Microsoft is retiring its web browser Internet Explorer (IE) next year, after nearly 26 years, the company said.
It is pushing its users to switch to the Microsoft Edge browser that comes with "improved compatibility, streamlined productivity and better browser security".
The end of IE comes as no surprise; Microsoft began encouraging users to shun it when Edge was revealed 2015. Since then it has branded IE as a “compatibility solution” rather than a browser. Last year, it announced that Microsoft 365 apps and services will no longer support IE from August 17.
The National looks at the IE's market share and its journey so far.
Internet Explorer: once a dominant player
Launched in 1995, IE enjoyed a monopoly in the web browser market for nearly a decade. It was offered with the company’s Windows operating system that came pre-installed in millions of computers.
However, it started losing its popularity among users due to its sluggish speed and lack of security controls. The advent of other players such as Firefox (2002) and Google’s Chrome (2008) gave users more options that led to a mass exodus from IE.
Market share
Chrome has a 64.4 per cent market share of the global browser market as of April, according to web analytics company Statcounter.
It was followed by Apple’s Safari (18.6 per cent), Firefox (3.5 per cent) Microsoft Edge (3.3 per cent) and IE (0.7 per cent).
To compete with rivals, Microsoft launched the latest version of Edge in January last year. It runs on the same technology as Chrome.
Why is Microsoft retiring Internet Explorer?
The future of IE is in Microsoft Edge, the Redmond-headquartered company said.
Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than IE, but "it is also able to address a key concern - compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications", Sean Lyndersay, partner group programme manager, Microsoft Edge, said.
“Microsoft Edge has [an] IE mode built in, so you can access those legacy IE-based websites and applications straight from Microsoft Edge,” he added.
How to move to Microsoft Edge?
Users of IE can switch to Microsoft Edge before June 15, next year. They can search for Microsoft Edge using the Windows 10 search box. If it is not there, users can download it here.
“We have aimed to make the upgrade to Microsoft Edge simple. Once you have opted in to moving to Microsoft Edge, it’s easy to bring over your passwords, favourites and other browsing data from IE in a few clicks,” said Mr Lyndersay.
“And if you run into a site that needs IE to open, Microsoft Edge has IE mode built-in so you can still access it.”
Better browser security
Nearly 579 password attacks are attempted every second so users need a browser that is up to this challenge.
Microsoft Edge offers the protection against both phishing attacks and malware, the company said. It also offers Password Monitor, which scans the dark web to identify if your personal credentials have been compromised.
“In today’s evolved security landscape, it’s also important that Microsoft Edge is more agile when responding to security vulnerabilities,” said Mr Lyndersay.
“While IE 11 packaged security updates monthly, Microsoft Edge can issue security patches for immediate vulnerabilities within days, if not hours.”
Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
SPECS
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Profile of RentSher
Started: October 2015 in India, November 2016 in UAE
Founders: Harsh Dhand; Vaibhav and Purvashi Doshi
Based: Bangalore, India and Dubai, UAE
Sector: Online rental marketplace
Size: 40 employees
Investment: $2 million
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
UAE squad to face Ireland
Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri (vice-captain), Rohan Mustafa, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Boota, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmad, Zawar Farid, CP Rizwaan, Aryan Lakra, Karthik Meiyappan, Alishan Sharafu, Basil Hameed, Kashif Daud, Adithya Shetty, Vriitya Aravind
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
