Microsoft Edge homepage on a computer screen

Support for the original Microsoft Edge, based on Internet Explorer, ends on the 9th March

On the 9th March 2021, Microsoft will be dropping their support for the original version of Microsoft Edge.

This blog post will explain what this means for you.

Why are Microsoft doing this and what to do now?

Microsoft have released a new version of their Edge browser based on Chromium. You can read about it here and also download it.

There is an easy way to identify which version of Microsoft Edge you have. The old legacy browser has a full blue “E” icon, and the new browser has a blue and green circular “E” icon.

If you have the new browser, there is nothing you need to do. If you the old version, you can download the update online or through Windows Update.

The old legacy browser will also be automatically uninstalled with the April Windows 10 cumulative monthly security update, which will be released on the 13th April 2021. You can find out more information here.

What if I continue to use the old version of Microsoft Edge?

When support is dropped, there will be no new security updates released, as well as no new features being added.

This may leave your computer susceptible to vulnerabilities. Also, your website may not work as intended as time progresses.

You can read more about this here.

How does this affect us at O’Brien Media?

As the legacy version of Microsoft Edge is no longer supported, we will not be carrying out browser testing or changing existing sites that have been built in Microsoft Edge (Legacy).

Will the new browser affect my current website?

You should not notice any difference in the way your website should look in general. However, it would be worth considering checking your website in the new version of Microsoft Edge to see if there are any unusual differences.

If you do notice any differences or have any questions, please get in touch with one of the O’Brien Media team who would be happy to assist!