Support for older versions of Internet Explorer ends on January 12, 2016
What is end of support?
Beginning January 12, 2016, only the most current version of Internet Explorer available for a supported operating system will receive technical supports and security updates. Internet Explorer 11 is the last version of Internet Explorer, and will continue to receive security updates, compatibility fixes, and technical support on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.
Internet Explorer 11 offers improved security, increased performance, better backward compatibility, and support for the web standards that power today’s websites and services. Microsoft encourages customers to upgrade and stay up-to-date on the latest browser for a faster, more secure browsing experience.
Read the Windows lifecycle FAQ sheet to learn more.
What does this mean?
It means you should take action. After January 12, 2016, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for older versions of Internet Explorer. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that may be exploited by malware, helping to keep users and their data safer. Regular security updates help protect computers from malicious attacks, so upgrading and staying current is important.
Read the Windows lifecycle FAQ sheet to learn more.
How do I upgrade Internet Explorer?
Enterprise Customers:
Microsoft offers large organizations (500+ employees) in-depth technical resources, tools, and expert guidance to ease the deployment and management of Windows, Office and Internet Explorer products and technologies. Learn more about migration and deployment programs by contacting your Microsoft sales representative, Microsoft Services or your Certified Microsoft Partner. Learn how to pilot and deploy the latest version of Internet Explorer yourself by visiting TechNet.
Small to Medium Business:
There are many options for small and medium businesses considering a browser upgrade. Small to mid-size organizations (<500 employees) without web applications can update automatically using Automatic Updates. Those with dependencies on existing web applications can locate a Microsoft Certified Partner to understand the best options to meet their business needs.
Home PC Users:
As a home user, you most likely have Automatic Updates turned on, and have already upgraded to Internet Explorer 11 without having to do anything. If you haven't turned on Automatic Updates yet, do so now by clicking the Check for Updates button on the Windows Update portion of the Control Panel to get started.
Potential risks of using older versions of Internet Explorer
Running older versions of Internet Explorer after January 12, 2016 may expose you to potential risks, such as:
Security:
Without critical browser security updates, your PC may become vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software which can steal or damage your business data and information.
Lack of Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Support:
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Many software vendors no longer support older versions of Internet Explorer. For example, Office 365 takes advantage of modern web standards and runs best with the latest browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microsoft Edge?
Microsoft Edge is our all-new browser for Windows 10, that goes beyond browsing with features like Web Note and Cortana1 integration. Microsoft Edge can launch Internet Explorer 11 for sites that need better backward compatibility. Internet Explorer 11 will continue to be supported on Windows 10.
How long will the most current version of Internet Explorer remain supported?
Internet Explorer is a component of the Windows operating system and the most current version will continue to follow the specific support lifecycle policy for the operating system on which it is installed. Internet Explorer 11 will be supported for the life of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. To find the support lifecycle dates for all operating systems, search the Support Lifecycle Database here.
Does this mean Microsoft is changing the support lifecycle policy for Internet Explorer?
The latest version of Internet Explorer will continue to follow the component policy, which means that it follows the support lifecycle and is supported for as long as the Windows operating system on which it is installed. Focusing support on the latest version of Internet Explorer for a supported Windows operating system is in line with industry standards.
What happens if customers don’t move to the latest browser by the end of support on January 12, 2016?
Customers have until January 12, 2016, to upgrade their browser, after which time the previous versions of Internet Explorer will reach end of support. End of support means there will be no more security updates, non-security updates, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical content updates.
What if my enterprise line-of-business (LOB) application has a dependency on a version of Internet Explorer that is slated to reach end of support on January 12, 2016?
As some commercial customers have standardized on earlier versions of Internet Explorer, Microsoft is introducing new features and resources to help customers upgrade and stay current on the latest browser. For example, Enterprise Mode enables the use of legacy web apps with Internet Explorer 11. For guidance and upgrade resources, please visit TechNet.
What is Enterprise Mode?
Enterprise Mode for Internet Explorer 11 offers better backward compatibility, enabling customers to run many legacy web applications designed for older versions of Internet Explorer. To help customers who have a business need for using Internet Explorer 11 with Enterprise Mode, Microsoft is committed to supporting Enterprise Mode as a feature of Internet Explorer 11. Microsoft will continue to invest in compatibility improvements, tools, and other resources to help customers upgrade and stay up-to-date on the latest browser.
Does Enterprise Mode really help?
Upgrading web apps to modern standards is still the best long-term approach, but commercial customers can leverage Enterprise Mode to upgrade to Internet Explorer 11 faster and easier than ever before. See “The Total Economic Impact of Microsoft Internet Explorer 11” for more information.
What resources are available to help customers upgrade?
Microsoft offers numerous free and paid support offerings for customers and partners who wish to migrate to the latest version of Internet Explorer. Please visit TechNet for more information.