Key dates and final status of Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer was officially discontinued on June 9, 2023, when Microsoft retired the browser and removed it from the Windows 11 app list. Mainstream support ended earlier on June 15, 2022, after which only limited support continued for Enterprise customers via Extended Security Updates (ESU). This guide explains the timeline, the official replacements, and practical steps if you still encounter legacy systems that reference Internet Explorer.
Timeline of Internet Explorer deprecation and retirement
Microsoft’s deprecation plan spanned several years to give organizations time to migrate workloads and applications. The browser moved through defined lifecycle phases, from mainstream support to extended support and finally to retirement. Below are the principal milestones that shaped Internet Explorer’s end of life.
| Date or period | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| March 17, 2020 | Extended Security Updates (ESU) program begins for IE11 on Windows 10 | Customers with active ESU subscriptions receive security updates after mainstream support ends. |
| June 15, 2022 | Mainstream support ends for Internet Explorer on Windows 10 and Windows 11 | No more nonsecurity updates; organizations relying on IE must plan for migration. |
| December 6, 2022 | Microsoft 365 and Azure services disable IE mode by default for new users | Pushes organizations to adopt Microsoft Edge and modern compatibility standards. |
| June 9, 2023 | Internet Explorer officially retired and removed from the Windows 11 app list | The browser is no longer available for new installations or updates. |
| June 9, 2023 and later | ESU for Internet Explorer 11 ends for non-government customers | No further security updates; organizations still using IE11 assume significant risk. |
Official replacements for Internet Explorer
Microsoft has directed users to modern browsers that offer better security, standards support, and compatibility. The primary replacement paths are Microsoft Edge (recommended) and, in some enterprise scenarios, Internet Explorer Mode within Edge.
- Microsoft Edge: The default, modern browser based on Chromium, with ongoing security updates and enterprise controls.
- Edge Internet Explorer Mode: Allows organizations to run sites that require legacy Trident rendering inside Edge for a limited period. This mode is not intended as a permanent long-term solution.
- Third-party browsers: Alternatives such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera remain available on Windows, though they also lack extended security support from Microsoft.
Internet Explorer Mode and its limits
Edge’s Internet Explorer Mode uses the same MSHTML (Trident) engine for backward compatibility but runs within the Edge security model and standards engine. Microsoft maintains a clear guidance that IE Mode is a temporary compatibility bridge, not a replacement for migrating applications away from proprietary IE dependencies.
What “discontinued” means in practice
Discontinued signals that Microsoft will not provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for the browser. However, the underlying MSHTML platform remained in Windows longer for compatibility, which is why IE Mode existed. As organizations completed migrations, the remaining support channels were closed entirely. Continuing to use Internet Explorer exposes users to unpatched vulnerabilities and incompatibility with modern web standards.
Checking whether you or your organization still rely on Internet Explorer
If you are auditing internal systems or supporting users who may depend on legacy workflows, follow this practical checklist to identify and remediate IE dependencies.
- Inventory internal applications: List line-of-business apps that launch in IE via shortcuts, file associations, or group policy, and note any required ActiveX or legacy protocols.
- Check browser shortcuts and GPOs: Review start menu shortcuts, startup scripts, and Group Policy Objects that force IE behavior or pinned modes.
- Test sites in Edge IE Mode: Validate that key sites work in Edge IE Mode and collect exceptions for modernization or removal.
- Monitor security advisories: Track Microsoft lifecycle policies and ESU expiration dates if extended support is still in use.
- Plan migration and retirement: Set a target date to remove IE dependencies, document changes, and confirm user acceptance testing with modern browsers.
Risks of continuing to use Internet Explorer
Without ongoing security updates, Internet Explorer is increasingly vulnerable to exploits, and many contemporary websites and web applications either do not function or display incorrectly. Regulatory and compliance frameworks commonly require up-to-date software and supported browsers, so maintaining Internet Explorer can heighten audit findings and liability. Organizations should treat continued use as a high-priority risk and schedule remediation as part of their technology refresh and cybersecurity posture improvements.
Frequently asked questions
- When did Internet Explorer stop receiving updates? Mainstream support ended on June 15, 2022. Limited Extended Security Updates for IE11 on Windows 10 began on March 17, 2020 and ended for most customers on June 9, 2023.
- Is Microsoft Edge the recommended replacement? Yes. Microsoft recommends Microsoft Edge for daily use, with Internet Explorer Mode available only for temporary compatibility needs.
- Can I still download and install Internet Explorer on new Windows installations? No. Internet Explorer is no longer available for installation and has been removed from the Windows 11 app list.
- What should I do if a vendor still requires Internet Explorer? Engage the vendor for modern alternatives, use Edge IE Mode as a short-term bridge, and set a clear deadline to retire the dependency.
Planning your migration away from Internet Explorer
To reduce disruption and maintain security, treat IE migration as a project with clear ownership, timelines, and testing. Prioritize applications by business criticality, modernize web technologies where possible, and leverage Edge’s tooling to diagnose compatibility issues. Track progress with measurable milestones, and communicate clearly with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to supported browsers.
Summary and next steps
Internet Explorer was discontinued on June 9, 2023, after mainstream support ended on June 15, 2022. Moving forward, rely on Microsoft Edge for daily browsing and use Edge Internet Explorer Mode only as a short-term bridge for essential legacy sites. Conduct an inventory of IE-dependent applications, set remediation timelines aligned with your risk profile, and validate functionality in modern browsers to ensure continuity and security.