Windows 11 officially replaced Internet Explorer (IE) with Microsoft Edge, but what if you still need Internet Explorer for legacy websites or certain enterprise apps? Don’t worry—you can run Internet Explorer in Windows 11 using built-in features. This guide will show you step by step how to access IE safely and efficiently.
Why Internet Explorer is Still Relevant
Even though IE is outdated:
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Many enterprise applications still rely on IE.
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Certain internal websites may not display correctly on modern browsers.
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Testing old websites may require IE for compatibility purposes.
Instead of installing an unsupported browser, Windows 11 provides ways to run IE within Microsoft Edge or through special modes.
Step 1: Use Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge includes IE Mode, which allows you to load websites as if you were using Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge
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Click Start → search for Microsoft Edge → open it.
Step 2: Access Settings
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Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
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Select Settings.
Step 3: Enable IE Mode
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Go to Default Browser.
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Set Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode to Allow.
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Restart Edge for the change to take effect.
Step 4: Open Website in IE Mode
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Navigate to the site you want to open.
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Click the three dots → Reload in Internet Explorer mode.
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The site will now load as if in Internet Explorer.
⚠️ IE Mode is intended for legacy websites and will eventually be retired, so use it only when necessary.
Step 2: Launch Internet Explorer via Windows Tools (Optional)
Internet Explorer still exists as a legacy app in Windows 11, but it’s hidden:
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Press Windows + S and type Internet Explorer.
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If it appears in search results, click to open.
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If it doesn’t appear, it’s likely disabled in Windows Features.
Step 3: Enable Internet Explorer in Windows Features
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Press Windows + S, type Windows Features, and select Turn Windows features on or off.
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Scroll down and check Internet Explorer 11.
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Click OK and restart your PC.
Now you can access Internet Explorer directly if needed.
Step 4: Pin Internet Explorer for Easy Access
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After enabling IE, you can pin it to the taskbar or Start menu for quick access:
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Search for Internet Explorer.
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Right-click → Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar.
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Step 5: Use Compatibility View (Optional)
Some websites may still display poorly in IE:
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Open Internet Explorer.
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Click the gear icon → Compatibility View settings.
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Enter the website’s URL → Add.
This improves compatibility for older web pages.
Step 6: Consider Security Implications
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Internet Explorer is no longer supported, so use it only for trusted sites.
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Avoid entering sensitive information like passwords or banking details in IE.
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Prefer Microsoft Edge or other modern browsers for general web browsing.
Step 7: Alternative Tools for Legacy Websites
If you need IE for specific enterprise apps:
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Enterprise Mode Site List – IT admins can configure IE Mode for multiple sites automatically.
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Virtual Machines – Use a Windows VM with Internet Explorer pre-installed.
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Third-Party Emulators – Some online tools simulate IE for testing purposes.
Conclusion
Even though Windows 11 has retired Internet Explorer, you can still run it using IE Mode in Microsoft Edge or by enabling the legacy IE app. This is perfect for legacy websites and enterprise applications that require Internet Explorer compatibility. Always remember to use IE only when necessary, as it no longer receives security updates.
FAQs
1. Can I still use Internet Explorer in Windows 11?
Yes, through IE Mode in Microsoft Edge or by enabling IE via Windows Features.
2. Is IE Mode secure?
IE Mode is safer than using legacy IE directly, but only use it for trusted sites.
3. Will Internet Explorer be fully removed from Windows 11?
Yes, Microsoft plans to retire IE completely, so IE Mode is a temporary solution for legacy compatibility.
4. Can I pin Internet Explorer to my taskbar?
Yes, after enabling it in Windows Features, search for IE, right-click, and pin it.
5. Do I need Microsoft Edge to use IE Mode?
Yes, IE Mode is a feature built into Microsoft Edge, allowing legacy sites to run safely.