If you’ve ever groaned at a slow-loading page or struggled with a legacy system, Internet Explorer (IE) likely had a hand in it. IE once had massive market share, but received mixed reactions. While it introduced millions to the World Wide Web, it was also the butt of thousands of jokes. Internet Explorer: “It’s the browser you use to download Chrome.”
It came with clunky interfaces, compatibility headaches, and the slow death of outdated software. Yet despite its flaws, IE was a hard hitter in the Browser Wars.
This article tells the full Internet Explorer history—from its meteoric rise to digital fame to its eventual sunset. We’ll cover key milestones and issues.
What is Internet Explorer?
Internet Explorer (IE) was Microsoft’s flagship web browser for almost 27 years. It launched in 1995 and soon became Microsoft Windows’ default browser. IE gave millions their first glimpse of the World Wide Web. Its legacy is a mix of innovation and compatibility headaches, with significant security issues.
At its peak, IE was more than just a browser. It was a core part of the Windows operating system, deeply integrated with other Windows features. It played a Bill-Gates-sized role in the internet boom. Despite its eventual decline, IE’s influence on web development and browser competition is undeniable.
The History of Internet Explorer
Here’s the lowdown on the web’s past master, with a full version history and all the ups and downs.
The Early Days: Internet Explorer 1-4
When Internet Explorer (IE) launched in 1995, the internet was a digital Wild West. Netscape Navigator was the dominant browser. Microsoft’s move to bundle IE with Windows 95 was a game-changer. It turned personal computers everywhere into IE strongholds, to Netscape’s dismay.
Internet Explorer 1.0: A Humble Beginning (1 Million Users)
Internet Explorer 1.0 was built in 1995 on the Mosaic browser. Early integration with Windows 95 pushed it into millions of homes and offices. Its features were minimal, with no support for media or interactive elements. It was a bare-bones gateway to the early World Wide Web.
Internet Explorer 2.0: Adding Security and Multimedia (5 Million Users)
In November 1995, IE 2.0 added support for SSL and VRML. These additions supported secure transactions and richer web experiences. The browser started to gain traction with early personal computer users, chipping away at Netscape’s lead.
Internet Explorer 3.0: A Major Leap Forward (30 Million Users)
In August 1996, IE 3.0 became a turning point for Microsoft. It introduced support for CSS, ActiveX controls, and Java applets. These features allowed for more dynamic, interactive websites. The inclusion of email and news clients helped make IE a one-stop solution for internet use.
Internet Explorer 4.0: The Integrated Experience (60 Million Users)
IE 4.0 pushed the boundaries of what a browser could do. Released in September 1997, its Active Desktop feature let users integrate web content into desktop operating systems. IE 4.0 interlocked with Windows 95 and later Windows 98. It also opened Microsoft up to antitrust lawsuits because it made IE the default browser for millions.
The Impact of Bundling IE with Windows 95
Dominance and Decline: Internet Explorer 5-8
By the late 1990s, Internet Explorer was the king of browsers. “Best viewed in IE” badges were plastered all over millions of websites. But cracks were already starting to show—particularly in security and performance.
Internet Explorer 5.0: The ActiveX Era
Released in March 1999, IE 5.0 was a significant improvement. It added support for XML and bidirectional text. It also improved ActiveX support for interactive website content. But ActiveX also opened the door to security issues when bad actors exploited its vulnerabilities.
Internet Explorer 6.0: Dominance and Stagnation
IE 6.0 was released in August 2001 and became nearly ubiquitous. It added new features like better CSS support and history controls. But its poor standards compliance was legendary among developers. Worse, no updates turned it into a nightmare for web development. IE 6.0’s security holes and outdated tech made it vulnerable to attacks.
Internet Explorer 7.0: Playing Catch-Up
After five years with no major update, IE 7.0 arrived in 2006. It finally added tabbed browsing and a phishing filter. Microsoft was trying to catch up with Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome but for many it was too little, too late. The corporate world remained loyal mostly due to legacy systems and internal applications built for IE integration.
Internet Explorer 8.0: The Beginning of the End
IE 8.0 was released in March 2009. It added InPrivate Browsing and better standards support. These updates addressed developer frustrations but its clunky interface and slow performance was no match for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
Security Gets Worse
IE’s reliance on ActiveX gave websites access to your computer. That let hackers run code on your machine. Integration with the Windows OS made these risks worse. These issues escalated the browser wars as users fled to other options.
Struggling to Adapt: Internet Explorer 9-11
By the 2010s Internet Explorer had become “Internet Exploder” in developer circles. It was infamous for crashing and clinging to outdated web standards. Chrome and Firefox were racing ahead with speed and security and IE was playing catchup.
Internet Explorer 9.0: A Step in the Right Direction
In 2011 IE 9.0 added full support for HTML5. It improved JavaScript performance and added hardware accelerated graphics. It had a cleaner interface and integrated better with Windows Vista and Windows 7. But its lack of support for Windows XP alienated a huge chunk of enterprise users. Developers loved the improved standards support but IE 9 still lagged behind in speed and usability.
Internet Explorer 10.0: Trying to Keep Up
In 2012 IE 10.0 added touch browsing and introduced Explorer mode to improve HTML5 performance and maintain compatibility with older websites. Compatibility issues and the forced transition to the tile based Windows 8 interface made it hard for many to adopt. Developers had to write special code to handle IE 10’s quirks.
Internet Explorer 11.0: The Last Hurrah
IE 11.0 launched in October 2013. It improved performance and security and conformed to modern web standards. But by then, Microsoft Edge was already on the horizon, promising a fresh start without IE’s baggage. Many developers had moved on and users had largely adopted Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox as their browser of choice. While IE 11.0 was a decent final chapter it couldn’t shake off the IE stigma.
Developers’ Frustrations with Compatibility and Rendering Issues
The End of an Era: Internet Explorer’s Retirement
Microsoft retired Internet Explorer in 2022. Social media filled with memes that alternately showed nostalgia or poked fun at its flaws. Developers who had struggled with IE’s quirks were among the loudest to celebrate.
Microsoft Edge debuted in 2015 as a fast, secure Windows browser. Unlike IE, which clung to legacy web standards, Edge embraced modern technologies.
The Impact of Internet Explorer on Web Development
Internet Explorer (IE) left a complicated legacy for web development. It brought early innovations, but came with significant challenges.
Positive Impact: Early Innovations and Widespread Adoption
- Early Technology Support: IE introduced CSS and JavaScript. It let developers build more dynamic and interactive websites.
- Widespread Market Share: IE was the main browser on Microsoft Windows. Developers could use it to reach a vast audience without cross-browser compatibility issues.
- Developer Tools: IE offered early developer tools. They were primitive by today’s standards, but they improved web development in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Negative Impact: The “IE6 Nightmare” and Developer Challenges
| Challenge | Description | Impact on Developers |
| Poor Standards Compliance | IE6 often misinterpreted CSS and HTML, leading to layout issues. | Developers had to create custom stylesheets and “hacks” for IE6. |
| Security Concerns | ActiveX controls, while innovative, became a gateway for malware. | Developers had to account for security risks in web applications. |
| Rendering Issues | IE6’s outdated browser window engine didn’t support modern web features. | Limited creativity and functionality for web design. |
| Institutional Dependence | Many corporate and government tools were built for IE6. | Developers were forced to maintain compatibility long after IE6 became obsolete. |
Long-Term Legacy: Institutional Lag in Switching to Modern Browsers
- Corporate Inertia: Many businesses, particularly in regulated industries, delayed the switch to modern browsers like Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.
- Dependency on Explorer Mode: Even with the launch of Microsoft Edge Legacy, institutions relied on Explorer mode for legacy applications.
- Slowed Adoption of Web Standards: The need to support IE in enterprise environments held back the adoption of HTML5, CSS3, and modern JavaScript frameworks.
Internet Explorer’s Legacy: Nostalgia and Elation
When Internet Explorer (IE) was officially retired, the tech world felt relief and a bit of sadness. For many, IE was their first introduction to the World Wide Web. It opened the door to early internet experiences—from checking email on Hotmail to exploring GeoCities pages. But the relief was just as palpable. Developers finally said goodbye to frustrating compatibility issues and clunky browser window behaviors.
Modernizing Tech Stacks: An Opportunity for Companies
With IE’s retirement, companies received a prime opportunity to modernize their technology stacks. Yet many businesses still rely on legacy systems built for Windows NT and older versions of Internet Explorer.
- Modernize Legacy Systems: Migrate old systems built for Windows NT to modern technology stacks.
- Improve Security: Transition to browsers like Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.
- Adopt Modern Web Standards: Use HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript frameworks to improve user experiences.
- Increase Productivity: Modern browsers offer better performance and less technical debt.
Internet Explorer’s journey from a pioneering browser to a tech relic is a story of innovation and obsolescence. IE once held a massive market share and introduced millions to the World Wide Web. Its slow adaptation to modern web standards led to its decline. Today, most businesses use faster, more secure browsers like Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.
Though IE now sits in the history folder of technology, its legacy as both a trailblazer and a cautionary tale remains. It’s a reminder that staying agile and forward-thinking is critical in the fast-evolving tech world.
FAQ
Why did Microsoft kill Internet Explorer?
Microsoft killed Internet Explorer (IE) in 2022 to focus on Microsoft Edge. Edge is faster and safer . Unlike IE, Edge is built on the Chromium engine. That means it’s more secure and web standards compliant. Edge also gets updates to keep up with the times.
Can I still use Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge?
Yes, Microsoft Edge supports Internet Explorer mode on Windows 10 and 11. Go to Settings → Default browser → Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode. Then, restart Edge. Right click a tab and select Reload in IE mode.
What were the biggest problems with Internet Explorer 6.0?
IE 6.0 was insecure and web standards non-compliant. Developers had to write custom code to get websites to work. They complained that IE 6.0’s ancient features and slow updates held back web development.
How do I clear my browser history in Internet Explorer?
Go to Tools → Internet Options → Browsing history. These steps work for most versions of IE on Windows XP and Vista.
What are the alternatives to Internet Explorer?
Microsoft recommends Microsoft Edge. Edge has an Internet Explorer mode for older websites. You can also use Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Both are fast and secure and have broad compatibility.
