Is It Still Worth It to Support Internet Explorer in 2025?

As we move further into 2025, one thing continues to hang in the balance for developers and businesses alike: Do you support Internet Explorer, or is it time to move on altogether? The response, while complex, is increasingly pointing toward a solid "move on."

Let's look at why Internet Explorer (IE) remains a point of contention, where it stands today, and what you should think about before making a decision on whether or not to continue support.

The Official End of Internet Explorer

Microsoft officially retired Internet Explorer 11 in June 2022, bringing an end to its support for the majority of Windows 10 versions. Microsoft Edge has since become the default browser, and IE no longer receives security updates or technical support. That alone is a compelling reason not to support Internet Explorer in contemporary web development.

Notwithstanding this, there are some legacy applications—particularly government or enterprise apps—still that are based on IE-specific capabilities. Nonetheless, even Microsoft encourages employing IE mode in Edge for backward compatibility rather than employing the browser itself.

Why Some Still Think It Makes Sense to Support Internet Explorer

Though obsolete, IE has not entirely disappeared. In some industries and parts of the world, especially where older applications are not updated promptly, there remains a small community of users. Firms in such environments may have to continue support.
Yet, supporting Internet Explorer has some drawbacks:
Higher development time and expense: Creating IE-compatible sites frequently entails additional testing, polyfills, and fallback capabilities.
Fewer features: IE doesn't natively support modern web standards such as CSS Grid, Flexbox, or ES6 JavaScript syntax, making it more difficult to create rich, responsive user interfaces.
Security risks: If left unpatched, IE becomes a security risk, rather than an asset.

Market Share Tells the Story

As per current browser usage trends, Internet Explorer's market share has fallen to below 0.5% worldwide. These figures alone make a compelling argument against spending time and resources supporting a browser which the majority of users have already abandoned.

Conversely, contemporary browsers such as Chrome, Safari, and Firefox are industry leaders and support modern web technology much more favorably. It is better to design and optimize for these browsers as it equates to greater performance, stronger security, and a more pleasant user experience.

What to Do Instead

If you're still supporting websites or apps that require IE support, try these:
Use Microsoft Edge's IE mode to support legacy features without a separate development pathway.

Get your users to move to a newer browser by enticing them with pop-ups or warnings when they access your site from Internet Explorer.

Gradually phase out the support, beginning with non-essential features, and move toward progressive enhancement and contemporary design practice.

Conclusion

So, is it still worth it to continue supporting Internet Explorer in 2025? For the overwhelming majority of developers and companies, the answer is no. The cost, effort, and risk of continuing to support a deprecated browser far outweigh the benefits. It's time to invest in the future of the web—not the past.

By letting go of Internet Explorer, you’re not just streamlining your development process—you’re also building faster, safer, and more user-friendly experiences for the vast majority of your audience.