Internet Explorer 11 End of Support: What’s Next?
June 15, 2022, officially marked the end of an era. After more than 25 years, Microsoft has retired Internet Explorer 11 (IE)—the browser that once connected millions of users to the online world.
This means the IE desktop app no longer receives updates or technical support for certain versions of Windows 10. While it’s the end of an old favorite, it also marks a new beginning with Microsoft Edge—the browser built to be faster, more secure, and designed for the modern web.
But Microsoft knew the transition wouldn’t be simple. Many businesses still rely on legacy apps and websites built specifically for Internet Explorer. So, to bridge the gap, Microsoft created IE Mode in Edge—a feature that lets you access older sites without switching browsers.
It’s a perfect balance: respecting the web’s past while embracing its future.
Why Did Internet Explorer 11 End of Support?
Microsoft’s decision wasn’t sudden—it’s part of a broader effort to move users to more secure and efficient technologies. Here’s why saying goodbye to IE was necessary:
1. Compatibility
Internet Explorer was built for a different era. While it handled older websites perfectly, it struggles with modern web standards and technologies.
Microsoft Edge solves this problem by offering dual-engine compatibility. With IE Mode, you can access older apps and modern websites seamlessly—without switching between browsers.
2. Productivity
Edge isn’t just a replacement; it’s an upgrade. It includes productivity-enhancing features like:
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Sleeping Tabs to speed up performance.
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Vertical Tabs for cleaner reading and multitasking.
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Collections to save and organize research or favorite pages.
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Profiles to separate work and personal browsing.
All these features streamline your workflow and keep you focused—no need to juggle multiple browsers to get things done.
3. Security
This is the big one. Cyber threats—like phishing, malware, and ransomware—have evolved far beyond what Internet Explorer was designed to handle.
Microsoft Edge delivers modern, built-in protection with tools like:
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Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to block malicious sites and downloads.
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Password Monitor to alert you of compromised credentials.
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Integration with the Microsoft 365 Security Suite, enhancing overall endpoint protection.
In short, Edge gives today’s users the secure experience that IE simply can’t provide anymore.
What to Do After Internet Explorer 11 End of Support
The best next step is clear: start using Microsoft Edge.
If you’ve recently updated Windows, Edge is already installed. Here’s how to move your data from Internet Explorer in just a few clicks:
1️⃣ Open Microsoft Edge
2️⃣ Click the ellipsis (⋯) in the upper-right corner.
3️⃣ Go to Settings → Import browser data.
4️⃣ Choose Microsoft Internet Explorer in the dropdown menu.
5️⃣ Select the data you want to import—bookmarks, history, passwords—and click Import.
That’s it! You can also import data from Chrome, Firefox, or other browsers using the same steps.
How to Access Old Sites Using IE Mode in Edge
Still need to access legacy websites or applications? Microsoft has you covered. Follow these quick steps to enable Internet Explorer Mode in Edge:
1️⃣ Open Microsoft Edge.
2️⃣ Click the ellipsis (⋯) → Settings → Default browser.
3️⃣ Under Internet Explorer Compatibility, find “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode” and select Allow.
4️⃣ Click Restart to apply changes.
Once enabled, you can reload older sites in IE Mode whenever needed—without leaving Microsoft Edge.
Why This Matters for Businesses
The retirement of Internet Explorer isn’t just a browser update—it’s a cybersecurity and productivity milestone.
Using outdated software exposes companies to unnecessary risks. In fact, businesses that delay modernization often face more compatibility issues, slower performance, and greater vulnerability to cyberattacks.
Microsoft Edge, combined with modern security solutions like Defender for Endpoint and CSE’s Managed IT Services, ensures your organization stays protected and efficient in the evolving digital landscape.
Final Thoughts
Internet Explorer played a massive role in shaping the internet as we know it. But as technology advances, so must we.
Microsoft Edge not only honors IE’s legacy through IE Mode—it also offers a smarter, faster, and safer way to browse. For organizations, this transition is a golden opportunity to modernize IT systems and strengthen cybersecurity.
And when it comes to managing that transition, Computer Solutions East (CSE) is here to help.
From Microsoft 365 migrations to Security Baseline Implementations and IT modernization strategies, we ensure your shift to Edge—and the modern workplace—is seamless and secure.
👉 Ready to upgrade your environment the right way? Let’s talk.
