Back in June of 2022, Microsoft ended support for Internet Explorer (IE) on many versions of Windows 10. Now the company is planning to completely retire the web browser come February 14th of 2023. For businesses that depend on internet explorer for their daily use and critical applications, this can cause major disruptions in business workflows if the proper preparation isn’t performed. Today, we want to talk about what businesses can expect for this transition and how it is prudent to begin looking towards Microsoft Edge and planning for its implementation.
Next Steps for IE Users
Since IE will be permanently disabled, users should ensure they have the IE mode in their Microsoft Edge browser enabled while they update any applications that rely on IE11. It is critical that businesses verify that the IE mode works for their needs before the full retirement comes into effect. For businesses that need help getting their environment prepared for the shutdown, Microsoft has published guides and many IT consultants can help ensure you’re prepared. While it may be tempting to simply skip the update that disables internet explorer in February, this means your machines will not receive necessary security updates, and malicious actors will be hunting specifically for devices vulnerable in this manner to launch attacks.
What IT Needs to Know
Microsoft plans to support IE mode in Microsoft Edge until at least 2029, so company IT departments must get prepared for this transition. While certain critical systems like those in government use will continue to have IE support, essentially all businesses will lose IE come February. Sites that need to use IE mode can be compiled into a list that allows them to immediately be loaded in IE mode when opened, and this site list can be stored on the company’s network or in Microsoft’s cloud-based admin center. For any compatibility problems that arise, Microsoft has opened support at no-cost to ease the transition.
Microsoft’s Plan for the Future
Microsoft recommends that businesses switch to Microsoft Edge as soon as possible, and each user’s browser data should transfer seamlessly from IE to Edge. The IE11 application will remain on devices because it is needed for IE mode in Edge, but it will be disabled after the February patch. Users will be able to find the application but launching it will redirect the user to Edge. Because IE mode does have a tentative end date, it is recommended that businesses do not rely on it in the long term and instead work to transition their IE mode dependent applications to Microsoft Edge or another solution to prevent disruptions to business operations in the future.
Summary
Our Robinett Consulting team knows that some small businesses still depend on internet explorer for some company applications, and we want to help. As Microsoft moves forward with its plans to transition from IE to Microsoft edge, many businesses may need the help of an IT consultant to navigate network complexities and ensure their day-to-day operations aren’t disrupted. While the internet explorer retirement may mean simply switching to a new web browser for many companies, if you need help getting IE mode ready for your applications, then our IT specialists are waiting to hear from you!
