If you are still using Internet Explorer, now is the time to start using Microsoft Edge. Microsoft recently announced that Microsoft Edge with IE mode will replace the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application on Windows 10, and there will no longer be support after June 15 for certain versions of Windows 10.

What does this mean for commercial organizations, IT admins, developers, and end users? Microsoft Edge delivers a faster, more secure, and more modern web experience than Internet Explorer. Also, Microsoft Edge with Internet Explorer mode (“IE mode”) is the only browser with built-in compatibility for legacy IE-based sites and apps.

Platforms that are affected when the IE11 desktop application is retired and goes out of support on June 15, 2022

In scope at the time of this announcement (will be retired):

  • Internet Explorer 11 desktop application delivered via the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC):
    • Windows 10 client SKUs (version 20H2 and later)
    • Windows 10 IoT (version 20H2 and later)

Out of scope at the time of this announcement (unaffected):

  • Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge
  • Internet Explorer platform (MSHTML/Trident), including WebOC
  • Internet Explorer 11 desktop application on:
    • Windows 8.1
    • Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU)
    • Windows 10 Server SAC (all versions)
    • Windows 10 IoT Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) (all versions)
    • Windows 10 Server LTSC (all versions)
    • Windows 10 client LTSC (all versions)

Internet Explorer Retirement FAQs

What does this mean for my organization?

If your organization has legacy apps and sites dependent on IE11, you can follow the Getting Started Guide to start configuring IE mode. You may be concerned about change management, so please check out the Internet Explorer Retirement Adoption Kit for ready-made content that will help you notify users and leaders in your organization about the upcoming changes, and help move them to Microsoft Edge.

What does this mean for developers?

Apps developed for IE should work in Microsoft Edge through IE mode. If you encounter an issue, contact App Assure for remediation assistance ([email protected]).

For developers working on modern websites or applications, while this announcement will start the transition of moving users from Internet Explorer to the more modern Microsoft Edge browser, it will take time, and they recommend you develop a plan to end support for Internet Explorer. Read this Moving users to Microsoft Edge from Internet Explorer article to learn about help.

What does this mean for end users?

Microsoft Edge offers a faster, more secure, and modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, and a growing number of websites no longer support Internet Explorer. After the Internet Explorer desktop application is retired on June 15, 2022, it will be out of support. After this date, the IE11 desktop application will be disabled and will redirect to Microsoft Edge if a user tries to access it.

If a user encounters a broken website that requires IE11, they should open it in IE mode. They can open websites that require Internet Explorer without leaving Microsoft Edge. Learn more about Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge.

What about Windows 10 LTSC and Windows Server?

In-market Windows 10 LTSC and Windows Server are out of scope (unaffected) for this change.

What if Microsoft Edge is already installed?

Great! You already have a faster, more secure, and more modern browser than Internet Explorer, and completed some of the steps to help with your migration. If you’re an organization, the next step is to determine if your organization has legacy browser dependencies. To enable legacy browser support in Microsoft Edge, you’ll need to set up Internet Explorer mode. Learn more on our Internet Explorer mode webpage and read the Getting Started guide.

How long will IE mode be supported?

IE mode support follows the lifecycle of Windows client, Server, and IoT releases at least through 2029. Additionally, Microsoft will give one year of notice before retiring the IE mode experience when the time comes. Windows support dates are documented on the Product Lifecycle page. Some editions of Windows may require an ESU license, if available, to receive operating system security updates beyond end of support dates. End of service dates for currently supported versions of Windows are as follows:

Platform Windows release End of service 
Windows client  Windows 10 Enterprise, version 20H2 5/9/2023
Windows 10 Enterprise, version 2004 12/14/2021
Windows 10 2019 LTSC 1/9/2029
Windows 8.1 1/10/2023
Windows 7 (ESU required) 1/10/2023
Windows Server  Windows Server, version 20H2 (SAC) 5/10/2022
Windows Server, version 2004 (SAC) 12/14/2021
Windows Server 2019 (LTSC) 1/9/2029
Windows IoT  Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, version 20H2 5/9/2023
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, version 2004 12/14/2021
Windows 10 IoT 2019 LTSC 1/9/2029
Windows Server IoT 2019 1/9/2029

What IE functionality is available in IE mode?

IE mode supports all document and enterprise modes, Active X controls (such as Java or Silverlight), and more. For a list of what is supported and what is not supported, see the What is Internet Explorer (IE) mode Docs page.

Are there any changes to the Microsoft Edge lifecycle?

There are no changes to the Microsoft Edge lifecycle. Microsoft Edge continues to be supported. For more details, please visit the Microsoft Edge Lifecycle page.

How do I set up Internet Explorer mode in my organization?

You can get detailed guidance on how to set up Internet Explorer mode through the Getting Started guide or by visiting the IE mode documentation.

Will the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application be removed from devices?

No. The IE11 desktop application will not be removed from devices, as the IE11 engine is required for IE mode to function. However, after the IE11 desktop application is retired on June 15, 2022, it will be disabled permanently.

Will iexplore.exe be removed from devices?

No, but if a user tries to access it, they will be unable to open IE11 and will be redirected to Microsoft Edge.

If my browser default isn’t Internet Explorer 11, will the retirement affect my browser default?

No, this retirement will only change your browser default if your default had been set to Internet Explorer 11. If IE11 is set as your browser default, you will now have Microsoft Edge.

Will Internet Explorer-based sites and apps open automatically in Microsoft Edge after the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application is retired on June 15, 2022?

After the IE11 desktop application is retired, IE11 will redirect to Microsoft Edge. To open Internet Explorer-based websites and apps, you will need to either set up Internet Explorer mode (as an organization) or enable Internet Explorer mode (as a consumer at home).

If you’re an organization, you can set up IE mode using the Getting Started guide.

If you are an end user, you can enable IE mode by following the steps in this Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge support article.

Will the IE Group Policies work in IE mode?

Microsoft is committed to having IE Group Policies work in IE mode. If for any reason you encounter an issue, please connect with AppAssure for assistance. You can submit a request for assistance through their website or reach out via email ([email protected]).

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