Internet Explorer is hitting end of life. This means that Microsoft Edge with IE mode is replacing the Internet Explorer 11 desktop program on Windows 10.
Here’s what you should know if you are still using Internet Explorer.
Which platforms will be affected when the IE11 desktop application is retired and goes out of support on June 15, 2022?
In scope at the time of this announcement (will be retired):
- Internet Explorer 11 desktop application delivered via the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC):
- Windows 10 client SKUs (version 20H2 and later)
- Windows 10 IoT (version 20H2 and later)
Out of scope at the time of this announcement (not impacted):
- Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge
- Internet Explorer platform (MSHTML/Trident), including WebOC
- Internet Explorer 11 desktop application on:
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU)
- Windows Server SAC (all versions)
- Windows 10 IoT Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) (all versions)
- Windows Server LTSC (all versions)
- Windows 10 client LTSC (all versions)
What about Windows 10 LTSC and Windows Server?
In-market Windows 10 LTSC and Windows Server are out of scope (unaffected) for this change.
What if Microsoft Edge is already installed?
Great! You already have a quicker, more secure, and more contemporary browser than Internet Explorer, and you've accomplished some of the migration procedures. If you're a company, the next step will be to figure out if you have any old browser requirements. You'll need to enable Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge to allow legacy browser support.
What does this announcement mean for my organization?
If your organization relies on IE11 for legacy apps and webpages, you can start setting IE mode by following the Getting Started Guide. Review the Internet Explorer Retirement Adoption Kit for ready-made information to assist you in notifying users and leaders in your company about the future changes and help them migrate to Microsoft Edge.
What does this announcement mean for developers?
Apps designed for Internet Explorer should run in Microsoft Edge in IE mode. If you run into a problem, contact Microsoft’s App Assure for help (ACHELP@microsoft.com).
Microsoft does recognize that supporting Internet Explorer alongside modern browsers has become increasingly difficult for developers working on current websites or applications. While this news will begin the process of transitioning consumers from Internet Explorer to the more contemporary Microsoft Edge browser, it will take time, and it is recommended that you design a plan to phase down Internet Explorer support.
What does this announcement mean for end users?
Microsoft Edge is a quicker, more secure, and more contemporary browser than Internet Explorer, yet an increasing number of websites are abandoning it. The Internet Explorer desktop application will be decommissioned on June 15, 2022, and will no longer be supported. If a user tries to access the IE11 desktop program after this date, a Windows 10 cumulative monthly update will disable it and switch them to Microsoft Edge.
If a user comes across a faulty website that requires Internet Explorer 11, they should open it in Internet Explorer mode. They can use Microsoft Edge to access websites that require Internet Explorer.
What is the MSHTML (Trident) engine? How does that relate to IE mode? And what about WebOC? Or the MSHTA app?
The core platform for Internet Explorer 11 is the MSHTML (Trident) engine. This is the same engine that is used in IE mode, and it will be supported in the future (in other words, unaffected by this announcement). Because WebOC and the MSHTA app rely on the MSHTML engine, which is unaffected by this statement, they will continue to be supported. You can expect your own or third-party software that runs on the MSHTML platform to continue to work. We propose WebView2 for future app development.
How long will IE mode be supported?
Support for Internet Explorer mode will last at least until 2029, depending on the lifecycle of current and future Windows client, server, and IoT releases (including Windows 11). Additionally, when the time comes, Microsoft will give a year's warning before eliminating the IE mode experience. Microsoft’s Product Lifecycle page lists the dates when Windows will be supported. To receive operating system security updates beyond the end of support dates, some editions of Windows may require an ESU license, if one is available.
If a version of Windows is no longer supported before 2029, IE mode on that version of Windows is also no longer supported. It is recommended to upgrade to a supported version of Windows if you want to keep using Internet Explorer mode.
For more information on Windows 11 or to learn more about our IT support, contact RCS Professional Services to speak with an expert IT professional or visit our website www.rcsprofessional.com.
