Internet Explorer no longer exists as a working browser
Microsoft retired Internet Explorer on June 15, 2022. The browser no longer receives updates, security patches, or technical support. If you try to open it on a Windows computer today, you will either see an error message or be automatically redirected to Microsoft Edge, which is the browser Microsoft now maintains and recommends.
Internet Explorer was the default browser on Windows for 27 years, from 1995 to 2022. During that time it became synonymous with slow performance and security problems, especially in its later versions. By the time Microsoft ended it, most people had already switched to Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
If you still have Internet Explorer installed on your computer, it is no longer safe to use for browsing the internet. Websites have stopped building for it, and any security vulnerabilities discovered after June 2022 will never be patched.
Key Takeaways
- Internet Explorer was officially discontinued on June 15, 2022, and no longer receives security updates or support from Microsoft.
- Using Internet Explorer today exposes you to unpatched security vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
- Most modern websites no longer work properly in Internet Explorer because developers stopped building for it years ago.
- Microsoft Edge is the modern replacement and comes built into Windows; it handles the same tasks Internet Explorer once did but with current security and speed.
- If a website tells you to use Internet Explorer, that website itself is outdated and may not be trustworthy.
Why Microsoft killed Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer became a liability for Microsoft because it was slow, crashed frequently, and had a long history of security breaches. By the 2010s, Chrome and Firefox had already captured most of the browser market. Internet Explorer's market share had fallen below 5 percent, and maintaining it cost Microsoft resources that could go elsewhere.
The final blow came when Microsoft realized that keeping Internet Explorer alive meant keeping old, vulnerable code running on millions of computers. Websites were moving to modern web standards that Internet Explorer could not handle. Developers were spending time writing workarounds just to make sites function in IE, which slowed down progress for everyone else.
Rather than continue patching a dying product, Microsoft decided to build Edge from scratch using the same engine that powers Chrome. Edge is faster, more secure, and compatible with modern websites. For users who absolutely needed Internet Explorer for legacy business software, Microsoft created "IE mode" — a compatibility feature inside Edge that can run old IE code in a sandboxed environment.
What happens if you try to use Internet Explorer now
On Windows 10 and Windows 11, clicking the Internet Explorer icon will open Microsoft Edge instead. The browser will not launch. This is by design — Microsoft made the redirect automatic to push users away from the old browser.
If you somehow manage to launch the actual Internet Explorer executable on an older system, you will encounter broken websites. Modern sites use features like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript that Internet Explorer does not support. You will see missing images, broken layouts, and non-functional buttons. Many websites will refuse to load at all or will display a warning telling you to use a different browser.
Beyond usability problems, using Internet Explorer exposes you to real security risk. Hackers know that Internet Explorer has unpatched vulnerabilities. If you visit a malicious website or click a suspicious link while using IE, your computer can be compromised. Your passwords, banking information, and personal files are at risk.
What to use instead of Internet Explorer
Microsoft Edge is the direct replacement. It comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and Windows 11, so you do not need to download anything. Edge is built on the same Chromium engine that powers Google Chrome, which means it is fast, secure, and compatible with virtually every modern website. If you are used to Internet Explorer, Edge will feel familiar — the toolbar layout and settings are similar, but everything works better.
Google Chrome is another solid choice if you prefer a different browser. Chrome is free, available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and syncs your bookmarks and passwords across devices if you sign in with a Google account. Chrome updates automatically and receives security patches regularly.
Mozilla Firefox is a third option, especially if you care about privacy. Firefox does not track your browsing by default and gives you more control over what data websites can collect. Like Chrome, Firefox is free and updates automatically.
Safari is the default browser on Mac and iPhone. If you use Apple devices, Safari is already there and works seamlessly with your other Apple products. On Windows, Safari is not available.
If a website requires Internet Explorer, the website is the problem
Some older business websites, government portals, and internal company systems were built specifically for Internet Explorer and never updated. If you encounter a site that tells you to use Internet Explorer, that site is outdated and likely has security problems of its own.
If you need to access such a site for work, talk to your IT department. They can either update the site to work with modern browsers or set up IE mode in Microsoft Edge, which allows the old code to run in a protected sandbox. Do not actually use Internet Explorer — use IE mode instead, which is safer.
If it is a public website telling you to use Internet Explorer, consider whether you trust it. A website that has not been updated since the IE era may not be maintaining security patches or protecting your data properly. Look for an alternative service if one exists.
How to remove Internet Explorer from your computer
On Windows 10 and Windows 11, Internet Explorer is not fully removed by default, but it is disabled. If you want to uninstall it completely, go to Settings, then Apps, then Apps and Features. Scroll down and click "Optional features." Find "Internet Explorer 11" in the list and click it, then click "Uninstall."
On older versions of Windows (7, 8, Vista), Internet Explorer is more deeply integrated into the operating system and cannot be fully removed without potentially breaking other functions. If you are using an older Windows version, the best approach is simply to stop using Internet Explorer and use a different browser instead. You can leave it installed without harm as long as you do not open it.
Removing Internet Explorer will not affect your ability to browse the web. All the functionality you need is available in Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Internet Explorer still on my computer?
Probably not in a way that matters. On Windows 10 and 11, Internet Explorer is disabled and clicking it opens Edge instead. On older Windows versions, the program files may still exist, but you can simply ignore them and use a different browser. You do not need to do anything unless you want to uninstall it.
Can I still use Internet Explorer safely?
No. Internet Explorer stopped receiving security updates in June 2022. Any new vulnerabilities discovered since then are unfixed and exploitable. If you need to access legacy software, use IE mode in Microsoft Edge instead, which runs the old code in a protected environment.
Will websites work in Internet Explorer?
Most modern websites will not work properly in Internet Explorer. Developers stopped building for IE years ago. You will encounter broken layouts, missing features, and sites that refuse to load. Use Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari instead.
What is IE mode and should I use it?
IE mode is a feature in Microsoft Edge that allows old Internet Explorer code to run inside Edge's security sandbox. It is designed for businesses that have legacy software that only works in IE. If your workplace requires IE mode, your IT department will set it up for you. Do not try to use it for general web browsing.
Why did Microsoft make Internet Explorer redirect to Edge?
Microsoft made the redirect automatic to protect users from security risks and broken websites. By forcing users to Edge, Microsoft ensures that people are using a browser that receives regular security updates and can handle modern web standards. It is a safety measure, not an inconvenience.