The desktop application Internet Explorer 11, aka IE 11, will reach its “end of life” on June 15, 2022. This means that Internet Explorer 11 will no longer receive any security or feature updates and will begin redirecting certain users to Microsoft’s newest browser, Edge. So, what does this mean for those small businesses that regularly use Microsoft Internet Explorer?
What happens on June 15, 2022?
Depending on which version of Windows you have installed, you may be redirected to the Microsoft Edge browser when you attempt to launch Internet Explorer. If you do not have Edge installed, Microsoft will instruct you to download and install this browser. For some, Internet Explorer will still function as normal, but will soon be retired for all users. Microsoft has stated that they plan to permanently disable Internet Explorer as part of a future Windows update but want to provide ample time for Internet Explorer users to make the transition.
Will IE sites and tools work in Edge?
There are countless apps and sites that are built to work in Internet Explorer and Microsoft has taken this into account. Edge has a built-in “Internet Explorer Mode” (IE Mode) that is backwards compatible for legacy Internet Explorer resources. This mode will allow you to continue to use the apps and sites that you previously used in Inter net Explorer . IE Mode will be supported through at least 2029 and Microsoft has stated that they will provide a 1 year notice prior to retiring IE Mode.
What should I do to prepare?
First, you should make sure that Edge installed on your computer. You can download the most recent version of the Edge browser here. Once you have installed Edge, you will probably want to migrate your favorites from Internet Explorer.
How to migrate favorites from Internet Explorer to Edge:
Step 1: Install Microsoft Edge. Click here for a link to the most recent version.
Step 2: Open Microsoft Edge and click the ellipsis in the top right corner.
Step 3: Select Favorites.
Step 4: Click the ellipsis in the Favorites drop down menu.
Step 5: Select Import Favorites
Step 6: Click the Import from dropdown menu & select Microsoft Internet Explorer
Step 7: Be mindful that current passwords within Edge might be overwritten during the import process.
Step 8: Select Import
Step 9: Select Done. All of you Favorites from Internet Explorer should now show in Microsoft Edge.
Now that your Favorites have been migrated, you should consider enabling Internet Explorer Mode in Edge. To do so, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge and click the ellipsis in the top right corner.
Step 2: Select Settings
Step 3: From the list on the lefthand side, select Default Browser.
Step 4: Under the Internet Explorer compatibility section, select the drop down menu next to Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode and set to Allow.
Step 5: Click Restart to apply and save the changes.
You are now ready to start using Edge in place of Internet Explorer. There is no need to wait until June 15th to start taking advantage of new features, functionality, and Internet Explorer Mode within the Edge browser.
