What is ie

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Quick Answer: IE (Internet Explorer) is a web browser developed by Microsoft that was widely used for internet browsing from 1995 to 2022. It was the default browser on Windows computers for decades before being retired.

Key Facts

History of Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer (IE) was created by Microsoft as a web browser to compete in the early internet era. Initially bundled with Windows 95, it quickly became the dominant browser due to the prevalence of Windows operating systems. By the early 2000s, IE controlled the vast majority of the browser market, making it the de facto standard for web browsing.

Key Features and Versions

Throughout its 27-year history, Internet Explorer went through numerous versions, from IE 1.0 to IE 11. Early versions were quite basic, but later iterations added features like tabbed browsing (IE 7), improved CSS support, and developer tools. However, IE consistently lagged behind competitors like Firefox, Safari, and Chrome in terms of performance and standards compliance.

Problems and Criticisms

Internet Explorer became infamous among web developers for its poor support of web standards and slow performance. The phrase "this website is best viewed in Internet Explorer" became a running joke. Compatibility issues forced developers to write special code just to support IE, wasting countless hours. Security vulnerabilities were also frequent, making IE a target for malware.

Market Decline and Discontinuation

As Chrome, Firefox, and Safari improved and gained market share, IE's dominance crumbled. By 2012, its market share had fallen below 50%. Microsoft announced in 2021 that IE would be retired, with support officially ending on June 15, 2022. The company directed all IE users to Microsoft Edge, its modern replacement browser that uses the Chromium engine.

Legacy and Impact

Internet Explorer's decline marked a shift in web browser competition and standards adoption. Its retirement symbolized the end of an era where a single operating system controlled internet browsing. Today, Internet Explorer is primarily remembered for the frustrations it caused developers and its role in early internet history.

Related Questions

What is the difference between Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge is the modern replacement for Internet Explorer, built on the Chromium engine. Edge offers significantly better performance, security, and web standards compliance than IE, which was discontinued in 2022.

Why was Internet Explorer discontinued?

Internet Explorer was discontinued because it had become outdated, suffered from poor performance, security vulnerabilities, and lack of modern web standards support. Microsoft developed Edge as a modern alternative.

What browser should I use instead of Internet Explorer?

Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Edge, but Chrome, Firefox, and Safari are also excellent modern alternatives that offer better speed, security, and compatibility with current websites.

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Sources

  1. Wikipedia - Internet Explorer CC-BY-SA-4.0
  2. Microsoft - Internet Explorer Support proprietary