Windows Vista, released in 2007, was Microsoft’s operating system that bridged the gap between the aging Windows XP and the more modern Windows 7. While Vista introduced several new features and improvements, it also had its fair share of issues, particularly when it came to compatibility with older software and hardware. One of the most notable compatibility problems was with Internet Explorer, Microsoft’s web browser that was bundled with Vista.
Internet Explorer 9: The Last Version for Windows Vista
Internet Explorer 9 was the final version of the browser that was officially supported on Windows Vista. Released in 2011, IE9 brought several improvements over its predecessor, including better standards support, faster performance, and a cleaner interface. However, even with these updates, IE9 was still limited by the underlying operating system.
One of the biggest limitations of IE9 on Vista was its lack of support for newer web technologies. As the web evolved, newer websites and web applications began to rely on features that were not available in IE9. This meant that users of Windows Vista with IE9 were unable to access certain websites or were presented with a suboptimal experience.
The End of Support for Internet Explorer on Windows Vista
Microsoft officially ended support for Internet Explorer 11 on June 15, 2022. This means that the company no longer provides security updates or technical support for the browser. While IE11 was not supported on Windows Vista, the end of support for the browser on other operating systems marked the end of an era for Internet Explorer.
With Microsoft’s focus shifting to its newer browser, Microsoft Edge, the company has been actively encouraging users to move away from Internet Explorer. In fact, Microsoft has even gone so far as to disable Internet Explorer 11 on certain versions of Windows 10 through a Microsoft Edge update.
Alternatives to Internet Explorer on Windows Vista
While Internet Explorer is no longer a viable option for Windows Vista users, there are still a few alternatives available. One of the most popular choices is Mozilla Firefox, which offers a legacy version (Firefox ESR) that is compatible with Windows Vista. The final legacy version for Windows Vista is Firefox ESR 52.9.0, which was released in June 2018.
Another option is Google Chrome, which also offers legacy versions for older operating systems. However, Google discontinued support for Chrome on Windows XP and Vista after the release of Chrome v49 in April 2016.
It’s important to note that while these legacy browsers may still work on Windows Vista, they are no longer receiving security updates or new features. This means that users may be exposed to potential security risks and may not be able to access certain websites or web applications.
Moving Beyond Windows Vista
Given the age of Windows Vista and the lack of support for Internet Explorer, it may be time for users to consider upgrading to a newer operating system. Windows 7, released in 2009, is a more modern and secure alternative that offers better compatibility with newer software and hardware.
For those who are unable to upgrade to a newer operating system, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to mitigate them. This may include using a secure VPN, avoiding sensitive activities online, and regularly scanning for malware.