Microsoft has announced the retirement of 27-year-old Internet Explorer, as the company’s oldest browser will be phased out altogether starting June 15.

Internet Explorer was released in 1995 as an add-on package for Windows 95. Microsoft then began providing the application for free as part of the package.

The nearly three-decade-old browser peaked at 95% usage share in 2003. However, IE could not maintain its position and its user base began to decline dramatically as other competitors launched new browsers with better user interfaces, faster internet speed and smoother performance.

Internet Explorer, over time, has become a default browser used to install other browsers.

“The future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 is Microsoft Edge,” Microsoft Edge program manager Sean Lyndersay said, citing Mashable.

Lyndersay added, “Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure, and more contemporary browsing experience than Internet Explorer, it also addresses a critical concern: compatibility with older, legacy websites and apps. “

“Internet Explorer Mode (“IE Mode”) is built into Microsoft Edge, allowing you to view older Internet Explorer-based websites and applications directly from Microsoft Edge,” said the Microsoft Edge program manager.

“With Microsoft Edge able to take on this and other responsibilities, the Internet Explorer 11 desktop app will be discontinued and will no longer support certain versions of Windows 10 on June 15, 2022.”

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