As Windows 10 introduces a new modern web browser, Microsoft plans end support for older versions of Internet Explorer beginning January 2016.
Focusing on Microsoft Edge, the new default web browser for Windows 10, the software giant reveals in its support lifecycle web page that only Internet Explorer 11 will continue to receive support starting January 12, 2016, on Windows 7, Windows 8.x, and Windows 10, which means the end of life for all other previous versions of the web browser.
According to Microsoft, “Internet Explorer 11 is the last version of Internet Explorer, and will continue to receive security updates, compatibility fixes, and technical support” to improve security, performance, and backward compatibility for websites that don’t meet today’s modern web standards.
In other words, after January 12, 2016, Internet Explorer 10, 9, 8, 7, will no longer receive any sort of updates, leaving the web browser vulnerable to online threats, such as malware and other malicious attacks. Users not planning to upgrade to Windows 10, should consider stop using older version of IE in favor of Chrome or Firefox when possible.
If you’re running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 remember that you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free, which also includes the Microsoft Edge web browser, which even though it’s still in the early days and lacks of many basic features, it’s a browser that will continue to receive security and feature updates for years to come.
Source Microsoft, Microsoft Support Lifecycle
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].