Our favorite browser to download Chrome on, Internet Explorer, retired this Wednesday after Microsoft officially called it quits, ending IE’s nearly 27-year run.
- Internet Explorer is currently inoperable in specific versions of Windows 11 and supported versions of Windows 10 and has been replaced by Microsoft Edge.
- According to Microsoft, the Chromium-powered Edge browser is much faster and more secure than Internet Explorer. It also has a built-in Internet Explorer mode to address concerns about compatibility for older legacy websites and applications.
End of an Era: Internet Explorer first launched as a paid add-on package for Windows 95 before becoming a free app. Its usage peaked in 2003 (ah, the good old days), amassing a 95% market share. However, its popularity declined over time when rivals like Firefox and Chrome entered the scene.
Press F to Pay Respects: As you might have guessed, the Internet is saying farewell through some incredible memes. Here are some of our favorites:
Microsoft announced that Internet Explorer is shutting down after 27 years on June 15, 2022#InternetExplorer pic.twitter.com/sP1UInXloJ
— Sagar Suhindero (@Rahimbuxsagar) June 13, 2022
is Internet Explorer ever truly dead? pic.twitter.com/KQGndprUxn
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 14, 2022
If I use Internet Explorer to read this tweet 3 weeks from now, it won't be because I'm nostalgic. pic.twitter.com/7YguCgLDoq
— M.R. Field (@ISpeakPirate) June 15, 2022
