Internet Explorer (IE) made its debut as Microsoft’s first web browser 27 years ago. It was one of the most popular and oldest web browsers used by millions for accessing the internet. It was first released as a Windows 95 add-on package in 1995.
In 2003, the browser reached a peak of 95 per cent usage, but it was unable to sustain that position, and its user base began to rapidly drop.
Many new browsers joined the market, promising better user interfaces, faster internet speeds, and smoother performance. Internet Explorer was unable to keep up with the competition, and it has turned into nothing more than a default browser for installing other browsers.
Microsoft has officially announced that Internet Explorer will be retired on June 15. Those who still use it will be redirected to the Edge browser. Last year, Microsoft published an official blog post detailing IE’s retirement.
It can be recalled that in 2016, new feature development for Internet Explorer was stopped as Microsoft introduced a new web browser ‘Microsoft Edge.’ Following this, Microsoft 365 ended support and Microsoft Teams ended support on August 17, 2021, and November 30, 2020, respectively.
The company release stated, “We are announcing that the future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 is in Microsoft Edge. Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications. Microsoft Edge has Internet Explorer mode (“IE mode”) built-in, so you can access those legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications straight from Microsoft Edge.”
With just a day left for its retirement, social media users have shared their nostalgic memories with IE with #InternetExplorer.
A Twitter user wrote, “I’m from the generation that started my #internet journey in the early 2000s through IE. Thank you IE for expanding my knowledge during childhood, through the click of a button.”
Another response was that IE will be remembered even after its retirement. “I always used you to download @googlechrome,” he added.
Meanwhile, many call it the ‘End of an era!’
“Microsoft has announced to shut down Internet Explorer after 27 years of service Thanks for letting us explore the internet slowly,” was one tweet.
Nostalgically speaking one user said, “I heard Internet Explorer is shutting down this year. I’m kinda sad about it. It’s like when you are clearing out the clutter that you haven’t used in years but still want it around,”
People also shared hilarious memes on IE’s retirement.
“Goodbye, #InternetExplorer. The aging web browser has largely been unused by most consumers for years, but Microsoft is putting the final nail in the Internet explorer coffin on June 15th, 2022, by retiring it in favor of #Microsoft Edge,” wrote a person.
Recollecting childhood memories, a user said “Yes it’s true!! #internetexplorer is leaving us for good. You were my first window to the digital world. What fun it was to go to #internet cafes n work on social site #orkut. You are my childhood and my happy memories!!”
When you try to search something on Internet Explorer :- pic.twitter.com/fPsjP86k8E
— Internet Explorer ? (@explorerhoon) June 11, 2022
After 27 years of service, Microsoft is going to retire Internet Explorer for good on June 15th. pic.twitter.com/rIpcHFWoU3
— Product Hunt ? (@ProductHunt) June 12, 2022
