Microsoft Will Officially Shut Down Internet Explorer Next Year

RIP Explorer, you won't be missed. 

It’s a bittersweet day for Internet Explorer as Microsoft have announced they will be shutting down the web browser in June 2022.

You feel that? That’s another piece of your childhood fading away, just like Bratz Dolls and 30-cent cones.

The web browser was the pioneer for searching the web in the early 2000s and was pretty much involved in every young person’s introduction to the internet.

For that, Explorer holds a special place in our hearts.

Unfortunately, once other web browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox and Safari began to launch, Explorer’s days were numbered.

Come 2015, Microsoft began to phase out Explorer too with the introduction of the—dare I say—better web browser called Microsoft Edge which continues to be used for exactly what Explorer was used for: download another browser.

Speaking about Explorer's retirement, Microsoft made it clear Edge is the favourite son now.

“The future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 is Microsoft Edge,” they wrote in a post.

“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.”

That’s a terrible obituary Microsoft, just sayin’.

As this news of Explorer’s scheduled execution spread around the world, Twitter users couldn’t help but take one last jab at the browser.

You know, despite the funny tweets and the great trip down memory lane, I’m really not going to miss Explorer all that much. I switched to Chrome a long time ago.

Sorry not sorry.

The final death blow will come next year on 15 June, so you better show Explorer some love before it’s too late.

Header Image: Alexander Hassenstein / Staff via Getty Images