Key dates for Internet Explorer lifecycle and discontinuation
Internet Explorer was officially discontinued on June 15, 2022, after Microsoft redirected support to Microsoft Edge. The legacy browser reached end of support in its final version, Internet Explorer 11, on the same date for most Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. For Windows 7 and Windows 10 Enterprise users, extended support ended earlier in January 2020 and January 2023 respectively. Understanding these milestones helps explain the current state of compatibility, security risk, and recommended migration paths.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Discontinuation date | June 15, 2022 | Microsoft official documentation |
| Final supported version | Internet Explorer 11 | Microsoft lifecycle policy |
| Successor browser | Microsoft Edge (Chromium) | Microsoft product roadmap |
| Windows 7 IE support end | January 12, 2020 | Microsoft support lifecycle |
| Windows 10 Enterprise IE 11 support end | January 31, 2023 | Microsoft servicing policy |
What “discontinued” means for Internet Explorer
When Microsoft labels a product as discontinued, it means the company will no longer deliver security updates, technical support, or compliance certifications for that product. For Internet Explorer, this marks the end of a more than 25 year era that began with the browser’s launch in 1995 and positioned IE as the default browsing experience across Windows operating systems for two decades.
End of support vs product removal
Discontinuation does not always mean the software vanishes from devices instantly; rather, it signals that no further updates or fixes will be released. In the case of Internet Explorer, newer Windows versions no longer include a standalone shortcut to IE, though some enterprises may still see underlying components used by line-of-business applications that rely on legacy rendering modes. The key shift for users is that browsing the modern web in IE is not recommended due to unpatched vulnerabilities and limited standards support.
How to verify the discontinuation status
Independent confirmation comes from multiple sources, including Microsoft’s official documentation, public lifecycle timelines, and statements from regional support teams. Verification is consistent across these channels: IE moved to historic status on June 15, 2022. Analysts and technology journalists continue to reference this date when discussing browser migrations, security advisories, and digital modernization initiatives.
Practical implications of discontinuation
- Security: Without patches, using Internet Explorer exposes users to unaddressed vulnerabilities.
- Compatibility: Many contemporary websites and web apps may render poorly or not function in IE.
- Compliance: Organizations undergoing audits may flag continued reliance on unsupported browsers.
- Productivity: Users may encounter broken workflows and degraded performance compared to modern browsers.
Migration path and recommended alternatives
Microsoft’s recommended replacement is Microsoft Edge, which supports Internet Explorer mode for legacy sites while delivering modern standards compliance, performance, and security. For most users, switching to Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or another actively maintained browser resolves compatibility and safety concerns. Organizations with legacy line-of-business apps tied to IE should plan a migration strategy that includes testing, user training, and, if needed, application re-architecture.
Summary of Internet Explorer discontinuation timeline
Internet Explorer’s end followed years of declining usage as the web evolved beyond Trident and toward open standards. The final discontinuation on June 15, 2022, capped a long transition that began with earlier deprecation warnings and the introduction of Microsoft Edge in 2015. The status today is clear: Internet Explorer is a discontinued product, and users should move to supported alternatives to maintain security and access to the modern web.