Microsoft is axing support for older versions of its Internet Explorer browser, urging Windows users to upgrade to the newest version or begin using new browser Microsoft Edge.
From January 12 only Internet Explorer 11 will continue to receive technical support and security updates, while 8, 9 and 10 will lose upgrades.
IE 11 will keep receiving security updates for the duration of Windows 7, 8.1 and 10.
On its page about the end of support date, Microsoft says: “Security updates patch vulnerabilities that may be exploited by malware, helping to keep users and their data safer. Regular security updates help protect computers from malicious attacks, so upgrading and staying current is important.”
As a result, it says, “Microsoft encourages customers to upgrade and stay up-to-date on the latest browser for a faster, more secure browsing experience”.
Microsoft announced the demise of IE back in March, ending 19 years of browser history. Project Spartan, now known as Edge, was hailed as a fresh start, following years of negative coverage as IE was overtaken by faster, more efficient rivals including Google’s Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.