Explained: Why is Microsoft shutting down the Internet Explorer

Microsoft announced the end of Internet Explorer for the first time in 2015. The company introduced a new platform codenamed “Project Spartan,” an upgraded browser it was developing for Windows 10 and beyond. This platform was designed to enhance the Windows browsing experience that would attract more users. Later on, the company revealed that Project Spartan was Microsoft Edge, currently the company’s primary internet browser.
Recently, the company has updated its blog to announce that it is retiring Internet Explorer after almost three decades of service and has since started redirecting users to Microsoft Edge. The iconic blue “E” and the golden circle-symbol browser have been there since dial-up internet service when users had to struggle for connection if someone else in the house was on the phone.
How Internet Explorer users are being redirected to Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge was introduced by the company to take on rival browser Google Chrome. The company even introduced the browser as a “chromium-browser,” (named after Google Chrome) as Edge was capable of running extensions at fast speeds intended to match Google Chrome. Moreover, the company claimed the browser to be quicker and more complex than offering users a complete browsing experience.
As Microsoft starts phasing out Internet Explorer, users who click on the tool are being redirected to Microsoft Edge while staying in “IE Mode,” which will allow users to maintain access to their original and older apps in the retired browser without permanently wiping the features all at once. Microsoft has also mentioned that IE users will have all of their data (passwords, bookmarks, etc.) transferred over to Edge, while the redirection continues. However, users will still have the option to click a “Reload in IE mode” button if they encounter an outdated website or application that isn’t loading or working properly in Edge.
Why is Microsoft retiring Internet Explorer
According to the company, the incremental improvements to Internet Explorer couldn’t match the general improvements to the web at large,” so they had to start with a clean slate. The company also claims that Microsoft Edge is “faster, more secure and modern browser for today’s internet,” as well as the best browser for Windows.
Microsoft explained that “some parts of the web still rely on Internet Explorer’s specific behaviours and features,” so the company has introduced an IE mode in Microsoft Edge.
When will Microsoft pull the plug on Internet Explorer
The company has mentioned that the process of redirection from Internet Explorer to Edge will be active for “a few months.” Meanwhile, Microsoft has not announced the exact date but said that eventually, IE will be permanently disabled with an upcoming software update and will also remove all IE branded icons and visuals.