Ok, we know that many of our readers won’t be using any version of Internet Explorer on their computers, given its reputation. But if by chance you are using Internet Explorer 8,9, or 10 then it really is time to change, because support for those browser versions is about to stop.
January 12th is the deadline. That’s next Tuesday. That is the date when the last patches and fixes will be applied to the aging Internet browser versions. From then onwards, you can continue using them, but they will be potentially insecure and vulnerable to exploits.
That means any security vulnerabilities found in the software will not be fixed, leaving you open to cyber-attacks. If you cast your memory back to 2014 – specifically April 2014 – you’ll remember us delivering a similar warning about Windows XP, when Microsoft stopped supporting the popular operating system.
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It’s the natural progression that comes with the passage of time. Software comes and goes, and now if you’re an Internet Explorer fan, the only officially supported version of one of the Internet’s most prolific Internet browsers is now Internet Explorer 11, which is safe for the foreseeable future. Though we expect Microsoft won’t be too sad to see Internet Explorer put behind them as they concentrate on their new browser, Microsoft Edge.
So what are all you Internet Explorer 8,9 and 10 users to do?
The simple answer is also the recommended one. Switch or upgrade. The popular Internet browsers are all free, so there is little reason to not do so. Internet Explorer 11 is available from Microsoft, or if you feel like a change of scenery, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are popular alternatives.
If you need to know what version of Internet Explorer you are using, simply open up your browser and press ALT + H and from the dropdown menu that appears select ‘About Internet Explorer’. If the number 8,9 or 10 appear after Internet Explorer, it’s time for a change.
It’s worth checking your browser version if you’re using Windows XP (which you shouldn’t be!) Windows Vista and Windows 7. Windows 8.1 should come with IE11 and Windows 10 users should have the latest browser, Microsoft Edge.
Are you using a soon-to-be outdated version of Internet Explorer? Let us know.