Often abbreviated as IE or MSIE, Microsoft Internet Explorer is an Internet browser that allows users to view web pages on the Internet. Users can also utilize Internet Explorer to listen to and watch streaming content, access online banking, make purchases over the Internet, and more. The screenshot is an example of what Internet Explorer 7.0 looked like with the Computer Hope homepage loaded.

Internet Explorer history

Internet Explorer was first 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, included with Windows 8, was Internet Explorer 11.

  • Internet Explorer history.
  • Browser market share.
  • What are the versions of Internet Explorer?
  • Related information.

With the introduction of Windows 10 in 2015, Microsoft also 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.

Browser market share

As of 2023, Microsoft Edge and most other browsers have surpassed Internet Explorer in market share.

What are the versions of Internet Explorer?

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.

Browser, Compatibility View, Computer acronyms, Internet, Internet terms

  • Basic Microsoft Internet Explorer troubleshooting.
  • How to enable and disable autofill in a browser.
  • How to clear Internet browser history.
  • How to uninstall and reinstall Internet Explorer.
  • Internet Explorer tips.
  • Internet Explorer help and support.