Internet Explorer has become synonymous with the early days of the world-wide-web. While other browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and even Microsoft's own Edge have overtaken IE in the years since its dominance over the internet space, many users have fond memories of Internet Explorer. As such, many longtime internet users were saddened when Microsoft announced Internet Explorer's impending closure.
Internet Explorer was one of the earliest widely-used web browsers on the internet with its first version launching nearly 27 years ago in August 1995. However, despite its early iconic status, the browser's user count has shrunk substantially since its peak, with Microsoft even replacing IE with Edge as the official default browser. With Internet Explorer's time in the spotlight coming to an end, Microsoft announced early last year it would be "sunsetting" the browser in 2022. Now, the June 15th deadline set by Microsoft has officially arrived, and Internet Explorer has officially been retired.
Internet Explorer's end of service will see the iconic browser removed from Windows computers all over the world with many past users paying tribute to the platform. While many have been critical of the browser's many problems and dated technology, other users lamented the closing of an iconic piece of internet history. Microsoft had previously confirmed that the June 15th deadline applies specifically to Internet Explorer apps on Windows 10 devices. Windows 7 and Windows 8 closures of Internet Explorer have not been officially announced by Microsoft.
Microsoft's closure of Internet Explorer comes as the tech juggernaut will look to shift its internet browser focus fully to Microsoft Edge. Valve's Steam Deck recently saw support for Xbox Cloud Gaming and Game Pass introduced through Microsoft Edge. Xbox's home consoles also support Microsoft's touted browser with Xbox Series X and S consoles featuring updated versions of Microsoft Edge with mouse and keyboard support. Edge has been the default browser for Xbox consoles since the platform was introduced on the Xbox One in 2015.
While Internet Explorer's retirement will be a moment for long-time users to reflect on the platform, its end will likely not come as a shock to internet users today. The platform had long since fallen from its reign over the internet with Google Chrome taking dominance over the online space in recent years. With even Microsoft's Edge falling short of Google's massive platform, Internet Explorer has long since fallen by the wayside for many users. However, Microsoft's closing of Internet Explorer after nearly 27 years reflects the end of an era for the tech juggernaut.
Source: Washington Post