M365 Changelog: Announcements for Microsoft Edge Legacy and for using Microsoft 365 apps and services on Internet Explorer 11

MC220490 – In order to provide the best experience for our customers, we will be focusing our efforts on modern browser support over the coming year. As a result, Microsoft 365 services and applications will no longer support Internet Explorer 11 (IE 11); Microsoft 365 apps and services will be unable to connect, or have a degraded feature experience, when accessed on IE 11. Additionally, the Microsoft Edge Legacy desktop application will experience end of support; after support ends, it will not receive new security updates. The following notification outlines key dates which you should be aware of. Please note that the IE 11 changes are specific to Microsoft 365 services and apps; IE 11 is a component of the Windows operating system and will follow the Lifecycle Policy for the product on which it is installed.

Microsoft Teams (web app)

• Timing: The Microsoft Teams web app will no longer support Internet Explorer 11 beginning November 30, 2020.
• Action: To access Microsoft Teams, use the Win-32 app, the new Microsoft Edge, or another supported browser.

Microsoft 365 applications and services (excluding Microsoft Teams)

• Timing: Microsoft 365 apps and services (excluding Microsoft Teams) will no longer support Internet Explorer 11 beginning August 17, 2021.
• Action: To access Microsoft 365 apps and services, use the new Microsoft Edge, another supported browser, or an applicable Win-32 app (if available).

Microsoft Edge Legacy desktop application

• Timing: End of support for the Microsoft Edge Legacy desktop app will occur on March 9, 2021.
• Action: To continue using a supported browser, transition to the new Microsoft Edge.

How this will affect your organization:

After the dates listed above, Microsoft 365 apps and services will need to be accessed via the new Microsoft Edge, another supported browser, or through an applicable Win-32 app (if available). The new Microsoft Edge browser provides a faster, more responsive experience for Microsoft 365 apps and services. You can also still run business-critical, Internet Explorer-based apps and sites in the new Microsoft Edge through Internet Explorer mode.

After March 9, 2021, the Microsoft Edge Legacy desktop application will no longer be supported and will not receive new security updates. Move to the new Microsoft Edge before that date to ensure your organization is using an up-to-date browser.

What you need to do to prepare:

• To address these announcements, upgrade to the new Microsoft Edge prior to the dates indicated. Microsoft 365 apps and services will continue to support the new Microsoft Edge.
• The new Microsoft Edge is the planned replacement for Microsoft Edge Legacy; if you already have the new Microsoft Edge on your device(s), no action is required.

Additional Information

• If you’d like help to upgrade all your organization’s devices to the new Microsoft Edge, FastTrack can help with deployment and configuration at no additional charge for customers with eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
• For help with web app and site compatibility, learn more about the App Assure program.
• Read more about these changes in the Lifecycle announcement.
  • Our blog also provides more information about these announcements.

We always value feedback and questions from our customers. Please feel free to submit either feedback or questions via Message Center.