After 27 years, Microsoft is retiring Internet Explorer and making a lot of people feel an unexpected amount of nostalgia. Internet Explorer is a browser created by Microsoft that debuted in 1995. And although it was buggy at the time, and still has a reputation for being slow, many noted that they were feeling sentimental about it. Many who grew up in the 90s or early 2000s noted that although they have since stopped using the browser, opting for more reliable ones like Firefox or Google Chrome, some joked that there was an undeniable comfort of having the browser there.
It's time to say goodbye to Internet Explorer. As of Wednesday, Microsoft will no longer support the once-dominant browser that faded away as users found faster, less crash-prone alternatives. https://t.co/fovamIOeNM
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 15, 2022
Not only were people nostalgic, but many also created or shared memes about the iconic browser. One person tweeted “Today marks the official end of Microsoft’s support for Internet Explorer. RIP to the #1 Chrome installer of all time.” One person joked that although they don’t use it, they would still have liked to have the option. To many, the icon represents exploring the internet for the first time. Many joked that this represented an end of an era.
END OF AN ERA: Internet Explorer has officially been retired ???? pic.twitter.com/zDvVxFkKnf
— Joel Franco (@OfficialJoelF) June 15, 2022
Some compared the browser to other technologies that Internet Explorer is joining, like Blackberry phones. Microsoft announced this would be happening a year ago, as they pushed users to join Microsoft Edge instead. In a blog post, they wrote “Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications.”
How Microsoft should've announced the shutdown of Internet Explorer pic.twitter.com/PNpzcK9wmo
— Neeche Se Topper (@NeecheSeTopper) June 15, 2022
Although this represents the end of an era for many, many joked that they had only used the browser to download another one, so it does not make that big of a difference. Still, even to those who hadn’t used it in years, Twitter was feeling nostalgic today.
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