The browser that has largely replaced Microsoft's Internet Explorer is Microsoft Edge.
The Evolution from Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge
Internet Explorer (often informally referred to as "Microsoft Explorer" by many users) has been superseded by Microsoft's modern browser offering. Support for Internet Explorer officially ended on June 15, 2022, marking a significant shift in Microsoft's browser strategy towards a more modern and secure browsing experience.
Microsoft Edge, built on the Chromium open-source project, represents Microsoft's commitment to delivering a faster, more secure browser experience. It is the browser recommended by Microsoft for all modern web use, designed to meet the demands of today's internet.
Key Reasons for the Transition
The move from Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge was driven by several critical factors:
- Enhanced Security: Internet Explorer faced increasing security vulnerabilities over time. Edge offers advanced security features like Microsoft Defender SmartScreen and robust tracking prevention to protect users from phishing, malware, and unwanted tracking.
- Superior Performance: Modern web pages load significantly faster and respond more smoothly in Edge compared to its predecessor, providing a much more efficient browsing experience.
- Modern Web Compatibility: Edge fully supports the latest web standards, ensuring websites render correctly and offer full functionality, which was often a challenge for older versions of Internet Explorer.
- Streamlined Development: Being based on Chromium, Edge benefits from a large developer community and consistent updates, allowing for rapid innovation and improved stability.
Navigating Legacy Applications with Internet Explorer Mode
A crucial feature designed to ease the transition for businesses and users relying on older web applications is the Internet Explorer mode within Microsoft Edge.
- Purpose: This mode allows users to access the same Internet Explorer 11 apps and sites directly within Edge, ensuring compatibility for legacy content that might not function correctly on modern browsers. This is particularly valuable for corporate intranets or specialized web applications.
- Seamless Integration: Websites configured to use IE mode will automatically open in this compatibility view within Edge, providing a seamless user experience without needing to switch to a separate, outdated browser.
- Support for Older Technologies: It is ideal for accessing intranet sites, ActiveX controls, and other specific browser components that were developed for and dependent on Internet Explorer's older rendering engine.
Microsoft Edge vs. Internet Explorer: A Snapshot
This table highlights the fundamental differences and improvements that Microsoft Edge brings over its predecessor:
| Feature | Internet Explorer (IE) | Microsoft Edge (Current Version) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Trident | Chromium (Blink & V8) |
| Performance | Slower, more resource-intensive | Faster, significantly more efficient |
| Security | Outdated, frequent vulnerabilities | Advanced, regularly updated defenses |
| Compatibility | Legacy web standards, limited modern support | Modern web standards, IE Mode for legacy |
| Features | Basic browsing, limited extensions | Rich features, vast extension library, Collections, Vertical Tabs, enhanced privacy controls |
| Support | Ended June 15, 2022 | Active, continuous updates and development |
Making the Switch
For most users, the transition to Microsoft Edge has been automatic through Windows updates, as it is now the default browser in Windows operating systems. For those still encountering older versions or needing specific configurations:
- Ensure your Windows operating system is updated to the latest version to get the most recent version of Microsoft Edge.
- If you encounter a site that specifically requires Internet Explorer, Edge will often prompt you to use IE mode. You can also configure specific sites to always open in IE mode through Edge's browser settings.
- Explore Edge's built-in features and customize it to your browsing preferences for an optimized experience, including its robust privacy settings and productivity tools.
Learn more about Microsoft Edge and its features: Microsoft Edge Official Site
