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end of internet explorer written on a gray computer screen displayed on a white laptop among a blue background. Internet Explorer logo shown on the right corner of the laptop.
Updates & Improvements

The End of Internet Explorer

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In the next two weeks, Thomas Guard subscribers will see Internet Explorer 11 removed from their Windows PCs.

Why?

Because the end of Internet Explorer is upon us.

Last month, Microsoft announced that Internet Explorer retires on Windows 10 effective June 15, 2022.

End of Internet Explorer. Screenshot from Microsoft stating that Internet Explorer will retire in June 2022.

Internet Explorer displays on your computer as the lighter blue small e icon:

End of Internet Explorer - company logo

Why retire Internet Explorer?

Microsoft wrote a lengthy blog highlighting its reasons.

To me, this sounds like a lot of buzzwords with no real answer. From an outside perspective, other reasons ultimately drove the end of Internet Explorer.

Stagnant Energy

When the World Wide Web burst onto the scene, Internet Explorer ruled the roost. Everyone used Internet Explorer. With a monopoly over the market, Internet Explorer set its own standards. As web development grew, tech wizards wanted to add more functionality to the online experience, and Internet Explorer simply didn’t jive with this.

As the top dog, the mindset seemed to be that developers should bend over backward to fit THEIR platform, not the other way around. However, other browsers easily integrated with these changes, such as plugins and extensions. It turned into developers needing to make “hacks” to get the same functionality on Internet Explorer that came simply and cohesively on other browsers.

Even before the retirement announcement, Internet Explorer still could not handle what other browsers could.

Speed vs. Its Competitors

While many resources show that Internet Explorer runs at the same speeds as its competitors, actual users disagree. Many found that Firefox or Chrome loaded their favorite web pages faster. This speed discrepancy led many to search for other browsers to use.

Cybersecurity Concerns

Internet Explorer held many vulnerabilities that other browsers don’t experience. While Microsoft swiftly patched these issues, the truth of the matter is that users simply don’t run into these issues with other web browsers. Why put yourself and your sensitive data in danger when you could just switch Internet browsers for more security and resolution to the items above?

And if you need more reasons, click here.

With the end of Internet Explorer, what do I need to know?

If you use Internet Explorer as your default browser, you must find a new option over the next year. Luckily, several other browsers make great replacements:

  • Google Chrome–a top browser option
  • Microsoft Edge–recommended by Microsoft
  • Firefox–takes more online security measures than its competitors
  • Opera–built-in messengers make talking and browsing the web easier
  • Brave–claims to use 35% less battery than its competitors

And if you need help with this, contact us.

Additionally, the Internet Explorer desktop app redirects to Microsoft Edge after June 15 of next year.

But what if you use Internet Explorer-based sites and apps? You’ll need to configure these sites and apps to open in Microsoft Edge using Internet Explorer mode.

According to the site, using Internet Explorer mode on Microsoft Edge saves you money. They included a calculator to support this!
screenshot from end of internet explorer - turning microsoft edge into IE mode

As a smaller business, no significant evidence points to this being true. It really comes down to preference. An app inside of an app presents its own set of problems. This leaves plenty of room for malfunction. You’re likely better off trying a new browser and using the next year to make sure the transition is smooth and thorough.

Want a more personal consultation based on your business needs? Contact us to schedule a discovery.