Internet Explorer was the browser of choice for many pioneers back in the late 90s, but now the legendary series of browsers is coming to an end. Microsoft is cutting official support for Internet Explorer 11, with the company shifting focus to its Chromium-based browser, Microsoft Edge.
The End for Internet Explorer 11
The demise of Internet Explorer is no surprise for the tech world as a whole. Last year, Microsoft posted an update on Windows Blogs stating that Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) will lose support on June 15, 2022. And now, the handful of dedicated IE11 users worldwide will be dismayed to learn that its time has come.
Microsoft often stops support of its older software in favor of continuing its newer iterations. Even its operating systems say their last goodbyes from time to time, with Windows 10 retiring on October 14, 2025.
And while Microsoft is no stranger for cutting off its older programs, it's quite a surprise that Internet Explorer 11 managed to live this long in the first place. Given that it was released in 2013, the browser will just narrowly miss its 10th birthday.
The Cooler Kid on the Block: Microsoft Edge
So, how come Microsoft is throwing out this browser when it hasn't released Internet Explorer 12 yet? Fortunately for Microsoft, it doesn't need an IE12 to fill 11's boots, because it already has a powerhouse of a browser on the market: Microsoft Edge.
Microsoft Edge is based on Chromium, which powers the most popular browser on the internet, Google Chrome. And ever since Microsoft forsook its Internet Explorer for its newer, shinier browser, it has only seen success after success.
It wasnt too long ago that Microsoft Edge overtook Safari to become the second-most used browser for desktops. And since then, the gap between the two browsers has only widened. As such, it's easy to see why Microsoft wants to scupper the Internet Explorer brand in favor of putting all its attention on Edge.
No More to Explore
With Internet Explorer 11 coming to an end, Microsoft Edge is poised to take on the task of being Microsoft's default browser. And given how well Edge performs, it's likely that Internet Explorer 11's passing won't shed a single tear in the tech scene.