Testing Microsoft Edge's Internet Explorer mode for site compatibility just got easier

Internet Explorer 11 about page
Internet Explorer 11 about page (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Internet Explorer Driver now lets you test website compatibility for Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge.
  • Microsoft worked with the Selenium project to make it possible to test a page's performance in Internet Explorer mode.
  • Internet Explorer 11 will reach its end of support on June 15, 2022 for some PCs.

Internet Explorer 11 will no longer be supported on some PCs as of June 15, 2022. While Microsoft's older browser was replaced years ago, some organizations still rely on it for legacy web content. To facilitate using older web content on a modern browser, Microsoft Edge has an Internet Explorer mode. Now, developers can use Internet Explorer Driver to test if their site works in Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge.

Microsoft worked with the Selenium project to make it easier to test site compatibility for Internet Explorer mode in Edge.

"With just a few changes to an existing test that runs against Internet Explorer, you can get your tests running in Internet Explorer (IE) mode in Edge," explains Microsoft. "By running your tests in IE mode, you will be able to verify that any legacy web content that runs in Internet Explorer will work as expected in IE mode in Microsoft Edge."

To run tests in Internet Explorer mode in Edge, a developer needs to have Microsoft Edge, Selenium 4 or later language bindings, and Internet Explorer Driver version 4.0.0.0 or later.

Microsoft outlines how to get started and how to perform tests in a recent blog post.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.