With the advent of Microsoft Edge browser, the existence of Internet Explorer started shrinking slowly and gradually. Initially, Microsoft decided that they would abandon the entire version of Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer 11 or IE11 has been the only updated version of the scenario. But, due to an unavoidable compatibility issue, IE 11 did not reach Windows Server 2012 and Windows Embedded 8 Standard. Finally, after a long span of three years, the issue has been resolved. According to the latest news, both Windows Server 2012 and Windows Embedded 8 will get compatibility with IE 11. The exact date has not yet been announced, but the compatibility issue is going to get resolved real soon.
Internet Explorer 11 or IE 11 will be available for Windows Server 2012 and Embedded 8 Standard users as classic or desktop Internet Explorer experience. The Modern IE tile experience, however, will not be there on IE 11 for these two before mentioned services. The two services will get the compatibility support as distinct separate updates.
If you want to avail the IE 11 feature, then you have to download IE 11 from the Microsoft Update Catalog. You can also get it with the aid of simple Windows Update. As per reports, all previous versions of Internet Explorer will become obsolete once Windows Server 2012 and Windows Embedded 8 Standard receives IE 11. Internet Explorer 10 is expected to be alive up to October 2022, unless Microsoft changes its shelf life.
According to a 2016 policy, the Redmond based tech giant stated:
“Beginning January 12, 2016, only the most current version of Internet Explorer available for a supported operating system will receive technical support and security updates.”
Besides, in their official blog post, Microsoft also mentioned that they will give users the time to set up the IE 11 environment. The new update will enhance the migration experience to Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, 2019, Windows 10, IoT, etc. It also slashes down the number of IE versions on your system.
IE10 will continue to be supported for the OS versions listed above through 2019. The updates will be available via the Update Catalog and WSUS channel as a “Cumulative Update for Internet Explorer 10.” They will also be included in the Monthly Rollup, just as they are today. Updates for IE11 will be labeled as “Cumulative Update Internet Explorer 11” on the Microsoft Update Catalog, Windows Update, and WSUS.
