Microsoft Internet Explorer

Updated: 02/04/2024 by Computer Hope
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0

Often abbreviated as IE or MSIE, Microsoft Internet Explorer is an Internet browser created by Microsoft. Users can utilize Internet Explorer to read the news, access social media, listen to and watch streaming content, bank online, make purchases, and more. The screenshot is an example of what Internet Explorer 7.0 looked like with the Computer Hope homepage loaded.

Note

Internet Explorer was featured as a top term of 1997.

Internet Explorer history

Internet Explorer was introduced on August 16, 1995, by Microsoft as version 1.0, and it came with Microsoft Windows 95. Internet Explorer is included in all Windows versions before Windows 10. The last version of IE (Internet Explorer), included with Windows 8, was Internet Explorer 11.

With the introduction of Windows 10 in 2015, Microsoft introduced Microsoft Edge, a replacement browser for Internet Explorer. On June 15, 2022, after 25 years, Microsoft announced it was discontinuing the Internet Explorer browser in favor of Edge.

Tip

Even though Internet Explorer is no longer a standalone browser, you can still use "IE mode" by clicking the Settings and more icon in Edge. icon in the upper-right corner of Edge and selecting Reload in Internet Explorer mode.

Reload in Internet Explorer mode option.

Browser market share

As of 2024, Microsoft Edge and most other browsers have surpassed Internet Explorer in market share.

What are the versions of Internet Explorer?

Internet Explorer or IE logo

The following are the release versions and dates of Internet Explorer.

  • Internet Explorer 1 (IE 1) - Released in 1995.
  • Internet Explorer 1.5 (IE 1.5) - Released in 1995 for Windows NT.
  • Internet Explorer 2 (IE 2) - Released on November 22, 1995, for PC and later in 1996 for the Mac.
  • Internet Explorer 3 (IE 3) - Released on August 13, 1996, for PC and Mac.
  • Internet Explorer 4 (IE 4) - Released in September 1997 for PC and Mac.
  • Internet Explorer 4.5 (IE 4.5) - Released in 1999 for the Mac
  • Internet Explorer 5 (IE 5) - Released in 1999 for the PC and Mac.
  • Internet Explorer 5.5 (IE 5.5) - Released in July 2000.
  • Internet Explorer 6 (IE 6) - Released on August 27, 2001.
  • Internet Explorer 7 (IE 7) - Released on October 18, 2006.
  • Internet Explorer 8 (IE 8) - Released on March 19, 2009.
  • Internet Explorer 9 (IE 9) - Released on March 14, 2011.
  • Internet Explorer 10 (IE 10) - Released on October 26, 2012.
  • Internet Explorer 11 (IE 11) - Released on October 17, 2013.

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