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Microsoft Edge is our all-new browser for Windows 10, that goes beyond browsing with features like Web Note and Cortana1 integration. Microsoft Edge can launch Internet Explorer 11 for sites that need better backward compatibility. Internet Explorer 11 will continue to be supported on Windows 10.

How long will the most current version of Internet Explorer remain supported?

Internet Explorer is a component of the Windows operating system and the most current version will continue to follow the specific support lifecycle policy for the operating system on which it is installed. Internet Explorer 11 will be supported for the life of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. To find the support lifecycle dates for all operating systems, search the Support Lifecycle Database here.

Does this mean Microsoft is changing the support lifecycle policy for Internet Explorer?

The latest version of Internet Explorer will continue to follow the component policy, which means that it follows the support lifecycle and is supported for as long as the Windows operating system on which it is installed. Focusing support on the latest version of Internet Explorer for a supported Windows operating system is in line with industry standards.

What happens if customers don’t move to the latest browser by the end of support on January 12, 2016?

Customers have until January 12, 2016, to upgrade their browser, after which time the previous versions of Internet Explorer will reach end of support. End of support means there will be no more security updates, non-security updates, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical content updates.

What if my enterprise line-of-business (LOB) application has a dependency on a version of Internet Explorer that is slated to reach end of support on January 12, 2016?

As some commercial customers have standardized on earlier versions of Internet Explorer, Microsoft is introducing new features and resources to help customers upgrade and stay current on the latest browser. For example, Enterprise Mode enables the use of legacy web apps with Internet Explorer 11. For guidance and upgrade resources, please visit TechNet.

What is Enterprise Mode?

Enterprise Mode for Internet Explorer 11 offers better backward compatibility, enabling customers to run many legacy web applications designed for older versions of Internet Explorer. To help customers who have a business need for using Internet Explorer 11 with Enterprise Mode, Microsoft is committed to supporting Enterprise Mode as a feature of Internet Explorer 11. Microsoft will continue to invest in compatibility improvements, tools, and other resources to help customers upgrade and stay up-to-date on the latest browser.

Does Enterprise Mode really help?

Upgrading web apps to modern standards is still the best long-term approach, but commercial customers can leverage Enterprise Mode to upgrade to Internet Explorer 11 faster and easier than ever before. See “The Total Economic Impact of Microsoft Internet Explorer 11” for more information.