Microsoft officially ended support for Internet Explorer on June 15, 2022, removing security updates and technical assistance for the legacy browser. This decision aligns with the company's broader push toward modern, secure, and standards-compliant browsing experiences across Windows and Microsoft Edge.
Organizations that relied on Internet Explorer for internal line of business applications had to plan migrations, compatibility modes, and enterprise policies to avoid disruption. The discontinuation marks a turning point in how enterprises and consumers approach browser lifecycle management in a cloud-first environment.
| Browser | Release Date | End of Life | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Explorer | August 1995 | June 15, 2022 | Discontinued, no security updates |
| Microsoft Edge (Chromium) | January 2020 | Current stable | Active with regular updates |
| Google Chrome | September 2008 | Current stable | Active with regular updates |
| Mozilla Firefox | November 2002 | Current stable | Active with regular updates |
Understanding Internet Explorer Discontinued Timeline
Key Dates and Milestones
The Internet Explorer discontinued journey spanned decades, reflecting the evolution of the web and enterprise technology strategies. Early milestones included the browser's dominance in the late 1990s, followed by extended support phases for government and enterprise customers.
By the 2010s, shifting web standards, security vulnerabilities, and competition from modern browsers created mounting pressure to retire the legacy engine. Microsoft's transition plan emphasized compatibility modes in Edge and phased retirement announcements to minimize business risk.
Enterprise Migration Impact
Challenges for IT Organizations
Enterprises managing large fleets of Windows devices needed to validate line of business applications under new rendering engines while maintaining user productivity. Teams updated group policies, deployed compatibility toolkits, and leveraged virtualization options for legacy workflows.
The migration also influenced training programs and internal documentation, as support teams adjusted to new troubleshooting methods for Microsoft Edge and its associated tools. Clear communication and phased testing reduced operational friction during the transition.
Security and Compliance Considerations
Risks of Continuing to Use Internet Explorer
Without ongoing security updates, Internet Explorer exposed organizations to higher risk of exploit, data loss, and regulatory noncompliance. Modern security frameworks and zero trust initiatives favor browsers that support contemporary standards and secure update channels.
Regulatory audits increasingly require documented software lifecycle management, making continued reliance on unsupported browsers a compliance liability. Migrating to supported alternatives helps align with industry best practices and reduces potential liability.
Developer and Web Standards Evolution
Implications for Web Developers
Developers optimized code for standards-compliant browsers, gradually reducing special handling for legacy rendering engines. Frameworks, testing suites, and tooling now focus on evergreen browsers that follow W3C and WHATWG specifications.
Organizations maintaining internal applications invested in modernization, converting ActiveX dependencies and proprietary components into open web technologies. These efforts improve maintainability, cross-platform support, and long-term resilience.
Recommendations and Next Steps
- Assess current usage of Internet Explorer across endpoints and applications
- Prioritize migration of critical line of business tools to supported browsers
- Deploy Microsoft Edge with Internet Explorer mode for necessary legacy scenarios
- Update security policies and user training to reflect new browser standards
- Monitor vendor support timelines and compliance requirements regularly
FAQ
Reader questions
Why did Microsoft discontinue Internet Explorer?
Microsoft discontinued Internet Explorer to deliver a more secure, standards-compliant, and modern browsing experience through Microsoft Edge, reduce technical debt, and align with industry shifts toward evergreen update models that improve reliability and user safety.
What happens to saved favorites and settings after the discontinuation?
Users can import favorites, history, and settings into Microsoft Edge or another supported browser before migration, ensuring a smoother transition while preserving access to frequently visited sites and configurations.
Can Internet Explorer still be used after June 2022 in enterprise mode?
Organizations using Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge can run legacy workloads in a controlled, isolated environment while benefiting from modern security and management features, provided they follow recommended migration timelines and policies.
Are public websites still accessible via Internet Explorer today?
Most public websites have dropped compatibility testing and optimizations for Internet Explorer, leading to degraded performance, layout issues, and potential functionality problems on modern web applications and services.