If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you may have noticed that Internet Explorer is no longer available as a standalone browser. Microsoft has officially retired Internet Explorer, pushing users toward Microsoft Edge, which includes an IE Mode for legacy websites.
However, there are still ways to access Internet Explorer functionality on Windows 11 if you need it for older web apps, intranet sites, or corporate tools. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to use or “download” Internet Explorer on Windows 11 safely.
Why Internet Explorer Isn’t Available on Windows 11
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Microsoft retired Internet Explorer in June 2022.
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IE is replaced by Microsoft Edge, which is faster, more secure, and regularly updated.
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Legacy support for older websites is provided via Edge’s IE Mode, rather than installing IE directly.
This means you can’t download Internet Explorer as a separate browser, but you can enable IE Mode inside Edge for full compatibility.
Method 1: Enable Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge (Recommended)
This is the official and safest way to “use IE” on Windows 11.
Steps
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Open Microsoft Edge.
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Click the three dots (…) in the top-right corner → Settings.
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Go to Default Browser.
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Find Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode and select Allow.
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Restart Edge.
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To open a website in IE Mode:
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Click the three dots (…) → Reload in Internet Explorer mode.
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You can also pin it to the taskbar for easy access.
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This method uses Microsoft’s official solution, so it’s secure and stable.
Method 2: Use the Internet Explorer 11 Executable (Optional Workaround)
Windows 11 still includes IE 11 executable files, but it’s hidden. You can launch it without installing anything.
Steps
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Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
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Type:
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Press Enter.
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Internet Explorer should launch in a standalone window.
⚠️ Note: This is essentially a legacy feature and may not receive updates or security patches. Use it only for trusted websites.
Method 3: Use Windows Features to Enable Internet Explorer 11
In some builds, you can enable IE as a Windows feature:
Steps
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Press Win + S and search for Turn Windows features on or off.
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Scroll down and locate Internet Explorer 11.
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Check the box and click OK.
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Restart your PC if prompted.
After this, you can launch Internet Explorer via Start Menu → type Internet Explorer → select the app.
Keep in mind: this option may be grayed out or unavailable in some Windows 11 editions.
Method 4: Use a Virtual Machine
If you need Internet Explorer for testing or legacy apps, a virtual machine is a safe option:
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Download Microsoft Edge Developer Tools VM from Microsoft’s website.
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Choose a Windows version with Internet Explorer pre-installed.
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Run the VM using Hyper-V, VirtualBox, or VMware.
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Open Internet Explorer inside the VM for full compatibility.
This is particularly useful for developers and IT teams.
Method 5: Use Third-Party Browsers with IE Compatibility
Some third-party browsers offer IE compatibility modes:
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Avant Browser – supports IE rendering engine.
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Maxthon – dual-engine browser including IE mode.
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Lunascape – includes IE engine for legacy sites.
Only use these for trusted internal or legacy apps; Edge IE Mode remains the recommended approach.
Tips for Using Internet Explorer on Windows 11
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Always use IE Mode in Edge whenever possible — it’s officially supported.
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Avoid browsing modern websites with IE — it’s slower and insecure.
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Keep Windows updated to ensure the IE Mode engine receives security patches.
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Pin frequently used legacy websites to Edge taskbar for quick access.
Common Questions About Internet Explorer in Windows 11
Q1: Can I install IE as a standalone browser on Windows 11?
No. Microsoft retired IE and it’s not offered as a separate download. You must use Edge’s IE Mode or legacy executables.
Q2: Is IE Mode in Edge safe to use?
Yes. Microsoft actively supports IE Mode for compatibility, and it receives security updates via Edge.
Q3: Will IE stop working completely?
Standalone IE may be removed in future updates, but IE Mode in Edge will be supported through at least 2029.
Q4: Can I make IE Mode permanent for certain sites?
Yes. In Edge, you can configure sites to always open in IE Mode through the Settings > Default Browser menu.
Q5: Are there alternatives to Internet Explorer for legacy sites?
Yes. Edge IE Mode is official, and some third-party browsers like Avant or Maxthon can render IE-only websites.
Conclusion
Although you cannot download Internet Explorer as a separate browser on Windows 11, Microsoft provides multiple ways to access its functionality:
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Use IE Mode in Edge (best and most secure).
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Launch IE 11 executable (legacy support).
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Enable IE 11 via Windows Features (if available).
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Use a virtual machine for legacy testing.
For most users, Edge IE Mode is the easiest, safest, and officially supported method. This allows you to continue using older web apps while enjoying the speed and security of modern Microsoft Edge.