Microsoft Internet Explorer

Version11(as of 5/17/2023)
PlatformWindows
LicenseBundled
CategoryInternet
Go to Website
Rating:4.1  |  206 Votes

Main Features

  • Integrates between Windows devices
  • Simple interface
  • Customizable and extensible
  • Security features for blocking socially engineered malware
  • Private browsing options
  • Developer tools for inspecting webpages

Software Overview

Microsoft Internet Explorer is a discontinued web browser that was previously the default browser for Microsoft Windows. Microsoft initially released it in 1995, and it became the most widely-used web browser in the early 2000s until other competitors, such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari came along. Microsoft eventually replaced Internet Explorer with Edge in Windows 10, then retired Internet Explorer (version 11 was its last) on June 15, 2022.

Internet Explorer came bundled with Windows devices, such as tablets or PCs, through Windows 10. It featured a simple interface you could customize to sync across compatible devices and was extensible, allowing you to install additional features to enhance its capabilities. The browser also provided security and privacy capabilities, including the Do Not Track and InPrivate Browsing options and developer tools for inspecting webpages.

Summary

While Internet Explorer had a strong run in the 2000s, it began to lag behind its competitors in various areas, including speed, security, and privacy features. Also, mobile operating systems growing in usage in the late 2000s and 2010s did not support the browser, helping it to its demise. In 2015, Microsoft started to phase out Internet Explorer in favor of Edge, officially ceasing support for the browser in 2022. If you are still using Internet Explorer, it's time to upgrade to one of the many better browsing options, including Edge, Chrome, and Firefox.

Primary File Type

xhtml icon.XHTMLExtensible Hypertext Markup Language File

Supported File Types

ExtensionFile Type
.XHTMLExtensible Hypertext Markup Language File
.ALXActiveX Layout Control File
.CERInternet Security Certificate
.CHMCompiled HTML Help File
.CRTSecurity Certificate
.DERDER Digital Certificate
.DIAGSESSIONDiagnostics Session File
.HTCHTML Component File
.HTMHypertext Markup Language File
.HTMLHypertext Markup Language File
.INSInternet Settings File
.JPGJPEG Image
.JSPJakarta Server Page
.MHTMHTML Web Archive
.MHTMLMIME HTML File
.ODOOnline Operating System Write Document
.PACProxy Auto-Config File
.PARTIALInternet Explorer Partially Downloaded File
.PJPGProgressive JPEG Image
.PRFPICS Rules File
.RMHRights-Managed HTML Document
.SHTMHTML Server Side Include File
.URLURL Shortcut File
.VMLVector Markup Language File
.WEBSITEInternet Explorer Pinned Site Shortcut
.WMLWireless Markup Language File
.WOFFWeb Open Font Format File
.XBAPXAML Browser Application File

Additional Related File Types

ExtensionFile Type
.BQYBrio Query File
.CPCCPC Compressed Image File
.DBMColdFusion Server File
.EMLE-Mail Message
.HTAHTML Application
.JPEGJPEG Image
.NMFArcGIS Explorer Map File
.ODCOffice Data Connection File
.PDBProtein Data Bank File
.PJPEGProgressive JPEG Image
.QRMQworum Message File
.RMTRouter Firmware File
.RTCLive Meeting Connection File
.SDINSTALLSpeckie Dictionary Installation File
.SEAMSeam Framework Java Servlet File
.SMILSMIL Presentation File
.SMLSMIL Slideshow Presentation
.TBKToolBook File
.TMPTemporary File
.WGoogle Toolbar Search History File
.WEBMWebM Video
.XHTMExtensible Hypertext Markup Language Document
.YMAtari ST Audio File
.ZULZK User Interface File
Updated 5/17/2023