Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer was the default browser in Windows 7. It has now been replaced by Edge.

Version 7
Only on Vista, but is emulated in compatiblity mode.

Version 8
The version that shipped with Windows 7. Like IE6 on XP, companies kept using it when much better versions were available.

Version 9
At the time it was an innovative browser that implemented all HTML5 Elements and was considered the final peak years or internet explorer. This version got a television advert featuring Alex Clare. It is the last version for Vista.

Version 10
Was released as a backport from Windows 8 and did not feature the metro experience in Windows 7.

Version 11
Launched in 2013, apart from a security updates it has not received any major features in the remaining 7 years that Windows 7 was in support. Only version of IE with native TLS 1.2 support, which means most modern https sites won’t work in older versions of IE any more. On June 15 2022 IE will be disabled with a hard redirect to Edge.

Edge Redirector
To transition websites and developers to Edge, Internet Explorer is now redirected to Edge on certain websites. The list is expected to grow longer as more websites phase out support.

ActiveX
Most activeX controls are near or at end of life and are considered a security risk to continue using them. Adobe Flash removes support for all browsers starting December 2020. Silverlight discontinues in 2021. Java applets should transition to Java web start.

End of life
On June 15 2022 Internet Explorer will be replaced with IE-mode within Edge. This is to accommodate the remaining IE only sites while providing a modern browser for everyone else. But Edge itself will be end of lifed in 2023 due to the end of ESUs. Companies still on windows 7 will have to make difficult decisions on what to do next.