It’s no secret that, even though we have tons of modern browsers out there, accessing older websites and internal systems that are built on legacy standards is the biggest challenge for Windows users. Some places where compatibility outweighs speed and having the latest features still keep Internet Explorer alive even after its official retirement by Microsoft. A few web applications in enterprises or institutions, particularly those using Windows, were built only for Internet Explorer’s rendering engine. Hence, users in those cases are not seeking innovation but are interested in stability and access. If you are in charge of legacy workflows, it is vital that you know what Internet Explorer can still do and where it is lacking.
Built for Compatibility with Older Web Systems
Internet Explorer was built into Windows so tightly that, for a long time, it was the default browser for the systems running Windows 7 and earlier versions. Its main benefit is that it supports older web applications that use, for example, ActiveX controls or deprecated document modes. In the intranet environment of corporations, several internal systems such as dashboards, HR portals, and government service sites might only work correctly if you use Internet Explorer.
The browser is really not about performance. When you look at it from a user’s point of view, it is essential for access. It’s clear how serious the issue is if it’s even considered a point of productivity whether you should use a web portal that fails in modern browsers but runs fine in Internet Explorer or not. For IT departments that maintain legacy infrastructure, Internet Explorer used to be the fallback solution when bridging between their old stuff and the new Windows computers they upgraded to.
Familiar Interface and Low Learning Curve
For the old-timers in the Windows crowd, Internet Explorer’s UI is so simple and consistent that everything can be expected with it. The arrangement is based on the traditional browser: tab system, address bar, and a basic bookmarks manager. You don’t find any heavy extensions or advanced layers to customize, which distract one’s attention.
On the other hand, students and home users of the older Windows generations found it neat and easy to use. It’s simple enough for immediate use, and the settings menu is arranged in the same manner as the old Windows control panels. However, when compared to the latest browsers, it is missing the likes of well-developed password management, device syncing, and privacy protection features. While the lack of complexity can be considered a plus for just surfing the web, it is inseparable from the fact that the browser is pretty outdated.
Performance and Security in a Modern Context
On a normal day, Internet Explorer is way less responsive than the modern browsers when it comes to online video and other kinds of heavy scripts. The standards for the web have changed drastically, and the majority of sites nowadays are made in a way that is best for browsers like Microsoft Edge or, in general, Chromium ones. Consequently, users who are not in a legacy environment experience regular rendering issues and get warnings about compliance.
Speaking of security, it is practically another problem with this browser. Apart from the fact that it is no longer developed in terms of features and there is no support for it in most Windows versions, Internet Explorer still packs basic security features, such as Protected Mode and SmartScreen filtering (in later versions). However, the security model of the browser cannot compete with the current security standards. As for general web surfing, it is not really a good idea today to use the browser. The only place where it can be considered safe is the tight, controlled environment of a secure network.
Where Internet Explorer Still Fits in Today’s Windows Environment
Internet Explorer’s place today is quite pinpointed. Essentially, it is for use by those organizations that depend on legacy web applications that still need to be updated to the latest standards. Actually, on Windows 10 and Windows 11, one can hardly find the browser itself, Internet Explorer, anymore, but rather Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge, where most of its features can be used.
It makes no sense for students and home users to continue using Internet Explorer when it comes to their daily web surfing habits. That said, it can still be a go-to instrument for IT administrators, enterprise workers, and legacy web system operators in their facilitation of continuity. The thing is that the browser is not about innovation at all, but rather about compatibility, not the web future, but past access preservation.