Article DETAILS

Microsoft has finally announced the retirement of its oldest browser, Internet Explorer after 27 years of service. It was first released in 1995 as part of the add-on package Plus! for Windows 95.

Microsoft has said that it will end mainstream support for the aging browser and it will finally retire in peace. As per the company information, Internet Explorer will be rendered unserviceable from June 15, 2022.

The browser reportedly reached its peak in 2003 with around 95% usage share. But several new competitors came into the browser market with better user interfaces, better internet speed, and smooth performance. During its 27 years of service, Internet Explorer was unable to sustain the competition and slowly turned into a default explorer.

“The future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 lies in Microsoft Edge. Not only is Microsoft Edge a quicker, more secure, and more contemporary browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it also addresses a crucial concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications,” Sean Lyndersay, Microsoft Edge program manager, said.

“Microsoft Edge has Internet Explorer mode (‘IE mode’) built-in, so you can access those legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications straight from Microsoft Edge. With Microsoft Edge capable of assuming this responsibility and more, the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application will be retired and go out of support on June 15, 2022, for certain versions of Windows 10,” he added.

Microsoft discontinued fresh feature development of the browser back in 2016 and it might be the first time the tech giant has chosen to phase out the Internet Explorer.

Those who have used computers at home, schools, and offices in the 1990s and early 2000s will have fond memories of Internet Explorer. For millions around the world, the browser served as the first gateway to the world wide web.