Microsoft to end support for Internet Explorer 8, 9 and 10

Head’s up Internet Explorer users – if you are running IE 8, 9, or 10 you only have a few more days to upgrade your web browser.

Microsoft is killing support for Internet Explorer versions 8, 9 and 10 next Tuesday, which means users will no longer receive security updates or technical support from the company. If you are still using one of these versions as your current web browser you will still be able to get online; however, your computer will be left vulnerable to malware.

READ MORE: How to protect your computer from malware and phishing scams

“Beginning January 12, 2016, only the most current version of Internet Explorer available for a supported operating system will receive technical support and security updates,” the company said in an update.

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“After January 12, 2016, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for older versions of Internet Explorer. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that may be exploited by malware, helping to keep users and their data safer. Regular security updates help protect computers from malicious attacks, so upgrading and staying current is important.”

What you need to know if you are using Internet Explorer 8, 9, or 10

If you want to continue using Internet Explorer you are able to update to version 11, which offers improved security, better performance and increased support for newer websites.

Windows 10, the latest operating system from Microsoft, offers Windows users a new choice – Microsoft Edge, which was ironically nicknamed “the Internet Explorer killer” when it was first announced by the company. The redesigned browser allows users to take notes, write and even doodle directly on web pages using its pen tool and offers a “reading view” that will provide a more clean, simple layout for reading longer articles.

Or you can switch to another web browser, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Apple’s Safari. Many Windows users have already moved away from using Internet Explorer; in fact, according to Statcounter, Internet Explorer only has 23 per cent of the browser market in North America and 15 per cent worldwide.