Microsoft has already retired Internet Explorer, and now the software giant is preparing the next step in the classic browser’s demise. The company has issued a new warning that Internet Explorer will be shut down for good in February next year, so users are once again being advised to abandon the browser in favor of a modern alternative.
Without a doubt, the modern alternative recommended by Microsoft is Microsoft Edge, which also comes with a built-in IE mode that helps users run applications in Internet Explorer compatibility mode.
“As part of the Windows Security Update (“B” release) scheduled for February 14, 2023, retired, unsupported Internet Explorer 11 desktop applications will be permanently shut down.” Microsoft explains, “Please visit the Internet Explorer 11 Desktop Application Retirement FAQ for more information.”
Internet Explorer will be disabled in Windows following optional updates to the Windows operating system in January 2023. These updates are scheduled to begin pushing on Jan. 17, and they will serve as a preview of the next Patch Tuesday update due Feb. 14, 2023.
“Staying on unsupported versions of Windows 10 will not prevent redirection — IE11 desktop applications will be redirected to Microsoft Edge on both supported and unsupported versions of Windows 10. In addition, it will not work on unsupported versions of Windows 10 (such as Windows 10, versions 1909 and 2004) IE11,” Microsoft explained.
“Windows 10, versions 20H2 and later are the only versions of Windows 10 supported when IE11 is retired. IE11 is not supported on any version of Windows 10 prior to 20H2. We do not recommend that customers use unsupported versions of Windows 10 on their organization’s devices. And we recommend that customers move to a supported version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 and set up Microsoft Edge with Internet Explorer mode (IE mode).”
