Internet Explorer users could be blocked from using the browser as Microsoft releases a major update to permanently disable its software.
Millions will be unable to access Internet Explorer 11 from tomorrow, forcing users to switch to Microsoft Edge or an alternative browser.
The US tech giant is planning to release an 'irreversible' update some 28 years after Internet Explorer was first introduced in 1995.
The update will be rolled out for Microsoft Edge tomorrow, February 14. Users of Internet Explorer 11 are being warned to save key information such as their passwords or bookmarks to avoid disruption when the update is released tomorrow, the Daily Star reports.
Clicking on the Internet Explorer icon on your desktop will launch Microsoft Edge once the update is applied, and users are powerless to change this.
Microsoft said that the update which disables Internet Explorer "is intended to provide a much better user experience and help organisations transition their last remaining IE 11 users to Microsoft Edge".
Support for Internet Explorer 11 was withdrawn from Windows last year, but some users and businesses continue to rely on the browser to access the Internet and view essential apps.
Microsoft Edge is Microsoft's take on a modern Internet browser, and uses much of the same architecture as the more popular Google Chrome. However, there are many other options available for Windows users when it comes to accessing the Internet, including Mozilla Firefox, the privacy-friendly Brave, and Opera.
Internet Explorer was first introduced by Microsoft in 1995, and quickly became one of the world's most-used tools for accessing websites.
It was frequently criticised for lacking popular features that other browsers had, such as the ability to change themes.
Microsoft was also criticised for forcing the browser on Windows users by default, and even faced legal action over alleged anti-competitive practices.
READ MORE:
