Microsoft urges users that don't use Internet Explorer to still install the latest version of the browser nevertheless. Outdated versions of Internet Explorer are a security risk, even if the browser is never used, the technology giant warns.
The culprit is the heavy integration of Internet Explorer with Windows. Besides that, there are also numerous of applications that use components of the browser. The browser is so deeply integrated in Windows that Microsoft was forced to show users a 'browser choice' screen where users could pick Internet Explorer or an alternative browser as the default one.
This was years ago, but Internet Explorer still powers parts of Windows and also other software still relies on its components.
Because Microsoft earlier this week announced older versions of Internet Explorer no longer receive security updates, it's important to upgrade to the latest supported Internet Explorer on your platform. Once a vulnerability in an old Internet Explorer version is found, other software and potentially even Windows is vulnerable to that too.
Therefore it's recommended to update the browser, even if you never use it.
