Microsoft's Future for Internet Explorer 11 After Edge Release: Security Patches Only
The release of Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 has led to many questions and speculations regarding the future of Internet Explorer (IE) 11, particularly whether Microsoft plans to introduce any new features that align with modern web standards. This article aims to address these concerns, explaining why further development on IE11 is unlikely, except for security patches.
Microsoft's Current Focus
With the release of Microsoft Edge, a modern web browser that is designed to prioritize web standards and performance, Microsoft's focus has shifted towards modernizing the web platform. This shift signals a clear direction for the company, which is pivoting away from supporting legacy software like IE11 to streamline its product offerings and cater to current web development trends.
Why No Feature Additions?
The decision to not add any new features to IE11 after the release of Microsoft Edge is rooted in pragmatic business decisions and the landscape of modern web technology. Here are some key reasons:
Resource Allocation: Developing new features for IE would require a significant amount of resources, which could be more effectively allocated towards the development of Edge and other current and future products.
User Adoption and Migration: Encouraging users to migrate from IE11 to more modern browsers like Edge is a major priority for Microsoft. Continued development of IE11 would hinder this migration, as users might be hesitant to update.
Focus on Modern Standards: With new web standards being continuously introduced, the need for IE11 to support these new features is diminishing. The focus is now on developing browsers that fully support modern web technologies.
Tech Obsolescence: IE11 is already 10 years old, which is an excessively long time for a browser to be in active development. Keeping it relevant and secure is a much easier task with no feature development.
Security Patches and Maintenance
While Microsoft will no longer add new features to IE11, the browser will still receive security patches to ensure it remains secure against newly discovered vulnerabilities. Security is paramount, especially for a browser that is still widely used.
Microsoft has plans to end support for certain legacy versions of Windows, including Windows 7, in the coming years. This means that the user base for IE11 will continue to shrink as these operating systems are phased out. However, during the transition period, security patches will help mitigate risks posed by cyber threats.
Market Trends and User Expectations
The market trends and user expectations have shifted significantly in recent years. Most web developers today are focused on creating websites and web applications that are compatible with modern browsers like Edge. The majority of users have already migrated to newer browsers, and the remaining user base using older versions of Windows like Win7 and Win8.1 can be addressed by offering security updates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Microsoft Edge represents the future of web browsing for most users, Internet Explorer 11 will continue to receive security patches but no feature additions. The decision to focus on security rather than development is in line with broader industry trends and user expectations. Moving forward, users are encouraged to migrate to more modern browsers like Edge to take full advantage of cutting-edge web technologies.
Keywords: Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Windows 10, Feature Addition, Security Patches