Microsoft will stop supporting older versions of Internet Explorer from January 2016

Microsoft is hoping to push users to more recent versions of Internet Explorer by slowly dropping support and security updates for older iterations.

From January 12, 2016, Microsoft says it will continue to support the following operating system and browser combinations:

• Windows Vista SP2 and Internet Explorer 9
• Windows Server 2008 SP2 and Internet Explorer 9
• Windows 7 SP1 and Internet Explorer 11
• Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1and Internet Explorer 11
• Windows 8.1 and Internet Explorer 11
• Windows Server 2012 and Internet Explorer 10
• Windows Server 2012 R2 and Internet Explorer 11

On that date, the company will cease providing technical support and security updates for all but the most recent version of Internet Explorer that is available for each version of its desktop operating system.

“For example, customers using Internet Explorer 8, Internet Explorer 9, or Internet Explorer 10 on Windows 7 SP1 should migrate to Internet Explorer 11 to continue receiving security updates and technical support,” Microsoft said.

Internet Explorer 8 will, effectively, be dropped completely. As ZDNet points out, the browser is still incredibly popular with desktop users, so Microsoft will be hoping to tempt them across in the next 12 to 16 months. While it’ll still run, the lack of technical support means its continued use will be ill-advised by Microsoft.

Especially in the enterprise space, pushing users to upgrade applications can be a slow and painful process. Simply ditching these versions of Internet Explorer would have likely caused some unrest among Windows users, so this strategy at least incentivises users to upgrade without forcing their hand.

Featured image credit: JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images