For those wishing to hold onto Internet Explorer (IE) a bit longer, you have to let go. It has been a few weeks since Internet Explorer was retired and dropped out of support. Microsoft stopped supporting the browser on June 15, 2022, signaling the impending demise of a 27-year-old brand with a history that includes an antitrust case, security issues, and subpar performance.
Since then, many people have been bidding farewell to the web browser that has been around since 1995, and hashtags like #ripinternetexplorer, #byeinternetexplorer, and others have been flooding Twitter and other social media handles.
But the big question is, now that Internet Explorer just got dropped from Microsoft’s support, what happens next? What is going to replace the decades-old browser?
Why Internet Explorer Got Dropped Out From Support
In 2003, Internet Explorer was on top of the browser world. It achieved a high market share of 95%. However, as its rivals introduced new browsers with faster internet speeds, better user interfaces, and more streamlined performance, IE could not hold onto its spot as #1, and its user base began to fall significantly.
As time went on, the performance of Internet Explorer wasn’t always the best. Even now, the performance gap between IE and other browsers is obvious. It couldn’t compete with Chrome, Firefox, or Apple’s Safari in handling the widely used HTML5 markup language.
Today, Google Chrome is six out of ten internet users’ preferred web browser. In nearly every country, Google Chrome is the most widely used browser, followed by Safari, then Edge, or Firefox (depending on the country).
As of 2022, less than 1% of web users on all platforms used Internet Explorer. Therefore, it is no surprise it lost its support system.
Now That it is Gone, What Next?
As a way forward, Microsoft has launched a browser called Microsoft Edge to take the role of Internet Explorer. Introduced in 2015 with Xbox One and Windows 10, Edge is a cross-platform web browser. Sean Lyndersay General Manager of Microsoft Edge Enterprise, stated, ” Microsoft Edge is the future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10.”
According to Microsoft, Edge offers a “faster, more secure, and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer.” Additionally, it can “address a key concern” by being “compatible with older, legacy websites and applications.” Simply put, Internet Explorer has never been more secure than the modern Edge browser.
According to StatCounter, Edge holds 4.12% of the global browser market share worldwide and is ahead of Firefox.
The Shift to Edge
Microsoft has urged users to switch from Internet Explorer to Edge, which supports traditional and cutting-edge websites and apps for a better browsing experience.
Over the next few months, when users open Internet Explorer, they will be gradually redirected to the new cutting-edge browser, Microsoft Edge with IE mode. On their computers, they will still see the IE icon (for example, in the Start menu or taskbar), but if they click the Internet Explorer to open it, Microsoft Edge will launch in its place with quick access to IE mode.
Microsoft Edge’s Internet Explorer mode, which offers backward compatibility, will be supported at least until 2029. Additionally, before ultimately retiring IE mode, Microsoft will give one year’s notice.
Therefore, Internet Explorer will eventually be permanently discontinued as part of a future Windows Update, leaving Microsoft with just Edge and Bing as its only search engines.
To make your transition to Microsoft Edge as one-piece and stress-free as possible, you can import data from Internet Explorer and have access to all of your saved favorites, passwords, and other information. This means your data does not need to be recreated in Microsoft Edge.
Why users are prompted to make the switch from IE to Edge
Microsoft Edge outperforms the Internet Explorer experience we’ve grown accustomed to in terms of security, privacy, speed, and usability. Aside from being able to import your data from IE, you will also experience the following:
Better security
One thing that Edge has over Internet Explorer is better security. Microsoft Defender Smart Screen, a feature of Edge, aids in identifying dubious websites that could include malware or phishing attacks, harm your computer, and cause you to lose data. The Defender smart screen additionally examines your downloads to assist you in recognizing any threats.
Tracking prevention
One of the features of Microsoft Edge is its ability to prevent you from being tracked. With Microsoft Edge, you have more control over how your online activity is tracked by third parties. It offers Basic, Balanced, and Strict levels of tracking prevention. You can pick the one that best suits your preferred privacy and personalization balance.
Intelligent and smooth browsing
Accessibility and learning capabilities already integrated into Microsoft Edge improve your browsing experience by making it easy to get the information you need and connect to it in the way that works best for you.
Microsoft Edge has integrated Immersive Reader for various websites, so you can read articles or view them without having advertisements that may distract you.
Syncing across all devices
You can sync your bookmarks, passwords, and other information between several devices when using Microsoft Edge. Simply use the same Microsoft account across all devices to log in to Microsoft Edge.
Private web browsing
With the help of Microsoft Edge’s In-Private browsing feature, you can keep your browser history, cookies, site and form data, and passwords private from other users of the same computer.
Need Help Transitioning to Edge or Other Microsoft Apps?
Instead of waiting for Internet Explorer, which is no longer supported, the simplest thing to do is switch and start using Microsoft Edge immediately.
Need help switching your data to Microsoft Edge? Or help to move to M365 or other Microsoft apps? Two River Computer can help you make that switch seamlessly, and you won’t lose any data. Contact us today for a free consultation, 732-747-0020.
