It is essential to stay on top of news and updates concerning the operating system, browsers, applications, software, and other programs that are used within your organization. In 2021, it was announced that Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) would be going end of life (EOL) on June 15, 2022, and that date is rapidly approaching. What that means is that for most Windows 10 operation systems versions, being able to continue using IE11 would no longer be an option. The point of providing users with so much advanced warning is to ease everyone who uses Microsoft products toward the newest browser. This process also included an end of support for Microsoft 365 Services beginning August 17, 2021. Making sure that your organization is up-to-date on the latest versions of programs and systems is an essential part of network security as a whole, protecting your business from browser security risks and other potentially-damaging issues.
Who Can Still Use Internet Explorer 11?
If you are still dragging your feet and have not updated from IE11 as of yet, you will still be able to continue using it – with limited abilities – in certain situations. One exception is for Outlook Web App (OWA) users who log in with their AAD accounts. They will still receive the full experience with Outlook, but as of August 17, 2021, they would no longer receive any new feature updates. On the other hand, users who log in with their Microsoft Accounts are being redirected to the new Outlook Web App Light experience instead of being allowed to continue using OWA.
Another exception includes users who access IE11 via Explorer/View through File Explorer SharePoint to access document libraries. Microsoft has stated that they would continue allowing these features to be used by customers who go to a document library in Internet Explorer 11. However, the features are in “maintenance mode” and will not receive any further development or support. The goal of all this advanced warning is to get users to migrate to a newer browser and begin to use OneDrive sync to access documents and files. Other services will be phased out over a period of weeks and months to ensure a better, smoother experience for everyone involved.
Outdated Browser Security Risks
While there are exceptions and individuals still using Internet Explorer 11, your organization should make sure that employees are not using IE to access Microsoft 365 Services. The best way to achieve this is to have your IT team check by viewing the list of default browsers used within the system and ensure that no one is using IE11 as their default browser. This will also help to make sure that no one is using the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application, which will also no longer be supported by Windows 10 operating systems as of June 15, 2022. Microsoft acknowledges that there are inherent browser security risks associated with the continued use of Internet Explorer 11, which should be enough to encourage businesses to move away from using it altogether.
Not only will a more modern browser provide your organization with greater security and improved protection from potential risks caused by using an outdated browser, but there are other benefits, as well. Microsoft states that their three primary reasons for making the change include improved compatibility with operating systems and software, streamlined productivity through more powerful and advanced features, and, of course, better browser security across the board. Once the IE desktop application is disabled, users will be automatically redirected to use Microsoft Edge. Your business should make these changes within your company network to ensure no one is using Internet Explorer 11 well before this final end of life and support date imposed by Microsoft.
Innovative Technology Solutions at Synivate
We integrate and support IT solutions designed to address the complex needs of your business in a convenient, all-in-one service. Synivate has helped hundreds of clients in the Greater Boston area to evaluate and resolve their technology needs, and we can help you to do the same! Professional monitoring and management services, business continuity, network security, Help Desk support, unified communications solutions, and cloud computing are just some of our areas of proficiency. Contact our team by calling 617-848-1248 or contact us via our website to schedule a free, comprehensive consultation to help get things started.