Microsoft Will Finally Shut Down Internet Explorer

After 25 years online with millions of users surfing the web, Microsoft is finally shutting down Internet Explorer next year. 

The company announced that June 15, 2022 will be Explorer’s final day. Before that date, Microsoft’s online services (such as Microsoft 365 and other apps) will officially stop supporting the browser on August 17, 2021. 

Microsoft said it instead plans to focus on its Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser that would still be able to support any websites or tools requiring Internet Explorer. 

"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 wrote in its blog post announcing the switch. 

"With Microsoft Edge, we provide a path to the web’s future while still respecting the web’s past. Change was necessary, but we didn’t want to leave reliable, still-functioning websites and applications behind."

Microsoft said the Edge browser has improved compatibility, streamlined productivity, and added better browser security. The company recommends Internet Explorer users switch to the Edge browser soon. Explorer users can easily transition their passwords, favorite websites, and other browsing data from Explorer to Edge. 

It’s not really a surprise that the days of Internet Explorer are coming to an end. According to Statcounter GlobalStats, Google Chrome is the most popular internet browser in the US, followed by Apple’s Safari and Microsoft Edge. The data shows that only 2.1% of Americans have used Internet Explorer over the past year, and the browser sits in sixth place out of 10 browsers the site provided data on. 

Internet Explorer reached its peak popularity in 2003 when it was the most widely used web browser with 95% of people using it, according to BBC.