Microsoft has ended support for Internet Explorer on Wednesday, June 15, retiring its aging web browser after nearly 27 years. The moment comes more than a year after the company said that its Internet Explorer 11 Windows 10 desktop app would be retired in favor of Microsoft Edge.
A Little History Of Internet Explorer
The first version of Internet Explorer was included in a Windows 95 Plus upgrade pack in 1995. It was once the most popular web browser, reportedly having 95% of the market in 2003. Usage dropped as rivals like Google Chrome and Apple Safari rose.
Why Microsoft Is Retiring Internet Explorer And Promoting Microsoft Edge?
Microsoft is retiring Internet Explorer today after almost 27 years. RIP. pic.twitter.com/XxzJyefh8B
— Tyler Roney (@TylerJRoney) June 15, 2022
“Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure, and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications,” Microsoft said of its newer browser, which launched in 2015, in a blog post.
Currently Most Popular Web Browser In The World
The most popular web browser in the world is currently Google Chrome, as nearly 65% of people use it. Apple’s web browser Safari is second with about 19% of the web browser market, followed by Edge (about 4%) and Firefox (3.26%), according to Statcounter.
What About Those People Who Are Still Using Internet Explorer?
For those organizations that still depend on Internet Explorer, they will need to use the built-in Internet Explorer Mode “IE mode” so they can access those legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications.
