M365 Changelog: Reminder: Microsoft Edge Legacy support to end on March 9, 2021

MC229643 – As communicated in MC220490 (August ’20), Microsoft Edge Legacy desktop application support will end on March 9, 2021. After support ends, Microsoft Edge Legacy will not receive new security updates.

With March 9, 2021 only three months away, we strongly recommend that you build a transition plan to ensure that you have an up-to-date browser.

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.

The new Microsoft Edge is our best expression of a modern browser and is more secure than Chrome for your business on Windows 10. We understand that upgrading browsers isn’t as easy as flipping a switch. Here are some support options for you:

• Customers with Microsoft Unified Support can reach out to that support service for help transitioning to the new Microsoft Edge.
• For customers who would like guidance on how to plan, deploy, or adopt the new Microsoft Edge, there’s FastTrack. FastTrack is available at no additional charge to customers with 150 or more paid seats of Windows 10 Enterprise. To get started, submit a Request for Assistance through the FastTrack site.
• For those customers who prefer to get started on their own, we have:
  • Self-guided deployment and configuration materials available on our Microsoft Edge documentation site.
  • An instructional video series from Microsoft Mechanics.
  • A setup guidance experience for Microsoft Edge and email communications available in the Microsoft 365 admin center.

How this will affect your organization:

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:

• If you’d like help upgrading 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, especially if you have legacy site concerns, learn more about the App Assure program.
• Additional ways to upgrade to the new Microsoft Edge include:
  • Deploying the Windows 10 20H2 package to your environment (which includes the new Microsoft Edge).
  • Deploying the new Microsoft Edge via WSUS package to your environment.
  • Downloading the latest package from the Microsoft Edge business download page and deploying to your environment.
• The new Microsoft Edge is the planned update for Microsoft Edge Legacy; if you already have the new Microsoft Edge on your device(s), no action is required.
• If you’re a K-12 education customer, additional configuration is required.
• You will want to notify your users to use the new Microsoft Edge or another supported browser. We have adoption materials available for user education.
• You will also want to update any applicable user training and prepare your help desk. Microsoft Edge has browser policies available to aid with set up and help with the transition.

Additional Information

• Read more about this change in the Lifecycle announcement.
  • Our blog also provides more information about this announcement.
• Additional reminder: Microsoft 365 apps and services (excluding Teams) will no longer support IE 11 as of August 17, 2021. For more information, read the Lifecycle announcement or our blog.
• To learn more about Microsoft Edge for your business, visit our website or YouTube page.