Redmond tech giant Microsoft says farewell to Internet Explorer 11 and Edge Legacy in 2021

In an official announcement, the Redmond tech giant said that it will end support for Internet Explorer 11 across its Microsoft 365 apps and services by this time next year. Before that, Microsoft is also ending support for IE 11 with the Microsoft Team web app starting from November 30, 2020.  

No longer supports Microsoft online services

In their blog, Microsoft stated, “This means that after the above dates, customers will have a degraded experience or will be unable to connect to Microsoft 365 apps and services on IE 11. For degraded experiences, new Microsoft 365 features will not be available or certain features may cease to work when accessing the app or service via IE 11.”

However, there is no information on when Internet Explorer will be removed from Windows 10 and that businesses will still be able to access sites specifically built for the browser. “We want to be clear that IE 11 isn’t going away1 and that our customers’ own legacy IE 11 apps and investments will continue to work. Customers have made business-critical investments in IE 11 legacy apps and we respect that those apps are still functioning.”

Plans to end legacy Edge

Microsoft is also planning to end support for its Legacy version of Edge browser. After March 9, 2021, the Microsoft Edge Legacy desktop app will not receive new security updates. “The new Microsoft Edge is our best expression of a modern browser—we’re excited for customers to experience it. Apps and sites created for Microsoft Edge Legacy will continue to work in the new Microsoft Edge.” 

Microsoft started to roll out the new Chromium-based Edge through Windows Update to those who are running Windows 10 1803 or more recent starting in June 2020.  

“With native integration in Microsoft management, security, and productivity tools, we recommend the new Microsoft Edge to address our customers’ compatibility and secure remote work needs. Microsoft Edge has SmartScreen built-in and has the highest-rated phishing and malware protection as measured by two independent studies. We will also support our customers’ transition to the new Microsoft Edge with app and site compatibility assistance. As part of the App Assure promise, we have Microsoft engineers ready to help customers in case they run into compatibility issues.” 

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