[REMINDER] New details on IE11 desktop application permanent disablement scheduled for February 14, 2023

The out-of-support Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) desktop application is scheduled to be permanently disabled on certain versions of Windows 10 devices on February 14, 2023, through a Microsoft Edge update, not a Windows update as previously communicated. All remaining devices that have not already been redirected from IE11 to Microsoft Edge are scheduled to be redirected with the Microsoft Edge update scheduled for February 14, 2023. Similar to how Windows updates work, redirection from IE11 to Microsoft Edge will be included in all future Microsoft Edge updates and will impact all devices within your organization at the same time with no ability for users to reverse the change. Therefore, if your organization still has dependencies on IE11, you must take steps now to complete your transition before February 14, 2023, or risk business disruption at scale when users lose access to IE11-dependent applications. As a reminder, IE11 has been out of support since June 15, 2022.

The change to use Microsoft Edge update to disable IE is intended to provide a better user experience and help organizations transition their last remaining IE11 users to Microsoft Edge. Users will see a dialogue box when they are transitioned to Microsoft Edge. When they try to click any IE11 icons or other entry points, they will be redirected to Microsoft Edge. Users’ browsing data will be automatically brought over to Microsoft Edge from IE11 so they can seamlessly continue browsing.

IE11 visual references, such as the IE11 icons on the Start Menu and taskbar, will be removed by the June 2023 Windows security update (“B” release) scheduled for June 13, 2023. They will also be removed by the non-security preview “C” release on certain Windows 10 versions scheduled for May 23, 2023.

When this will happen:

  • All in-scope devices are scheduled to be permanently redirected from IE11 to Microsoft Edge on February 14, 2023, through a Microsoft Edge update
  • The Windows update that removes visual references to IE11 is scheduled to be available in the following releases:
  • May non-security preview (“C”) release scheduled for May 23, 2023
  • June security (“B”) release scheduled for June 13, 2023
  • Removal of IE11 visual references will be included in all subsequent Windows updates after the May non-security preview release

How this will affect your organization:

Organizations that have already transitioned from IE11 to Microsoft Edge with IE mode will not be impacted when the IE11 desktop application is scheduled to be permanently disabled on February 14, 2023. Note: If you would like to remove the IE visual references such as on the taskbar or Start Menu, you will need to use the Disable IE policy before February 14, 2023.

Organizations that have not transitioned from IE11 to Microsoft Edge with IE mode may face business disruption at scale when the out-of-support IE11 desktop application is permanently disabled, currently scheduled for February 14, 2023.

When a user tries to open IE11 after receiving the Microsoft Edge update, they will see a dialogue box informing them that they are being redirected to Microsoft Edge. Clicking “Continue” will launch Microsoft Edge. This is an example of a message a user might see:

The Future of Internet Explorer is Microsoft Edge
View image in new tab

What you need to do to prepare:

Complete your transition from IE11 to Microsoft Edge with IE mode before February 14, 2023. Failing to transition before this date may cause your organization to experience business disruption at scale when IE11 is scheduled to be permanently disabled on February 14, 2023. If you would like to remove all IE11 visuals/entry points, set the Disable IE policy before February 14, 2023.

If you need help transitioning from IE11 to Microsoft Edge with IE mode, please reach out to Microsoft as soon as possible through one of the following pathways:

  1. Open a support ticket for help with technical issues
  2. Request help from the App Assure team for app compatibility issues

The majority of customers have already moved to Microsoft Edge and are experiencing the performance and productivity benefits of a faster, more secure, and more modern web experience than Internet Explorer. Microsoft Edge is the only browser with built-in compatibility for legacy IE-based sites and apps with IE mode.

Additional Information

  • Read the FAQ to help answer your questions.

We always value feedback from our customers.

Message ID: MC496928


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I've been working with Microsoft Technologies over the last ten years, mainly focused on creating collaboration and productivity solutions that drive the adoption of Microsoft Modern Workplace.

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