M365 Changelog: Reminder: IE11 desktop application retires in 9 months on June 15, 2022 – Set up IE mode today (non-LTSC, non-Server)

MC288052 – Updated October 07, 2021: Microsoft has updated the content below for additional clarity.

As announced in MC257152 (May 2021), the future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 is in Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer mode (IE mode) provides legacy browser support within Microsoft Edge. Because of this, the IE11 desktop application will be retired on June 15, 2022. This means that the IE11 desktop application will no longer be supported and afterwards will redirect to Microsoft Edge if a user tries to access it.

With 9 months left before retirement, Microsoft highly recommends you start preparing today. The essential first step—Site Discovery—typically takes 3-4 weeks.

Internet Explorer 11 desktop application

• Timing: The IE11 desktop application will be retired on June 15, 2022
  • Windows 10 LTSC and Server not affected. For a full list of what is in scope for retirement, see the FAQ.
• Action:
  • To continue using a supported browser, transition to the Microsoft Edge.
  • To continue using legacy IE-based sites and apps, you will need to configure those sites and apps to open in Microsoft Edge using Internet Explorer mode.
    • Start setting up IE mode by performing Site Discovery (3-4 week process depending on the size of your organization). This is also available as part of the Configure IE mode guided experience in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.

How this will affect your organization:

If your organization has legacy sites and apps with IE dependencies, you will need to set up IE mode so that users can access them through Microsoft Edge. Microsoft Edge, with Internet Explorer mode, is the only browser with built-in compatibility for legacy IE-based sites and apps. It also gives your organization world-class compatibility with a dual engine advantage:

• Microsoft Edge renders IE-based sites and apps using IE mode.
• Microsoft Edge renders modern sites and apps using Chromium.

IE mode support follows the lifecycle of Windows Client, Server, and IoT releases at least through 2029. Additionally, Microsoft will give one year notice to deprecate the IE mode experience in-market when the time comes.

Note: After June 15, 2022, the IE11 desktop application will be disabled via Windows update. Microsoft does not recommend avoiding Windows updates to keep IE11 as Window updates contain critical operating system security patches.

What you need to do to prepare:

To prepare, Microsoft recommends setting up Microsoft Edge in your organization. If your organization needs legacy browser support, they recommend setting up IE mode in Microsoft Edge as soon as possible.

• View the Microsoft browser usage report in the Microsoft 365 Admin center to help size IE usage in your organization. Appropriate permissions required.
• Use the Getting Started guide to learn how to set up Microsoft Edge in your organization, configure Internet Explorer mode (if needed), and move your end users.
  • Start setting up IE mode by performing Site Discovery (typically 3-4 weeks). This is also available as part of the Configure IE mode guided experience in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
  • FastTrack can help with deployment and configuration at no additional charge for customers with 150 or more seats of Windows 10.
  • For help with web app and site compatibility, especially if you have legacy site concerns after configuring IE mode, learn more about the App Assure program.

Additional Information

• Read Microsoft’s announcement blog and their blog series for more information.
• Visit the Internet Explorer mode website.
• Read Microosft’s FAQ to help answer your questions.
• Visit the Microsoft Edge and IE lifecycle page for more details.

Microsoft always values feedback and questions from their customers. Please feel free to submit either feedback or questions via Message Center.

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