Microsoft to Pull the Plug Off Internet Explorer 11. What does it Mean for QuickBooks Desktop Users? 

After 27 glorious years of service, Microsoft has finally decided to retire their legacy browser, Internet Explorer 11 from June 15, 2022, and will be succeeded by Microsoft Edge which impacted QuickBooks Users. 

In a recent press release, Microsoft announced that they are going to retire Internet Explorer (IE) 11 starting the 15th of June, 2022, passing the baton to Microsoft Edge – its newest flagship browser. The technology giant clearly outlined its reasons for discarding Internet Explorer Desktop Application from the most recent Windows versions; Enhanced Compatibility, Streamlined Productivity, and Improved Browser Security of Microsoft Edge, all contributing to eliminating IE from Microsoft’s scheme of things.     

One of the oldest web-based browsers, Internet Explorer played a pivotal role in bringing internet technology closer to humankind, allowing businesses to go global and scale faster. However, with the advancements in the field of the world wide web followed by the ever-evolving demands of the tech-savvy generation, the Microsoft legacy browser consistently kept losing its spot to its contemporary counterparts, and the result is, that it will cease to exist from June 2022.   

Microsoft Edge, being a faster, more reliable, and more secure platform, is designed to deliver a more advance and smoother browsing experience as compared to its predecessor. It is also aimed at addressing one of the major reasons for the IE i.e., support for older, legacy apps and websites. However, to quench the thirst of nostalgia-driven IE users, Microsoft highlights that Edge will have a built-in Internet Explorer mode so that they can access those legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications directly from their new browser. 

How will this Browser Transition Impact QuickBooks Desktop Users

Following the Microsoft announcement regarding retiring Internet explorer 11, which happens to be the default browser of QuickBooks Desktop applications. Intuit also published a notice highlighting the potential security risks due to the end of support and security updates for the MS browser. In the notice, Intuit clearly mentions that because of no support and security, QuickBooks Desktop users may be exposed to some unforeseen vulnerabilities, which might lead to serious consequences if not paid heed.  

The Possible Solution to Avoid Security Consequences

Intuit also mentioned in their announcement that they have released a built-in custom browser on the 10th of June, 2022, which is compatible with all versions of desktop-based QuickBooks programs. The new custom browser for the QB application expects to be more performance-oriented, reliable and will provide critical security updates at regular intervals. 

What QB Users Need to Do

As a QuickBooks user, you need to upgrade QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release to ensure that you keep receiving security patches and updates in the future. Or, you can simply change the default browser on your current QuickBooks Application to Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox (whichever you prefer). It won’t hamper the original look, feel, or user experience, and you can continue using your QuickBooks Desktop the way you always have.