Lifecycle FAQ - Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge (2024)

Please go here to search for your product's lifecycle.

What is the Lifecycle policy for Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge follows the Modern Policy. Go here for Microsoft Edge Lifecycle Policy details.

Support for the legacy version of the Microsoft Edge desktop app ended on March 9, 2021. The Microsoft Edge Legacy applicationwill no longer receive security updates after that date. Go here to learn more.

For additional lifecycle information, see servicing guidelines by channelalong with a list of supported operating systems.

Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Edge as your default browser. Go here todownload.

What is the Lifecycle policy for Internet Explorer?

Internet Explorer is a component of the Windows operating system (OS) and follows the Lifecycle Policy for the product on which it isinstalled and supported.

Please note that the Internet Explorer (IE) 11 desktop application ended support for certain operating systems on June 15, 2022. Customers are encouraged to move to Microsoft Edge with IE mode. IE mode enables backward compatibility and will be supported through at least 2029. Additionally, Microsoft will provide notice one year prior to retiring IE mode. Please go here to learn more.

Some versions of Internet Explorer may be supported past the latest Windows OS end date when Extended Security Updates (ESUs) are available. Go here for a list of products offering ESUs.

For help migrating from IE 11 to Edge, gohere.

Operating system	Internet Explorer version	Notes
Windows 7 ESU	Internet Explorer 11
Windows 8.1 Update	Internet Explorer 11
Windows 10 Semi-Annual Channel (SAC)	Internet Explorer 11	As of June 15, 2022,the IE11 desktopapplication is nolonger supported*.
Windows 10 IoT	Internet Explorer 11	As of June 15, 2022,the IE11 desktopapplication is nolonger supported.*
Windows 10 2015 LTSB	Internet Explorer 11
Windows 10 2016 LTSB	Internet Explorer 11
Windows 10 2019 LTSC	Internet Explorer 11
Windows 10 2021 LTSC	Internet Explorer 11

Operating system	Internet Explorer version	Notes
Windows Server 2008 ESU	Internet Explorer 9
Windows Server 2008 IA64 (Itanium) ESU	Internet Explorer 9
Windows Server 2008 R2 ESU	Internet Explorer 11
Windows Server 2008 R2 IA64 (Itanium) ESU	Internet Explorer 11
Windows Server 2012	Internet Explorer 11	As of February 12, 2020,IE10 is no longersupported.
Windows Server 2012 R2	Internet Explorer 11
Windows Server 2016	Internet Explorer 11
Windows Server 2019	Internet Explorer 11
Windows Server 2022	Internet Explorer 11

Operating system	Internet Explorer version	Notes
Windows Embedded Compact 2013	Internet Explorer 7
Windows Embedded Standard 7	Internet Explorer 11
Windows Embedded POSReady 7	Internet Explorer 11
Windows Thin PC	Internet Explorer 11	On January 10, 2017,IE11 replaced IE8 onWindows Thin PC.
Windows Embedded 8 Standard	Internet Explorer 11	As of February 12, 2020,IE10 is no longersupported.
Windows 8.1 Industry Update	Internet Explorer 11

Is Internet Explorer 11 the last version of Internet Explorer?

Yes, Internet Explorer 11 is the last major version of Internet Explorer. The Internet Explorer 11 desktop application went out of support for certain operating systems starting June 15, 2022*. Customers are encouraged to move to Microsoft Edge with Internet Explorer (IE) mode. IE mode provides built-in legacy browser support for sites requiring Internet Explorer. For supported operating systems, Internet Explorer 11 will continue receiving security updatesand technical support for the lifecycle of the Windows version on which it is installed. See above for a list of supported operating systems for Internet Explorer by version.

*The retired, out-of-support Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) desktop application has been permanently disabled on certain versions of Windows 10. Go here to learn more.

What if my enterprise line-of-business (LOB) application has a dependency on a version of Internet Explorer that reached end of support?

Microsoft is committed to supporting Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge through at least 2029, on supported operating systems. Additionally, Microsoft will provide a minimum of one year notice prior to end of support for IE mode. Windows support dates are documented on the Product Lifecycle page and may require an Extended Security Updates (ESU) license, if available, to receive operating system security updates beyond its End of Support date.

Lifecycle FAQ - Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge (2024)

FAQs

Why is Internet Explorer taking me to Microsoft Edge? ›

When a user goes to a site that is incompatible with Internet Explorer, they will be automatically redirected to Microsoft Edge. This article describes the user experience for redirection and the group policies that are used to configure or disable automatic redirection.

Read On ›

How to stop the future of Internet Explorer is in Microsoft Edge? ›

Open Internet Explorer and click on the gear icon in the top-right corner. This will open the Internet Options window. In the Internet Options window, click on the “Advanced” tab. Scroll down to the “Browsing” section and uncheck the box next to “Let Internet Explorer open sites in Microsoft Edge.”

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What is the lifecycle policy for Internet Explorer? ›

Internet Explorer 11 follows the Component Lifecycle Policy. The Internet Explorer (IE) 11 desktop application ended support for Windows 10 semi-annual channel on June 15, 2022. Customers are encouraged to move to Microsoft Edge with IE mode.

Why did Microsoft replace Internet Explorer with Edge? ›

Support for Internet Explorer ended on June 15, 2022

With improved security, privacy, speed, and ease of use, Microsoft Edge surpasses the experience you've come to know with Internet Explorer.

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How do I stop edge from hijacking Internet Explorer? ›

Enable/Disable Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge

Click the [Settings and more] icon ① in the top-right corner, then click [Settings]②. Click [Default browser]③. Under Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode (IE mode)④, you can select the setting you need.

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How do I force Internet Explorer to run instead of edge? ›

Within the list of programs, locate and click Internet Explorer to display IE specifications and settings. Choose Set this program as default and click OK to change your browser default from Edge to Internet Explorer. Close the Control Panel.

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How do I stop Microsoft Edge from Internet Explorer? ›

To stop Microsoft Edge from launching when you open Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

Open the Start menu and type “Internet Options” in the search box.
Select the “Programs” tab in the Internet Options window.
In the “Opening Internet Explorer” section, choose “Always in Internet Explorer” from the drop-down menu.

More items...

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How do I go back from Microsoft Edge to Internet Explorer? ›

Here's a quick guide on how to do it:

Click the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen to open the Start menu.
Type “Internet Explorer” into the search bar.
Select the Internet Explorer app from the search results.
Navigate to the Settings menu and click on “Default apps”. ...
You're done!

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How do I stop Microsoft Edge from taking over my browser? ›

Go to File > Options > Advanced > In File and Browser Preferences section, click the drop-down menu and select default browser instead of Microsoft Edge.

Is Microsoft discontinuing Edge? ›

Support for the legacy version of the Microsoft Edge desktop app ended on March 9, 2021. The Microsoft Edge Legacy application will no longer receive security updates after that date.

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Can I still use Internet Explorer after end of life? ›

As of June 14, 2022, Internet Explorer has reached its “End of Life” (EOL) and will no longer receive any security updates. Microsoft has replaced Internet Explorer with Microsoft Edge. If you are still utilizing Internet Explorer we ask that you begin using other supported browsers – Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and more.

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Why can't I use Internet Explorer anymore? ›

Support for Internet Explorer ended on June 15, 2022

Internet Explorer 11 has been permanently disabled through a Microsoft Edge update on certain versions of Windows 10.

See Details ›

Is Microsoft Edge actually Internet Explorer? ›

No there aren't, Internet Explorer (IE) and Microsoft Edge are two different web browsers developed by Microsoft. Although they share some common features, there are numerous differences between them.

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Do I need Microsoft Edge? ›

Microsoft Edge is the web browser recommended by Microsoft and is the default web browser for Windows. Because Windows supports applications that rely on the web platform, our default web browser is an essential component of our operating system and can't be uninstalled.

What is the difference between Edge and Explorer? ›

They're both classified as midsize SUVs, but the Ford Edge is a bit smaller than the Explorer and offers two rows of seats instead of three and a smaller rear cargo bay. Here are the relevant interior dimensions for both vehicles: 2024 Ford Edge: Overall Length: 188.8 inches.

How do I get edge out of Internet Explorer mode? ›

To return to browsing without Internet Explorer mode, you can click Leave on the information bar at the top of the screen, or close your current tab and open a new tab in Microsoft Edge.

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