Software giant Microsoft has decided to pull the support plug on old versions of Internet Explorer.
Of course that is not what Microsoft said on its blog. It tells you that it is “prioritising helping users stay up-to-date with the latest version of Internet Explorer.”
Vole said that outdated browsers represent a major challenge in keeping the Web “egosystem” safer and more secure, as modern Web browsers have better security protection.
Internet Explorer 11 includes features like Enhanced Protected Mode to help keep customers safer. It should come as no surprise that the most recent, fully-patched version of Internet Explorer is more secure than older versions, Vole wrote.
To force the hand of users, from January 12, 2016, the following operating systems and browser version combinations will be supported:
| Windows Platform | Internet Explorer Version |
| Windows Vista SP2 | Internet Explorer 9 |
| Windows Server 2008 SP2 | Internet Explorer 9 |
| Windows 7 SP1 | Internet Explorer 11 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 | Internet Explorer 11 |
| Windows 8.1 | Internet Explorer 11 |
| Windows Server 2012 | Internet Explorer 10 |
| Windows Server 2012 R2 | Internet Explorer 11 |
After January 12, 2016, only the most recent version of Internet Explorer available for a supported operating system will receive technical support and security updates.
Customers using Internet Explorer 8, Internet Explorer 9, or Internet Explorer 10 on Windows 7 SP1 should migrate to Internet Explorer 11 to continue receiving security updates and technical support. For more details regarding support timelines on Windows and Windows Embedded, see the Microsoft Support Lifecycle site.
Vole said that it is introducing new features and resources to help customers upgrade and stay current on the latest browser.
