M365 Changelog: IE11 desktop application retires in 7 months on June 15, 2022 – Set up IE mode today (non-LTSC, non-Server)

MC298657 – As announced in (MC257152 – May and MC288052 – Sept), the future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 is in Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer mode (IE mode) provides legacy browser support within Microsoft Edge. Because of this, the IE11 desktop application will be retired on June 15, 2022. This means that the IE11 desktop application will no longer be supported and afterwards will redirect to Microsoft Edge if a user tries to access it.

With 7 months left before retirement, Microsoft highly recommends you start preparing for this multi-month transition today. The essential first step—Site Discovery—typically takes 3-4 weeks. Because this step requires active users on your network, Microsoft recommends kicking this off before the holiday downtime. Site Discovery identifies legacy-dependent sites in your organization based on user traffic. Don’t delay and get started on your transition today.

Note: IE is not available on Windows 11. To continue using legacy IE-based sites and apps on Windows 11, IE mode in Microsoft Edge must be configured before deploying Windows 11.

Internet Explorer 11 desktop application:

• Timing: The IE11 desktop application will be retired on June 15, 2022
  • Windows 10 LTSC and Server not affected. For a full list of what is in scope for retirement, see the FAQ.
  • IE11 is not available on Windows 11.
• Action:
  • To continue using a supported browser, transition to the Microsoft Edge.
  • To continue using legacy IE-based sites and apps in Windows 10 and Windows 11, you will need to configure those sites and apps to open in Microsoft Edge using Internet Explorer mode.
    • Start setting up IE mode by performing Site Discovery (3-4 week process depending on the size of your organization). This is also available as part of the Configure IE mode guided experience in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.

How this will affect your organization:

If your organization has legacy sites and apps with IE dependencies, you will need to set up IE mode so that users can access them through Microsoft Edge.

Note: After June 15, 2022, the IE11 desktop application will be removed from in-scope Windows 10 devices via Windows update. Microsoft does not recommend avoiding Windows updates to keep IE11 as Window updates contain critical operating system security patches.

What you need to do to prepare:

To prepare, Microsoft recommends setting up Microsoft Edge in your organization. If your organization needs legacy browser support, Microsoft recommends setting up IE mode in Microsoft Edge as soon as possible because this can be a multi-month process.

• View the Microsoft browser usage report in the Microsoft 365 Admin center to help size IE usage in your organization. Appropriate permissions required.
• Use the Getting Started guide to learn how to set up Microsoft Edge in your organization, configure Internet Explorer mode (if needed), and move your end users.
  • Start setting up IE mode by performing Site Discovery (typically 3-4 weeks). This is also available as part of the Configure IE mode guided experience in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. You can also learn more by joining a webinar.
  • FastTrack can help with deployment and configuration at no additional charge for customers with 150 or more seats of Windows 10.
  • For help with web app and site compatibility, especially if you have legacy site concerns after configuring IE mode, learn more about the App Assure program.

Learn more:

• Watch Microsoft’s Ignite video for learn more about getting started.
• Read Microsoft’s announcement blog and their blog series for more information.
• Visit the Internet Explorer mode website.
• Read Microosft’s FAQ to help answer your questions.
• Visit the Microsoft Edge and IE lifecycle page for more details.

Microsoft always values feedback and questions from their customers. Please feel free to submit either feedback or questions via Message Center.

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