Microsoft stops support for Internet Explorer 11 in August

The plug is finally getting pulled by Microsoft 365

Say goodbye to Internet Explorer 11Say goodbye to Internet Explorer 11

The era has come to an end as Microsoft is kindly reminding customers that Microsoft 365 apps and all services will stop supporting the Internet Explorer 11 web browser on August 17, 2021. After that, anyone trying to use it will probably face connection failures, crashes, and other potential problems. Moving forward, any support won't be available too[1].

It is noted that after Microsoft will officially stop supporting Internet Explorer this year, support will be dropped on many versions of Windows 10 in 2022 too. As of right now, Microsoft stated that after August 17, Outlook Web App could be used on Internet Explorer, but no new features would be updated.

Similarly, the open with Explorer/View in File Explorer (SharePoint) function will be kept in maintenance mode and won't receive any further development. Eventually, all apps and services will phase out to ensure a smooth end of support. However, customers are encouraged not to wait and change the main browser right now[2].

Internet Explorer dominated industry for almost a decade

Internet Explorer was a huge success back in the day. It was launched in 1995, however, this newer 11 version saw the daylight in 2013. Internet Explorer was quickly put together with Microsoft's Windows operating system that came pre-installed in many computers worldwide. However, good times were cut short when Google Chrome came out in the late 2000s[3].

In more recent times, Internet Explorer was basically an internet meme and the end of many tech-related jokes, but looking back, it wasn't that bad, and at its prime, it was arguably better than some browsers nowadays. However, numbers state that as of April, Chrome has a 65% share of the global browser market, followed by Apple's Safari, with an 18% share. That means that numbers do not lie, and for Internet Explorer, there is simply not enough space in the market.

Internet Explorer was always known for its easy and basic structure, searchable bars on top, and the tabs and bookmarks beneath. However, as technology developed more and more, this browser stayed the same, and even right now, its strength could be seen best while using old-school sites that aren't as technologically advanced[4].

Main competitors left no chance for Internet Explorer to stay alive

As it was stated above, nowadays, Google Chrome is ruling the web browsers world, with Safari being second, and Internet Edge, Firefox, and Opera followed behind. When looking at these competitors, certain disadvantages of soon-to-be-gone Internet Explorer disadvantages emerge.

There were always huge talks surrounding Internet Explorer's safety. Moreover, the user experience with this old-school browser leaves users with a lot to be desired too. With Internet Explorer going out of fashion, lack of technical support was also always an issue[5].

With lack of support, frequent vulnerabilities became common, and few bad experiences scared users and experts off Internet Explorer forever. As the browser aged, any threat became more and more dangerous. However, the real reason for Internet Explorer going out is probably simple: right now, there are better alternatives.

About the author
Ugnius Kiguolis
Ugnius Kiguolis - The mastermind

Ugnius Kiguolis is a professional malware analyst who is also the founder and the owner of 2-Spyware. At the moment, he takes over as Editor-in-chief.

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