It’s official: from June 15, 2022, Microsoft will no longer support the Internet Explorer browser. This means that if you continue to use IE, the famous little blue “e” icon that you have seen for years on your computer, you will no longer be able to access the internet or receive updates from this date. So what should you do if you are still one of the rare Internet Explorer users?
Why is Microsoft discontinuing its Internet Explorer browser?
Microsoft is ending support for IE because it is outdated and no longer meets the security standards of other browsers such as Chrome and Firefox. The company has been warning users for years that it will end support for the browser, and the time has come.
In 2009, Internet Explorer was used by 65% of Internet users to access websites. 13 years later, its use only represents…. 0.8%!
The fault of the Chrome browser, which followed exactly the opposite curve and now represents more than 67% of web surfers! It must be admitted that there were several reasons for the death of IE, the main one being the fierce growth of competitors, undoubtedly associated with poor technical choices and a lack of innovation.
What does this mean for IE users?
If you are one of the few users who still rely on Internet Explorer, it’s time to upgrade to a new browser. After June 15, 2022, you will no longer be able to use Internet Explorer to access the internet or receive updates. This means that your computer could be vulnerable to security threats because new viruses and malware are created, which IE cannot protect against. So, which browser should you turn to?
There are many options available, but we recommend Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Both of these browsers are free to download and offer a much safer experience than IE. They also have many features that IE doesn’t (or rather didn’t) offer, like built-in password managers and pop-up blockers.
Microsoft: goodbye Internet Explorer, hello Edge
If you don’t want to leave the Microsoft world, the giant offers you another option: its new Edge browser. The replacement for IE. Much more modern, it is based on the same technology as Google Chrome. Like its competitors, it offers many features to make your browsing safer and more enjoyable.
It is also possible to install Edge on devices running Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, in addition to Windows 10. To do this, go to the Microsoft website and click “Download Edge”.
What you should do before changing browsers
Before switching from Internet Explorer to a new browser, you need to do a few things first:
- Export your favorites : If you have Internet Explorer set as your default browser, your bookmarks should already be saved on your computer. However, it is always good to import them into your new browser. To do this, open IE and go to the “File” menu at the top of the window. Then select “Export” which will then allow you to import them into the new chosen browser.
- Save your passwords : Like bookmarks, your passwords should also be saved if you have set IE as your default browser. However, it is always good to check them before changing browsers, as some passwords may not be compatible with the new browser
- Clear your history and cookies : When you change browsers, you want to make a clean sweep of the past. This means clearing your history and cookies so the new browser doesn’t have any of your old data
- Delete your saved bank cards : quite simply because there is no reason to keep them on an outdated browser
Once you have completed these steps, you can remove Internet Explorer from your computer and turn to a new tool.