Windows 10: Should Internet Explorer have the new Edge rendering engine?

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by Radu Tyrsina 

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Windows 10: Should Internet Explorer have the new Edge rendering engine?

By now, we are all familiar on what Microsoft plans to do with Internet Explorer in Windows 10. Internet Explorer has not been a popular name when it comes to browsers, and Microsoft has made various attempts in boosting brand recognition of their browser and to improve its reputation to no avail. 

In Windows 10, Microsoft will feature Edge (formerly known as Project Spartan) as the new internet browser running on the EdgeHTML rendering engine, featuring support for several web audio standards, advanced security measures, and faster performance. Internet Explorer will remain in the operating system for legacy compatibility reasons. 

In Microsoft’s Windows 10 UserVoice site, one of the popular feature suggestions by Windows Insiders involves Internet Explorer supporting both legacy web applications as well as the new Edge rendering engine. In other words, with over 5500 votes so far, some Windows Insiders want Internet Explorer to live on and share the love with Edge.

“I believe IE should be able to use both the new EdgeHTML and the old MSHTML rendering engines. This would enable IE to support both legacy web applications, while also preventing stagnation in the browser, making it viable for everyday use.

Why? To prevent IE 11 from becoming the new IE 6. If Spartan is not supported on earlier Windows (which appears likely), many would be stuck with an outdated browser, which enterprise would then be forced to support (and despise in the process). Letting IE access both engines, as it does in the current Windows 10 builds, but not in future ones, would help avert this scenario.

To prevent legacy incompatibility, IE would only be able to use a single engine per browsing session, switching only after toggling an option and restarting. Furthermore, it could be set via a group policy to enforce a certain engine’s use.” — Ryou

Do you agree or disagree? Do you think Microsoft should focus on Edge as the new replacement for Internet Explorer or should Microsoft invest in keeping Internet Explorer alive for the diehard fans and those who feel comfortable using Internet Explorer? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina Shield

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web. Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they're looking for.