Microsoft Activesync on Windows 8.1: What You Need to Know

With the rise of modern web browsers like Microsoft Edge, users may be wondering what happened to Microsoft's support for ActiveX technology, which was once a staple in earlier versions of Internet Explorer. In this article, we'll explore how Microsoft Activesync relates to Windows 8.1 and why it's no longer supported on newer browsers.

Microsoft Activesync is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that allows devices to sync with Exchange servers using ActiveSync technology. This protocol was introduced in the early 2000s as a way for Windows Mobile devices to synchronize their email, contacts, calendar, and notes with an Exchange server. However, with the introduction of newer browsers like Microsoft Edge on Windows 10, support for ActiveX has been largely phased out.

Microsoft Edge is designed to be a lightweight web browser with a layout engine built around web standards. This means that it no longer supports legacy technologies like ActiveX, instead opting for extensions and integration with other Microsoft services. This change was made to improve the overall browsing experience and remove the need for users to install additional software or plugins.

So what does this mean for Windows 8.1 users who are still using Activesync? Unfortunately, it means that support for Activesync on Windows 8.1 will eventually be discontinued as newer browsers become the default choice for Microsoft customers.

For those still using Windows 8.1 and relying on Activesync to sync their devices with an Exchange server, there are a few options available:

* Upgrade to Windows 10: By upgrading to Windows 10, users can take advantage of Microsoft Edge's improved syncing capabilities, which do not rely on ActiveX technology.

* Use alternative browser: Users can still use older versions of Internet Explorer or other browsers that support ActiveX, but it's important to note that these browsers will eventually be phased out as well.

* Consider a third-party solution: There are several third-party solutions available that offer similar syncing capabilities to Activesync, such as Sync2 or TouchDown.

In conclusion, Microsoft Activesync on Windows 8.1 is no longer supported due to the phasing out of ActiveX technology in newer browsers like Microsoft Edge. While there are still some options available for users who rely on Activesync, it's recommended that they consider upgrading to a newer version of Windows or using alternative syncing solutions.

Microsoft activesync windows 8.1