Microsoft publicly encouraged organizations to move away from Internet Explorer before retiring the browser. The recommendation reflected security, compatibility and maintenance problems associated with using legacy technology as a general web browser.
Why Internet Explorer became unsuitable
The modern web evolved beyond many of its capabilities, while older applications continued to depend on proprietary behavior. Supporting both created cost and risk for users and development teams.
The browser has been retired
Internet Explorer is no longer a supported general browser. Some organizations may use compatibility features in Microsoft Edge for specific legacy applications, but those cases should be managed deliberately.
Lessons for current technology
Keep browsers and operating systems updated, define a support policy based on audience evidence and avoid building critical workflows around one vendor-specific implementation.
Organizations with legacy dependencies should inventory them, assess business risk and plan migration rather than extending unsupported software indefinitely. A secure upgrade path is part of responsible product maintenance.
