launch in its place with quick access to IE mode. Moreover, the IE icons on customers’ devices will eventually be deleted with subsequent Windows updates. This will then permanently disable Internet Explorer.
However, this redirection process will import important information. For example, users’ Internet Explorer bookmarks, passwords, and preferences. It’ll make the switch to Microsoft Edge comfortable and straightforward for the users. Furthermore, they can always erase or manage their data in Microsoft Edge. They will be able to do so through the Settings menu and whenever they want to.
But, why Microsoft Edge?
Some websites only function with Internet Explorer. However, these websites may only work using outdated internet standards. And they won’t work properly when viewed with more recent browsers. Therefore, Microsoft decided to create Microsoft Edge with IE mode.
The redirection procedure will add a “Reload in IE mode” button to the Microsoft Edge toolbar. So, it helps users in launching IE mode. Users may come across a website that might not function properly. Or if they visit one that instructs them to open the site with Internet Explorer. In this case, they can simply click the button in Microsoft Edge to open the page in Internet Explorer mode.
Even if they want the page to open in IE mode automatically the next time, Microsoft Edge will ask them first! Additionally, every 30 days, Microsoft Edge will ask the user if they still need IE mode for the website. However, users will need to use IE mode less. And they will need to use the contemporary rendering engine more as more websites will make updates as per modern standards.
Now, what’s the major concern after the retirement of IE11?
Simply put, IE11 will stop receiving security updates on June 15. So, depending on your version of Windows, IE11 can also stop operating entirely at that time.
This can prevent you from using Bacs services. As a result, businesses will need to configure Microsoft’s IE11 compatibility mode if they access the Payment Services Website (PSW) to get reports utilizing PKI (smartcard solution). However, the mode is accessible as part of the Edge browser.
Extensive testing shows that this compatibility mode is the best choice for our PSW users. Moreover, we leveraged our experience to develop a step-by-step tutorial on how to set it up to help you.
First of all, you must have Windows 10 or 11 for the Edge compatibility mode to function. Also, your internal IT support can provide guidance on that. There are other crucial factors to take into account when it comes to the operating system you are using.
Final word
Internet Explorer is a significant element of the history of the Internet. Though it has lost some of its usefulness over time, we can’t forget its values. Its story begins when Microsoft faced off against the US Department of Justice in the late 1990s. It was the beginning of the first significant antitrust conflict between Big Tech and regulators. Moreover, the verdict, in that case, led to laws that altered Windows’ functionality. Also, it is one of the reasons why nearly all web browsers are now free.
Besides, users have used it to create apps that support your enterprises. These apps allow you to communicate with people all over the world. With that said, we have significantly contributed to the development of the web. However, Microsoft Edge will be replacing Internet Explorer as your go-to browser for work. It provides unsurpassed internet compatibility with its IE mode. Moreover, it doesn’t matter how old the website is — be it ten years or ten days. Microsoft Edge is quicker and more secure. Furthermore, it’s a more up-to-date browser, making for the Internet Explorer of the future.
