As previously announced in (MC257152 – May), (MC288052 – Sept), and (MC298657 – Nov), the future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 is in Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer mode (IE mode) provides legacy browser support within Microsoft Edge. Because of this, the IE11 desktop application will be retired on June 15, 2022. This means that the IE11 desktop application will no longer be supported and afterwards will redirect to Microsoft Edge if a user tries to access it.
With 6 months left before retirement, we highly recommend you start preparing for this multi-month transition today. The essential first step—Site Discovery—typically takes 3-4 weeks. Site Discovery identifies legacy-dependent sites in your organization based on user traffic. Don’t delay and get started on your transition today.
Note: The IE11 desktop application is not available on Windows 11. To continue using legacy IE-based sites and apps on Windows 11, IE mode in Microsoft Edge must be configured before deploying Windows 11.
Internet Explorer 11 desktop application
- Timing: The IE11 desktop application will be retired on June 15, 2022Windows 10 LTSC and Server not affected. For a full list of what is in scope for retirement, see the FAQ.
- IE11 is not available on Windows 11.
- Action:To continue using a supported browser, transition to the Microsoft Edge.
- To continue using legacy IE-based sites and apps in Windows 10 and Windows 11, you will need to configure those sites and apps to open in Microsoft Edge using Internet Explorer mode.Start setting up IE mode by performing Site Discovery (3-4 week process depending on the size of your organization). This is also available as part of the Configure IE mode guided experience in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
How this will affect your organization
If your organization has legacy sites and apps with IE dependencies, you will need to set up IE mode so that users can access them through Microsoft Edge.
Starting with the Windows 10 January 2022 C “Preview” release, IE11 will have an in-product banner notifying users of the upcoming retirement. This will only show on affected Windows versions. To configure, use the “Hide Internet Explorer 11 Application Retirement Notification” group policy found in the Local Group Policy Editor under Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Internet Explorer.
Note: After June 15, 2022, the IE11 desktop application will be removed from in-scope versions of Windows 10 via Windows update. We do not recommend avoiding Windows updates to keep IE11 as Window updates contain critical operating system security patches.
What you need to do to prepare
To prepare, we recommend setting up Microsoft Edge in your organization. If your organization needs legacy browser support, we recommend setting up IE mode in Microsoft Edge as soon as possible because this is a multi-step process.
- View the Microsoft browser usage report in the Microsoft 365 Admin center to help size IE usage in your organization. Appropriate permissions required.
- Use the Getting Started guide to set up IE mode in Microsoft Edge in your organization.Start setting up IE mode by performing Site Discovery (typically 3-4 weeks). This is also available as part of the Configure IE mode guided experience in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. You can also learn more by joining a webinar.
- FastTrack can help with deployment and configuration at no additional charge for customers with 150 or more seats of Windows 10.
- For help with web app and site compatibility, especially if you have legacy site concerns after configuring IE mode, learn more about the App Assure program.
Additional Information
- Watch our Ignite video for learn more about getting started.
- Learn more about hosting your IE mode site list in an authenticated cloud endpoint in the M365 admin center.
- Read our announcement blog and our blog series for more information.
- Visit the Internet Explorer mode website.
- Read our FAQ to help answer your questions.
We always value feedback and questions from our customers. Please feel free to submit either feedback or questions via Message Center.
Message ID: MC306663
Published: 18 December 2021
Updated: 18 December 2021
Effective: 15 June 2022
#UserImpact #AdminImpact #Retirement #365Apps
Plan For Change
