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Microsoft's Internet Explorer has been a staple of the internet for over two decades. It was first released in 1995 as an add-on for Windows 95 and quickly became the most popular web browser playing a key role in the rise of the internet.
Internet Explorer had a 95 percent usage share by 2003. However, its popularity began to decline in the mid-to-late 2000s as other browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, gained market share.
In March of 2020, Microsoft announced that Internet Explorer had finally been eclipsed by Edge, launched in 2015, as the most popular web browser within the company.
While Internet Explorer will no longer be supported by the tech giant, Microsoft recommends that users switch to its Edge web browser. Edge features an IE Mode which will still receive support until 2029 (or later) so users can still access legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications.
Microsoft announced the Internet Explorer's retirement by stating that the future of its search engine on Windows 10 will be in Microsoft Edge.
"Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications," the tech company said in a statement.
"We can’t thank everyone enough for supporting Internet Explorer over the years. Many people and organisations around the world have depended on IE to support them as they’ve learned, grown and conducted business online," Microsoft added.