Admins, you've been warned: The clock is ticking on Edge's IE Mode
Legacy web apps have guaranteed shelter only through 2029, and Redmond warns modernization can take years
Microsoft has issued a stern reminder to administrators about the impending end of support for Internet Explorer mode in Edge, with a deadline set for 2029. The feature allows enterprises to continue using legacy websites within Edge, utilizing the Trident MSHTML engine from Internet Explorer 11. However, the mode does not support certain elements like custom toolbars or custom toolbars, and its end could pose security, compatibility, and compliance risks for organizations that rely on it.
Microsoft has provided a one-year notice before the feature's retirement, urging customers to commence modernization of their legacy systems. The company has been advocating for this modernization for several years, stating that application modernization projects can span years, depending on the number and complexity of dependencies.
Hence, early planning can significantly reduce the risk of disruption later. Despite Microsoft's announcement in 2021 that IE mode would be supported until the end of 2029, recent reminders suggest that some customers still have substantial migration work ahead.
It's worth noting that Internet Explorer debuted in 1995, but even its last version, Internet Explorer 11, is included with Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021, which remains supported until 2032. However, Microsoft could retire Edge's IE mode considerably sooner, making the end of 2029 feel like a distant but critical deadline for enterprises facing lengthy and potentially expensive migrations from systems implemented decades ago.
Written by urgent.news from The Register's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
