Microsoft continues to push people away from Internet Explorer

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Soon, if you open an MHTML file, you'll see it in Microsoft Edge instead of Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer 11 about page
Internet Explorer 11 about page (Image credit: Future)

What you need to know

  • MHTML files will soon automatically open in Microsoft Edge's Internet Explorer mode.
  • These types of files are a remaining use case for Internet Explorer.
  • Internet Explorer will be officially retired on June 15, 2022.

Specifically, MHTML files will automatically open in Microsoft Edge. Microsoft explains that the most likely time for this new behavior to come up is when people try to open Outlook emails in a browser. The change will only affect how a link is opened if Internet Explorer is set as the default handler for that type of file.

Here's the description from Microsoft:

Starting in Microsoft Edge version 92, MHTML file types will automatically open in Internet Explorer mode on Microsoft Edge instead of the Internet Explorer (IE11) application. This is most commonly observed while trying to view Outlook emails in a browser. This change will occur only if IE11 is the default handler for this file type.

The listing states that the new behavior is rolling out now. It also states that the release date is July 2021, so it could be some time before you see the change on your PC. Microsoft says that the change will come with Edge version 92, which should arrive next month.

Internet Explorer will officially lose support and be formally retired on June 15, 2022, but Microsoft is trying to push people to modern browsers before that.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.