Microsoft is getting ready to sunset the Internet Explorer 11 web browser. The company detailed today in a blog post that it’s planning to retire the classic Windows web browser on June 15 of 2022, in favor of the new Microsoft Edge.
Retirement doesn’t impact in-market Windows 10 LTSC or Server Internet Explorer 11 desktop applications but will mainly be felt by most consumers who are still using the browser. Microsoft has a list of FAQs for those who are concerned and notes that it wants to help people transition to the new Edge, which recently was rolled out in the Windows 10 October 2020 Update.
Microsoft also says that the retirement is “for certain versions of Windows 10,” which seems quite vague, initially. However, a Tech Community post explains that IE11 desktop on Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 (with paid Extended Security Updates) will not be impacted. Windows 10 Server Semi-Annual Channel, Windows 10 IoT LTSC, and Windows 10 client LTSC also won’t be impacted. It only seems to hit Windows 10 version 20H2 and later and Windows 10 IoT version 20H2 and later.
If you’re worried, the new Microsoft Edge has a built-in Internet Explorer mode which can be used as part of the migration process to ensure your classic websites will still work. According to Microsoft, only Internet Explorer toolbars, Internet Explorer settings, and Group Policies that affect the navigation menu, and IE11 developer tools won’t work in Internet Explorer Mode in Edge. Edge also comes with productivity features like Vertical Tabs and security updates, and it is on a release schedule just like Google Chrome.
