As of 2013, Internet Explorer 11 (IE) was once the default browser in CityU.  But it was replaced by Google Chrome a few years later, and Chrome has become the default browser used in CityU ever since.  Despite this, some users and applications still rely on IE.  However, Microsoft officially announced the retirement of IE 11 on 15 June 2022, implying that this legacy web browser is no longer supported and security updates will no longer take place.  In the coming months, Microsoft will progressively redirect IE to Microsoft Edge and permanently disable it via a future Windows Update. 

What should you do?

If you use IE due to preference for your applications, switching to more modern browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox is highly recommended.  For those who still require access to legacy IE-based applications and websites, one possible solution is to explore using Microsoft Edge with Internet Explorer mode (“IE mode”).  You can follow this link to enable IE mode in Microsoft Edge.  If this built-in compatibility does not work with your legacy web application, please contact your application provider to discuss other options.

Should you uninstall Internet Explorer?

Uninstalling IE will not be necessary since it will ultimately be removed via a future Windows Update.  However, if you are using IE mode in Microsoft Edge, uninstalling or removing IE will cause IE mode to stop working. 

How long will IE mode be supported?

Microsoft has no promises regarding how long they will keep supporting IE mode.  Therefore, you are urged to migrate IE-based applications and websites over to Microsoft Edge or another browser. 

What will you experience after the IE is retired?

Microsoft will gradually transition users from the unsupported IE to Microsoft Edge.  The IE will be progressively redirected to Microsoft Edge during the next few months.

During the time of progressive redirection to Microsoft Edge:

• The IE icon will remain on the Start Menu, taskbar, and desktop (if present), but clicking on it will open Microsoft Edge instead.
•  When users try to launch shortcuts and files associated with IE, they will be redirected to open the same file/URL in Microsoft Edge.
• When users try to run the iexplore.exe application, Microsoft Edge will be launched instead.

Once the IE is disabled permanently via a Windows Update:

• The IE icon on the Start Menu and taskbar will be removed.
• When users try to launch shortcuts and files associated with IE, they will be redirected to open the same file/URL in Microsoft Edge.
• When users try to run the iexplore.exe application, Microsoft Edge will be launched instead.
• Existing IE user data (e.g. favourites, saved passwords, etc.) will not be cleared from the CDS (IE's data store) and can be imported into Microsoft Edge even after the Windows Update.

What does this announcement mean for other end-users?

Browsers such as Chrome and Firefox are unaffected.  Therefore you can continue to use them as the default browser.  Your Windows systems may still have IE installed, but it will not affect you at all.  Microsoft will remove IE later, which is transparent to you; you do not need to do anything about it.

How can I get more information and support?

There are some blogs which can help to solve some of your problems.  For example, you can visit the following Microsoft link:
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-10/internet-explorer-to-microsoft-edge-with-ie-mode-blog-series/m-p/2617124#.YQxDqoXUgjo.link

Using IE 11 is hazardous to the security of all computers on campus; please take immediate action to switch to a supported browser such as Chrome.  If you have any questions or concerns about this, you may contact the IT Service Desk at 3442-8340 (staff) / 3442-6488 (students) or via email to IT.ServiceDesk@cityu.edu.hk.