What is Microsoft Internet Explorer and why does it matter now
Microsoft Internet Explorer, often called MSIE or simply IE, was a web browser developed by Microsoft and included as a core part of Windows. It played a defining role in the browser wars of the 1990s and 2000s, shaping how many people experienced the early web. Today, Internet Explorer is officially retired and replaced by Microsoft Edge. This article explains what Internet Explorer was, how it worked, why it was retired, and what users should do now that it is no longer supported.
Internet Explorer in context: the browser that defined an era
Released in 1995, Internet Explorer became the dominant browser through its integration with Windows and aggressive distribution. At its peak, it held a large majority of global web traffic. Over time, standards compliance, security shortcomings, and performance limitations became widely documented. As web technologies advanced, users and organizations increasingly sought alternatives that offered better security, speed, and compatibility with modern sites. Understanding this history helps explain why Internet Explorer is no longer recommended for everyday use.
How Internet Explorer worked and how people used it
Core functionality and features
Internet Explorer provided standard web browsing features, including tabbed browsing, bookmark management, downloads, and form filling. It supported proprietary technologies such as ActiveX and VBScript, which many internal business applications relied on. This made IE deeply embedded in enterprise environments long after it was outdated for general web use. The browser relied on the Trident rendering engine, which interpreted HTML and CSS according to the standards of its time.
Typical use cases
- Accessing legacy internal business tools that required older web technologies.
- Viewing content created for earlier versions of Windows and older standards.
- Using intranet or kiosk systems that were built specifically for Internet Explorer.
Why Internet Explorer was retired and what replaced it
Microsoft officially retired Internet Explorer on June 15, 2022, and redirects users to Microsoft Edge. IE is no longer updated, and continued use can expose devices to unpatched security risks. Microsoft Edge offers the same legacy site compatibility modes that many organizations relied on, along with modern security and performance improvements. For most users, switching to Edge or another actively maintained browser is the safest choice.
Technical specifications at a glance
The table below summarizes key attributes and dates related to Internet Explorer’s lifecycle and replacement.
Impact on security, compliance, and daily use
Because Internet Explorer no longer receives security updates, using it exposes users to higher risk. Many security standards and regulatory frameworks discourage or prohibit the use of unsupported software. Organizations that still rely on legacy line-of-business applications built for IE often use Edge’s IE mode or other compatibility solutions while planning migration strategies. For everyday browsing, modern browsers provide faster, safer, and more reliable experiences.
Practical guidance for users and organizations
- If you are redirected to Edge, accept the replacement for general browsing.
- If you need to run older internal tools that only work in IE, use Edge’s IE mode and follow your organization’s guidance.
- Do not rely on Internet Explorer for public websites, banking, or any activity requiring current security standards.
- Check application requirements with IT to plan migrations away from IE-dependent workflows.
Common questions about Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Is Internet Explorer still safe to use in 2024 and beyond? No. Microsoft no longer provides security updates for Internet Explorer, making continued use risky.
- What should I do if a website only works in Internet Explorer? Use Microsoft Edge with Internet Explorer (IE) mode, which is designed for compatibility with legacy sites and applications.
- Can I completely uninstall Internet Explorer on Windows? On modern Windows versions, IE is no longer a removable or optional component; it is replaced by Edge, though legacy rendering components remain for compatibility.
- Will Microsoft ever bring back Internet Explorer? No. Microsoft has committed to supporting Edge and does not plan to revive Internet Explorer.
Summary and reliable takeaways
Microsoft Internet Explorer was once the primary way many people used the web, but it is now retired and should be considered a legacy product. Its replacement, Microsoft Edge, maintains compatibility with older sites while offering modern security and performance. Users and organizations should avoid general use of Internet Explorer, rely on Edge IE mode only when necessary, and plan to migrate any remaining dependencies off of IE-based workflows.