Still Clinging to Internet Explorer? Here‘s What You Need to Know in 2024

If you‘re one of the estimated 28 million Internet Explorer (IE) loyalists still using the once-dominant browser in 2024, major changes are ahead. Microsoft officially discontinued support for Internet Explorer 11 desktop application on June 15, 2022 for certain Windows versions. On February 14, 2023, support will end entirely, disabling access to IE 11 on the remaining Windows 10 versions through a Windows security update.

What does the end of support mean for you as an IE user after over 25 years of market dominance? This comprehensive guide covers everything lingering IE users need to know to prepare for a smooth transition to a more modern and secure browsing experience before the deadline renders Internet Explorer obsolete.

The Accelerated Decline of Internet Explorer

As recently as 2012, Internet Explorer still claimed over 50% global browser market share even as upstarts like Google Chrome began making inroads. But over the next decade, IE hemorrhaged users at an astounding rate by technology adoption standards.

Let‘s examine the key inflection points in IE‘s plunging popularity since its peak:

2003 – IE 6 tops out at nearly 95% market share

2009 – IE 8 falls below 70% share as Firefox and Chrome gain adopters

2012 – IE dips under 50% for the first time since the 90s browser wars

2016 – IE drops under 20% share, now 3rd behind Chrome and Firefox

2019 – IE sinks below 10%, relegated to just legacy enterprise use

2023 – IE fading into obscurity under 1% share as support shuts down

This represents one of the swiftest collapses of a formerly dominant technology over the past 30 years. So what primary factors contributed to abandonment by once-loyal users?

Compatibility Issues – New web standards emerged that IE struggled to support properly, causing glitchy or broken experiences on many modern sites.

Security Vulnerabilities – Research shows IE historically suffered more critical exploits compared to rivals. Criminals leveraged bugs to hijack systems for botnets.

Missing Features – Early innovation cemented IE‘s lead, but subsequent versions failed to match valuable new tools introduced by lean upstarts in areas like speed, extensibility and syncing.

Weak Performance – Benchmark testing indicates IE 11 often loads pages slower, uses more memory and ranks lower in standards support compared to contemporary browser competition.

The following chart from ZDNet illustrates Internet Explorer‘s market share erosion accelerating over the past decade across both desktop and mobile environments:

As Microsoft funneled resources towards their revamped Edge browser, IE languished – going over 4 years without a major update release before support was finally discontinued. The company itself now admits very few consumers rely on IE, hastening its removal.

The Post-Support Perils Facing IE Diehards

Now that Microsoft completely severed ties with the IE 11 desktop application, there will be no more:

• Security updates to patch newly discovered vulnerabilities
• Bug fixes for interface or rendering issues
• Technical support via channels like knowledge base
• Browser engine updates to support new web standards

Mounting Security Risks

This lack of ongoing support leaves IE11 users on older Windows versions in an increasingly precarious position from a security perspective.

Without additional patches, visiting websites in IE will only grow more dangerous over time as new exploits emerge that can install malware, steal personal data or encrypt files for ransom.

Cybersecurity researchers already flagged IE‘s dated architecture as more vulnerable than modern browsers even prior to official support ending. Flaws like the one below emerged routinely over the past 5 years:

A scripting engine memory corruption vulnerability exists allowing remote code execution when Internet Explorer improperly accesses objects in memory (CVE-2020-1380)

Expect discoveries of unpatched IE browser risks to accelerate now that Microsoft halted dedicated security testing and response.

So while no immediate crisis results the day support shuts off in February 2023, experts warn IE exposure will slowly escalate as criminal hackers and nation states catalog new attack vectors.

Compatibility Headaches

Additionally, many popular websites and services already partially or fully dropped IE 11 support entirely after Microsoft ended security updates, including:

• Microsoft Teams
• Microsoft 365
• LinkedIn
• Salesforce
• WordPress (v5.8+)
• Twitter
• GitHub
• Adobe Acrobat

You‘ll likely encounter more functionality loss, rendering anomalies and backend errors when accessing these properties and services in IE11 over the coming year.

Expect compatibility troubles to spread to wider corners of the web going forward now that IE 11 lacks any browser engine updates for handling new standards and syntax.

Transitioning to a Modern Browser

Rather than cling to a stagnant, unsafe browsing relic of the past, Microsoft strongly urges remaining IE loyalists to embrace a modern browser option before support shuts down completely in February 2023.

But changing entrenched software habits after years or decades of familiarity reasonably raises concerns for many stubborn IE devotees. Let‘s explore the major worries holding users back:

"I prefer IE‘s interface and don‘t want to learn something new"

All contemporary browsers offer streamlined look and feels bearing similarity to IE‘s aesthetics. Core features primarily reside in slightly different menu locations. With a small learning investment retraining your muscle memory, the updated interface hurdles fade.

"What if I have old intranet sites that require IE to work properly?"

Microsoft‘s Edge includes an "IE Mode" specifically for accessing legacy web apps still needing backward compatibility not renderable in modern browsers. When enabled, Edge essentially mimics an IE 11 instance allowing these sites to function while still providing updated security and speed for general browsing.

"I don‘t trust other browsers to protect my privacy and data"

Research definitively shows IE proved far less secure than Firefox, Chrome or Edge over the past 5-10 years thanks to a glut of exploited critical vulnerabilities. All competing options invest heavily in safety via bug bounties, security audits and sandboxing. For example, Edge incorporates leading Microsoft threat detection services protecting Windows users from phishing, exploits and malware infiltration.

You can also configure strict privacy settings controlling permissions and data sharing in any major browser. Defaults tend to favor functionality over privacy, so be sure to check your options.

"How difficult will it be to transfer my bookmarks, passwords and settings?"

When installing a fresh browser, built-in import tools allow transferring IE‘s bookmarks, saved credentials, form auto-fill data and some personalized settings. This greatly eases migration by eliminating the hassle and risks of losing access to critical browsing information.

Key imported data typically includes:

• Bookmarks / Favorites
• Browsing history
• Saved passwords
• Web form inputs
• Site permissions
• Some add-ons and extensions

Choosing an IE Replacement

The two most seamless destinations for displaced IE users are Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Below we outline notable aspects of each browser:

Microsoft Edge

• IE Mode for backward compatibility where still needed
• Syncs browsing activity across Windows devices
• Integrates with Windows functions like search and notifications
• Shares Google Chrome‘s speedy Chromium rendering engine
• Strong privacy controls and security posture

Google Chrome

• Global browser leader with 65% market share
• Huge library of add-ons and extensions
• Syncs bookmarks, history etc across PCs and mobile
• Rapids updates improving speed, stability and security
• Resource-efficient browser optimized for modern hardware
• Third-party tested as highly secure

Both deliver enormous speed, compatibility and safety improvements over antiquated IE. And you can install multiple browsers to access specific sites requiring IE Mode.

Less Mainstream Options

Beyond the big two, Firefox and Safari merit consideration as well:

Mozilla Firefox

• Open-source browser with focus on user privacy
• Supports a wide array of extensions like Chrome
• Consistently rated very secure by researchers
• Customizable interface tweaks appeal to power users

Apple Safari

• Fast, optimized experience for MacOS/iOS
• Tight platform integration and syncing
• Strong security thanks to Apple isolation
• Uses less memory/power than rivals on Apple devices
• Proprietary web technology hampers full compatibility

Savvy IE migrants should test drive all alternatives to gauge which provides the best blend of familiar usability with modern speed and standards support.

Analyzing Your Enterprise‘s IE Dependency

Large organizations face unique challenges transitioning away from IE compared to consumers. Many still rely on legacy in-house web applications optimized for IE‘s outdated Trident rendering engine over its 25+ year run.

Common examples include:

• HR portal
• Travel booking systems
• Timesheet software
• Asset management apps
• Intranet sites
• Data analytics dashboards
• Archival records systems

Enterprise browser analytics firm CloudReady tracked the IE 11 desktop share within large industries worldwide as of Q3 2022:

A VentureBeat analysis predicts roughly 70% of Fortune 500 firms still have some material IE dependencies. But most IT departments are accelerating migration – setting goals to reach 90-95% enterprise-wide IE elimination over the next 1-2 years.

Proactively auditing internally built apps and assessing compatibility with modern browsers allows smarter upgrade planning before imminent IE support shutoff.

Preparing Your Migration from IE

To ensure a smooth transition away from IE by February 2023, affected users should initiate key preparatory steps ASAP:

1. Download New Browser

Install a contemporary standards-compliant browser like Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome on devices currently relying on IE to access the internet.

2. Import Existing Data

Use the import utility in your newly installed browser to transfer IE‘s bookmarks, credentials, permissions and other data to the new platform so they remain accessible.

3. Install Add-ons and Extensions

Populate your replacement browser with desired tools to regain functionality lost moving from IE. Some popular extensions match capabilities offered by old IE favorites like AdBlock Plus, media downloaders and password managers.

4. Practice Common Tasks

Spend time re-acclimating to the menus and options in Edge or Chrome by practicing frequent activities like web searches, tab management, bookmarking sites and personalization settings adjustments. The learning curve proves gentler than expected.

5. Inventory IE Dependent Sites

Bookmark intranet pages and older commercial web apps that you know still require IE to function properly. Test them explicitly in Edge‘s IE Mode later to assess compatibility.

6. Scrutinize Security Settings

Carefully review all permissions and data sharing defaults in the new browser platform regarding location, notifications, advertising IDs and saved credentials. Tighten as needed to match your comfort level.

7. Seek Migration Support

Consult available help resources both internally and externally if facing difficulties switching enterprise apps reliant on IE over to a modern browser before the support cut-off deadline.

Following these preparatory steps eliminates frustrations down the road once you cease relying on IE by the imminent cutoff. And engaging with veteran users of Edge, Chrome and other popular alternatives in community forums can provide encouragement throughout your adjustment process.

Within 1-2 months, any residual longing for Internet Explorer still lingering will fade. The modern browser environment offers dramatically better performance, compatibility and safety tailored for today‘s web. While the browser shift initially feels disruptive for IE devotees, rest assured most acclimate far faster than anticipated.

Life After Internet Explorer

Microsoft delivered an iconic early online experience with Internet Explorer dominating the consumer browser wars 25 years ago. But the internet evolved exponentially since then, leaving IE‘s dated engine wheezing at the starting line.

Now in 2024, with near universal IE abandonment by individuals and enterprise holdouts soon following, nostalgia compels looking back one last time at this retired technology pioneer.

IE set the stage for innovations powering the modern browsing era we enjoy today. So pour out a 40oz of malt liquor for our web surfing homie IE – it boasted good run even if the last 5 years came crashingly back down to earth like a failed start-up.

At least we still have the dancing paper clip to remember IE‘s 1990s heyday. RIP.