Internet users rejoice—or brace yourselves—because Microsoft has officially cut the cord on Internet Explorer 8, 9, and 10. As of January 12, 2016, these legacy browsers are no longer supported. That means no more patches, no more security updates, and no more lifelines for outdated versions of IE.
What This Means for Users
If you’re still using Internet Explorer 8, 9, or 10, it’s time to act. Microsoft will now display warnings to users of these versions, urging them to upgrade to Internet Explorer 11 or switch to a modern browser like Microsoft Edge. Continuing to use unsupported browsers exposes your system to serious security vulnerabilities. In other words, “Microsoft cuts the cord” for security.
Why Microsoft Cuts the Cord
This move is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to streamline its browser offerings and push users toward more secure, modern experiences. According to NetMarketShare, IE’s global desktop market share dropped from 58.2% in early 2014 to 48.6% by December, while Google Chrome surged from 16.4% to 32.3% in the same period. Clearly, the writing was on the wall, explaining why Microsoft decided to cut the cord.
The Risks of Staying Behind
Unsupported software is a hacker’s playground. Without regular updates, your business’s sensitive data is at risk. Cybercriminals actively exploit outdated systems, and Internet Explorer’s older versions are no exception. If you’re still using these browsers, you’re likely also running an outdated operating system—another red flag for security. To mitigate these risks, understanding how Microsoft cuts the cord can be insightful.
What If You Can’t Upgrade?
Some businesses rely on mission-critical software that only runs on older versions of IE. If that’s your situation, weigh the risks of staying outdated against the costs of upgrading. In many cases, the long-term benefits of modernizing your infrastructure far outweigh the short-term inconvenience.
How Vision Computer Solutions Can Help
We understand that keeping up with technology can be overwhelming—especially for small and mid-sized businesses. That’s why Vision Computer Solutions offers remote monitoring and maintenance services. We handle updates, patches, and system health checks without disrupting your team or requiring costly on-site visits. If Microsoft’s decision to cut the cord has left you in need, we can assist.
📞 Need help upgrading or securing your systems?
Call Vision Computer Solutions at (248) 349-6115 to learn how we can help your business stay safe, modern, and efficient.
Charles Lobert, has been in the Detroit Metro Area’s IT industry for over two decades & with VCS since ’04. Throughout the years, Lobert has held nearly every position at VCS & is responsible for several major organizational shifts within VCS.