Net Applications says IE 8 is the most popular single browser version worldwide, installed on more than 20 percent of all PCs running a desktop OS. IE is still the most popular desktop Web browser, with its global market share as of June standing at 58.4%, 19.3% share of Google’s Chrome browser, while 15.5% share of Firefox. If you are still surfing the internet using the older versions of IE, then you still have some time to get your browser updated or else you will be left using a browser no longer receiving important security updates.
Microsoft has recently announced that it is dropping support, including security updates, for older Internet Explorer versions. Starting January 12, 2016, Microsoft will give technical support and security updates only to the most recent version of Internet Explorer available for a supported operating system. It said that support for Internet Explorer 8 will be dropped completely for Windows desktop and server releases after the first Patch Tuesday of 2016 (security updates for Internet Explorer 8 will continue to be available after the cutoff date for a handful of embedded operating systems).
According to the new announced policy, Windows Vista and Server 2008 users must use Internet Explorer 9, and Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 users must use Internet Explorer 11. Windows Server 2012 users must use Internet Explorer 10, while Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 users must have Internet Explorer 11.
There is no version of Internet Explorer 11 for Windows 8. However, Windows 8 and 8.1 have two years of “parallel” support, during which both receive updates. After that period, the (free) 8.1 update becomes mandatory anyway. The cut-off date for Windows 8.0 is also January 12, 2016. However, Microsoft started making Internet Explorer updates automatic with Internet Explorer 9 & 10.
Below is the list of Supported Browsers in 2016
Microsoft always wants its users to use its updated software as it is more secure and offers improved browsing experience. The company said that using the latest version of IE simply means user will have a faster, smoother and safer experience navigating the web.
Therefore, to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft as well as to get safer and improved browsing experience, 98 percent of all Windows PCs in use worldwide will be required to have Internet Explorer 11 installed.
