Microsoft recently removed the ability to automatically update drivers via the Device Manager. A decision which hasn't gone down too well with some. And now, the company has revealed its plans to end support for Internet Explorer 11 and the legacy version of Edge.
What's Happening With Internet Explorer and Edge?
Microsoft announced this change on the Microsoft Tech Community Blog, saying:
Today, we're announcing that Microsoft 365 apps and services will no longer support Internet Explorer 11 (IE 11) by this time next year.
Beginning November 30, 2020, the Microsoft Teams web app will no longer support IE 11.
Beginning August 17, 2021, the remaining Microsoft 365 apps and services will no longer support IE 11.
The company goes on to explain that, after these dates, Microsoft 365 won't work correctly with these browsers. Microsoft 365 will either have diminished capabilities, or it will stop working altogether.
Either way, it's a sign that Microsoft no longer wants to keep its older browsers alive.
Why Microsoft Is Axing Internet Explorer
If you've been keeping tabs on Microsoft Edge, this news shouldn't come as a surprise to you. After all, Microsoft has been hard at work revamping Microsoft Edge to be a strong competitor for Chrome and Firefox.
Microsoft began its push when it released the Chromium version of Edge. Since then, the company has updated it with all the necessary tools for a modern-day browser. Then, Microsoft made the new version of Edge a core part of Windows 10 after an update.
Because of this, there's very little reason to continue using Internet Explorer 11 or legacy Edge. As a result, Microsoft is cutting support for these browsers to focus on the Chromium version of Edge.
A New Browser for Windows 10
There's a good chance that Internet Explorer 11 and the legacy version of Edge no longer has avid supporters. However, if you are one of the rare breed who still uses one or the other, we recommend jumping over to the new Chromium Edge now.
Not only is it a lot better, but Microsoft will continue to support it for the longterm.
If you want some more reasons to make the jump, be sure to read our comparison between the Chromium and legacy versions of Edge.