Microsoft to discontinue browser, Internet Explorer after 27 years

Microsoft has announced that the company’s oldest browser, Internet Explorer, would be out of operation tomorrow, June 15, 2022, after 27 years of operation. Users of the web browser will be automatically redirected to upgrade to Microsoft Edge as Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) will be disabled.

The web browser gained popularity after its initial release in 1995, reaching a peak of 95 per cent client usage in 2003. It was first released as an add-on package for the Windows 65 system, but it eventually became available to all Windows users even with the latest versions of the operating system.

However, due to the presence of alternative browser competitors who offer a better user interface, quicker internet bandwidth, and smoother performance, Internet Explorer has struggled to maintain its dominance in recent years, as its user base has shrunk significantly.

Since the last and final version of the web browser was launched in 2013, no newer versions have been issued.

Since the advent of Microsoft Edge, its successor, which is regarded as the second most popular browsing application, the fate of Microsoft’s oldest web browser, Internet Explorer, has been decided long ago. Since then, Microsoft has gradually reduced support for the web browser setting its deadline for June 15.

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Users’ reaction to Internet Explorer retirement

After the announcement that Microsoft’s oldest web browser, Internet Explorer, would be retired, many customers took to Twitter to express their opinion with the decision. Regarding the exit of the web browser, a nostalgic but amusing atmosphere was created on the microblogging site.

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The future

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

Microsoft released Edge in 2015 in an attempt to replace the already unsuccessful Internet Explorer. However, that version of Edge was only available for Windows 10, and it was sluggish and unappealing to customers in particular.

Microsoft made a bold move by upgrading the Edge web browser subsequently. The new web browser program based on the open-source chromium source code, could be a lucky charm for the company. This code was created by Google and is now utilised by other browsers such as Google Chrome, Opera, and others. This is a first for Microsoft, as it attempts to break the old Microsoft routine by adopting a radical new strategy

The new Microsoft Edge browser has been praised for being faster and less sluggish than Internet Explorer. In addition, the new Microsoft Edge appears to utilise less RAM.

A distinctive feature of the web browser program is its tracking protection, which prevents ad providers from following you from one website to the next.