Internet Explorer Matters: Internet Explorer is now an obsolete and retired browser, but IE Mode is still hanging around in the latest editions of Windows. Microsoft recently reminded everyone that the company plans to stop supporting this compatibility solution sooner rather than later. Migration efforts should begin soon, although some companies might need more time to replace the ancient technology.
Microsoft retired support for Internet Explorer 11 years ago, but the ancient browser is still lingering in modern Windows releases through the IE Mode feature. By the end of 2029, even IE Mode will finally be gone, along with IE's ancient web engine technology. Enterprise organizations should prepare for the switch-off now by upgrading or replacing applications that still require IE to run on recent operating systems.
In a recent message pushed to the Microsoft 365 admin center (MC1473151), Redmond reminded organizations about the planned retirement of IE Mode. As the company first announced in 2021, Internet Explorer (IE) mode in Microsoft Edge is going to be supported "at least" until the end of 2029.
Microsoft will share a new end-of-support notice for IE Mode at least one year in advance. However, IT admins must properly plan the migration of their company's legacy applets, apps, and applications that still require Internet Explorer/IE Mode. Some modernization efforts might take years to complete, which is why Microsoft is routinely sending out deprecation reminders such as MC1473151.
IE Mode is a special compatibility mode available in modern Edge releases. It is based on Google's Chromium browser engine, and can display web pages using Internet Explorer 11's Trident engine. Also known as MSHTML, the proprietary layout engine has gone through many changes since its introduction with Internet Explorer 4.0.
Internet Explorer 11 uses MSHTML 7.0, which supports WebGL applets and the now-retired SPDY web communication protocol. If an organization does not use any IE-based applets, no action is required after Microsoft publishes the MC1473151 alert.
IE Mode will likely continue working with few issues even after 2029. However, organizations are asked to properly assess their IT infrastructure to identify the business- and mission-critical elements that still require IE Mode. These applications and websites should be updated, rehosted, replaced, or rebuilt using modern web technologies, Microsoft warned.
The company is even offering to lend a hand through its App Assure service, which should help eligible customers check and improve compatibility of custom applications with modern Windows platforms.
Either way, Microsoft warns that "planning early can help your organization identify migration risks and reduce the likelihood of disruption as you move away from IE mode dependencies."