Microsoft Internet Explorer was the dominant web browser from the late 1990s through the 2000s, shaping how organizations and consumers experienced the early web. This evergreen profile explains Internet Explorer’s product history, major versions, default status across Windows editions, and support and security posture today. You will find verified timelines for mainstream and extended support, guidance on compatibility and migration, and clarifications around terminology such as “IE mode” and “legacy protocols.” The aim is to give technical and business readers a durable reference for understanding Internet Explorer’s current status and practical implications.
What Internet Explorer is and how it evolved
Internet Explorer (IE) is a proprietary web browser developed by Microsoft, first released as part of the Plus! for Windows 95 add-on in 1995 and later integrated into Windows 98 and Windows 2000. It became the default browser on Windows desktops and laptops, bundled with the operating system and used by many enterprises as the primary tool for internal line-of-business applications. Over time, IE introduced features like tabbed browsing (IE 7), improved security zones (IE 8), and partial support for emerging web standards, though it also faced criticism for noncompliance with emerging web standards during the Browser Wars. Its tight integration with Windows made it a convenient default, but also tied its fate to the operating system’s update cadence and security model.
Key versions and release milestones
The timeline below summarizes widely adopted versions of Internet Explorer on desktop Windows, with emphasis on milestones relevant to compatibility and support. For server and embedded use, related components such as IE on Windows Server followed similar lifecycle patterns but were governed by their own servicing policies.
| Version | Windows era | Release year | Notable attribute | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE 6 | Windows XP | 2001 | Large install base, extended support ended 2014 | Security risks and compatibility constraints for modern sites |
| IE 8 | Windows 7 | 2009 | Improved standards support, enterprise tooling | Baseline for many legacy internal apps |
| IE 11 | Windows 10/8.1/7 | 2013 | Final desktop version; extended support until 2022 | Last supported version for many organizations |
| IE mode (Edge) | Windows 10/11 | 2021 onward | Uses IE 11 rendering engine inside Edge | Compatibility path for legacy sites after IE retirement |
Support status, mainstream and extended
Microsoft ended mainstream support for Internet Explorer on most platforms years ago, and extended support has now concluded. Organizations still encountering references to “IE” in inventories or documentation should verify whether those systems truly require legacy runtime or can move to alternative solutions. The key dates below are framed for desktop Windows; Windows Embedded and Server offerings followed similar but not identical paths, and administrators should check specific product documentation for those workloads.
Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 10 and Windows 11
For Windows 10 and Windows 11, Internet Explorer 11 reached the end of extended support on June 15, 2022. After this date, no further security updates are provided for the standalone IE 11 desktop application. Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Edge with IE mode for sites that depend on legacy protocols or rendering behavior, providing a more secure and supported path than running out-of-date standalone IE.
Internet Explorer on Windows Server and embedded use
Internet Explorer on Windows Server and certain embedded Windows editions was historically aligned with client OS support, but followed its own servicing notes. Extended support for IE as a component on Windows Server also ended, and administrators should refer to the specific Windows Server lifecycle policy for the version in use. Continued operation of unpatched or unsupported IE instances increases exposure to security vulnerabilities and compliance risk.
Compatibility considerations and migration paths
Modern websites and web applications increasingly rely on up-to-date standards, performance optimizations, and security protocols that older browsers like Internet Explorer do not support. Organizations with line-of-business applications built for IE may face issues when accessing those sites from newer operating systems or devices. Migration strategies typically involve modernizing the application, using compatibility tools, or leveraging IE mode in Edge for specific sites that cannot be immediately updated.
IE mode in Microsoft Edge
IE mode in Edge allows organizations to load specific sites in a rendering context based on the legacy IE 11 engine while running within the more secure Edge browser. This approach is intended as a temporary compatibility bridge rather than a long-term platform, and Microsoft provides configuration guidance for enterprise deployments, including group policy settings and app compatibility lists. IT teams should plan for eventual retirement of IE-dependent workloads and prioritize app modernization.
Enterprise deployment options and controls
For large organizations, managing browser choice and compatibility often involves group policy, Microsoft Intune, or configuration profiles. Controls include enabling or disabling IE mode, specifying URLs that open in IE mode, and managing updates for the Edge browser. Because Internet Explorer is no longer updated, reducing reliance on it in favor of managed, supported paths helps lower security risk and simplify compliance reporting.
Security implications and best practices
With extended support concluded, Internet Explorer no longer receives security patches or technical support from Microsoft. Running Internet Explorer beyond this point exposes organizations to unmitigated vulnerabilities, complicates audits, and may violate security policies or regulatory requirements. Best practices include inventorying IE usage, identifying which sites require IE mode, and enforcing least-privilege configurations for any legacy browsing needs. Where legacy protocols or custom ActiveX controls are unavoidable, use isolated environments and restrict network access to reduce exposure.
Actionable guidance for organizations
Organizations that still depend on Internet Explorer should adopt a structured approach to reduce risk and plan for migration. Prioritize applications that require modernization or compatibility alternatives, define timelines for retiring IE usage, and leverage supported compatibility options such as IE mode in Edge. Complement technical changes with communication and training to ensure users understand the shift and the security rationale. Regular review of browser inventories and policies helps ensure alignment with current guidance and reduces long-term operational cost.
Bottom line
Microsoft Internet Explorer played a major role in enterprise and consumer computing, but it is now a retired browser with no ongoing security updates. The safest and most future-proof path for organizations is to inventory remaining IE dependencies, favor modern web standards, and use supported compatibility tools such as IE mode in Edge only where necessary. Treat continued use of standalone Internet Explorer as an exception to be actively managed, not a default, and align browser policy with current security and compliance expectations.