Microsoft has announced that they will no longer provide security updates or technical support for older versions of Internet Explorer. Running older versions of Internet Explorer after January 12, 2016 may expose you to potential risks.
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 for which it is installed on. Focusing support on the latest version of Internet Explorer for a supported Windows operating system is in line with industry standards.
Most customers are already using the latest version of Internet Explorer for their respective Windows operating system, however we have found there is still fragmentation across the install base which poses problems for web developers and support staff. Microsoft recommends customers upgrade to the latest version of Internet Explorer available in order to experience increased performance, improved security, better backward compatibility, and support for the modern web technologies that power today’s websites and services.
Beginning January 12, 2016, only the most current version of Internet Explorer available for a supported operating system will receive technical support and security updates, as shown in the table below:
| Windows Desktop Operating Systems | Internet Explorer Version |
| Windows Vista SP2 | Internet Explorer 9 |
| Windows 7 SP1 | Internet Explorer 11 |
| Windows 8.1 Update | Internet Explorer 11 |
| Windows Server Operating Systems | Internet Explorer Version |
| Windows Server 2008 SP2 | Internet Explorer 9 |
| Windows Server 2008 IA64 (Itanium) | Internet Explorer 9 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 | Internet Explorer 11 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 IA64 (Itanium) | Internet Explorer 11 |
| Windows Server 2012 | Internet Explorer 10 |
| Windows Server 2012 R2 | Internet Explorer 11 |
| Windows Embedded Operating Systems | Internet Explorer Version |
| Windows Embedded for Point of Service (WEPOS) | Internet Explorer 7 |
| Windows Embedded Standard 2009 (WES09) | Internet Explorer 8 |
| Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 | Internet Explorer 8 |
| Windows Embedded Standard 7 | Internet Explorer 11 |
| Windows Embedded POSReady 7 | Internet Explorer 11 |
| Windows Thin PC | Internet Explorer 8 |
| Windows Embedded 8 Standard | Internet Explorer 10 |
| Windows 8.1 Industry Update | Internet Explorer 11 |
For customers running on an older version of Internet Explorer, such as Internet Explorer 8 on Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1), Microsoft recommends customers plan to migrate to one of the above supported operating systems and browser combinations by 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.
Sources:
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/WindowsForBusiness/End-of-IE-support
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/lifecycle#gp/Microsoft-Internet-Explorer