Is Internet Explorer a browser: status clarification
Yes, Internet Explorer is a web browser, specifically a legacy browser from Microsoft that is now retired. It was the default browser for Windows from 1995 until Edge launched in 2015. As of June 15, 2022, Internet Explorer 11 has been officially retired on most supported Windows versions, with Microsoft actively recommending users switch to modern, secure alternatives such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome for continued browsing. Understanding its history, current status, and migration path is important for security, compatibility, and productivity.
Definition: What is a web browser
A web browser is application software that retrieves and displays content from the World Wide Web, translating HTML, CSS, and JavaScript into the pages you see. It also handles secure connections, cookies, media playback, and extensions, serving as the primary interface for navigating the internet. Common browser functions include tabs, bookmarks, history, password management, and privacy controls. Examples include Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and, historically, Internet Explorer.
Internet Explorer: profile and background
Internet Explorer (IE) was Microsoft’s flagship web browser, introduced in 1995 as part of the Microsoft Plus! add-on and later bundled with Windows. Over the years it evolved through multiple rendering engines and security updates. Key milestones include the introduction of the Trident rendering engine, support for ActiveX controls, and its integration deeply into Windows. Its default status and tight OS coupling made it ubiquitous in business environments, but it also drew scrutiny over compliance and security practices.
Major Internet Explorer milestones
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| August 1995 | IE 1 shipped with Windows 95 | Marked browser integration into the core OS |
| 2001 | IE 6 widely adopted | Peak usage; became a compatibility target |
| 2009 | IE 8 era; standards improvements | Increased standards support but lag behind competitors |
| 2013 | IE 11 released for Windows 8.1 and later | Modern standards, yet limited on touch and mobile |
| June 15, 2022 | IE 11 retirement on most supported Windows versions | End of independent browsing and security updates |
Current status: Internet Explorer today
As of mid-2022, Internet Explorer is officially retired. On Windows 10 and Windows 11, IE mode exists only to help you open specific legacy sites in Internet Explorer mode inside Microsoft Edge. For general browsing, Microsoft Edge is the recommended modern and secure browser, with continued updates, performance improvements, and support for current web standards. Internet Explorer is no longer updated with security fixes and should be avoided for everyday internet use.
Productivity and compatibility considerations
For most users, migrating from Internet Explorer to a modern browser resolves security risks, improves page performance, and ensures compatibility with current web applications. Organizations relying on legacy line-of-business apps that require IE can use Internet Explorer mode in Edge under controlled policies, while planning to update or retire those applications. Everyday tasks—search, email, shopping, banking, and streaming—are safer and more reliable in current browsers that support modern security protocols and receive regular updates.
Practical migration checklist
- Identify sites you use only in Internet Explorer and check for modern alternatives or compatibility modes.
- Install Microsoft Edge (or another supported browser) and import bookmarks and settings.
- Use Edge’s IE mode only for necessary legacy applications, with defined scope and time limits.
- Retire desktop shortcuts to Internet Explorer for routine browsing; remove old favorites and reset defaults.
- Verify that security updates, passwords, and preferences are synced in your new browser.
Security and compliance implications
Continuing to use Internet Explorer beyond its retirement date increases exposure to unpatched vulnerabilities and can affect compliance with security policies or industry standards. Many security frameworks and enterprise controls now expect organizations to maintain current browsers with supported update channels. Transitioning to a supported browser reduces risk, simplifies audits, and aligns with best practices for identity protection, secure connections, and data privacy.
Conclusion
Internet Explorer is a web browser, but it is now a legacy product that has been retired. Its role has shifted to limited compatibility scenarios inside modern browsers like Microsoft Edge. For security, performance, and standards compliance, users are strongly encouraged to adopt current browsers for daily internet use and reserve IE mode only for essential legacy needs, with clear policies and timelines for full migration off Internet Explorer-based workflows.