Microsoft withdraws support for Internet Explorer

By Ibrahim Adeleke

After 26 years of support, Microsoft said it has ceased its business with Internet Explorer, making the 11th version the final one.

Microsoft had in 2021 announced that it would put an end to its support for the Internet Explorer on June 15, 2022 (today).

Internet Explorer made its first appearance on Windows desktop computers in 1995 and by 2004, it had taken over 95 per cent of the market.

But now, Google Chrome, Apple’s Safari and Mozilla Firefox are dominant.

Users desirous of using the application are being directed to Microsoft Edge, launched in 2015, alongside Windows 10.

The demand for Internet Explorer drastically reduced after the launch of faster browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, as users seized on new applications to navigate platforms including Google Search, Facebook and YouTube.

The rise of smartphones then arguably delivered the fatal blow, with Apple’s pre-installed Safari browser and Google Chrome on Android phones helping to shift internet access and usage into the mobile realm.

Mobile and tablet internet usage overtook desktop worldwide for the first time in October 2016, according to independent web analytics company.