How to Enable IE Mode in Edge on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Microsoft retired Internet Explorer (IE) in June 2022, officially marking the end of an era. But here’s the thing—many organizations and even individuals still rely on legacy web apps and intranet sites that require Internet Explorer to run properly. That’s where IE Mode in Microsoft Edge comes in.

In this comprehensive, step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to enable IE Mode in Edge on Windows 11, explain why it’s useful, and show how to manage, troubleshoot, and customize it for both personal and enterprise use.

Let’s dive in!

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🧭 What Is IE Mode in Microsoft Edge?

IE Mode (Internet Explorer Mode) is a built-in compatibility feature in Microsoft Edge that allows you to open and use older websites or web apps that were designed to work with Internet Explorer.

Instead of switching browsers or running legacy systems, you can load those older sites directly inside Edge using IE Mode — offering the best of both worlds: modern web performance with old IE compatibility.

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💡 Why Do You Need IE Mode in Windows 11?

Even though IE is gone, many workplaces still depend on internal systems built decades ago. Here are some scenarios where IE Mode becomes essential:

• ✅ Access legacy intranet sites (built with IE-only technologies like ActiveX or Silverlight)

• ✅ Run older web apps that require Internet Explorer engines

• ✅ Ensure compatibility in corporate environments

• ✅ Simplify IT management by keeping one browser (Edge) for all tasks

• ✅ Enhance security using Edge’s modern Chromium architecture while supporting older sites

In short, IE Mode keeps legacy systems alive without sacrificing modern browser security and performance.

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⚙️ How to Enable IE Mode in Edge on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

Now let’s go through the exact steps to enable and use IE Mode in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11.

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🪜 Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge Settings

1. Launch Microsoft Edge on your Windows 11 PC.

2. Click the three dots (⋯) in the upper-right corner.

3. Select Settings from the drop-down menu.

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🧩 Step 2: Navigate to the Default Browser Section

In the left sidebar:

• Click Default browser.

• You’ll see options related to Internet Explorer compatibility.

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⚡ Step 3: Allow Sites to Be Reloaded in Internet Explorer Mode

Under the section Internet Explorer compatibility, you’ll find:

• Let Internet Explorer open sites in Microsoft Edge

• Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode

Do the following:

1. Next to “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode”, select Allow from the drop-down.

2. Click Restart to relaunch Edge and apply the setting.

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🧭 Step 4: Open a Website in IE Mode

After enabling the feature:

1. Go to any website you think might require Internet Explorer.

2. Click the three dots (⋯) again.

3. Select Reload in Internet Explorer mode.

You’ll now see the Internet Explorer logo appear in the address bar — that’s confirmation you’re in IE Mode.

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🪛 Step 5: Exit IE Mode

When you’re done viewing the site:

• Click the IE logo in the address bar.

• Then choose Exit IE mode to return to normal browsing.

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🧱 How to Always Open Specific Sites in IE Mode

If you frequently use certain legacy websites, you can configure them to always open in IE Mode.

Here’s how:

1. Open Microsoft Edge Settings → Default Browser.

2. Scroll down to Internet Explorer mode pages.

3. Click Add.

4. Enter the URL of the site (e.g., https://legacy.companyportal.local).

5. Choose Add to confirm.

💡 Pro tip: Sites added here will automatically open in IE Mode for the next 30 days, after which you can re-add them if needed.

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🧰 How to Enable IE Mode via Group Policy (For Enterprise Users)

If you’re managing multiple computers in a corporate environment, you can use Group Policy Editor (GPE) to enable IE Mode centrally.

🧩 Step-by-Step via Group Policy:

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to:

   Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Microsoft Edge


3. Double-click on Configure Internet Explorer integration.

4. Select Enabled.

5. In the options section, choose Internet Explorer mode.

6. Click Apply, then OK.

This ensures that any legacy sites configured via policy will automatically open in IE Mode across managed systems.

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🧠 How Does IE Mode Work in the Background?

IE Mode uses the Trident (MSHTML) rendering engine — the same one used by Internet Explorer 11 — but it runs inside the Edge browser tab.

That means:

• Security and performance are handled by Edge.

• Rendering compatibility for old sites is managed by the IE engine.

• IT admins can control it through Enterprise Mode Site Lists.

This hybrid setup makes IE Mode powerful yet secure.

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🗂️ How to Create an Enterprise Mode Site List

For businesses with multiple legacy web apps, managing them one by one can be a hassle.
That’s why Microsoft offers the Enterprise Mode Site List Manager tool.

Steps to Create a Site List:

1. Download Enterprise Mode Site List Manager from Microsoft’s official site.

2. Open the tool and click Add to include a new site.

3. Enter the URL and choose the IE Mode option.

4. Save the list as an XML file (e.g., sites.xml).

5. Deploy this file to all PCs via Group Policy or Microsoft Endpoint Manager.

Then, whenever a user opens one of those listed sites, Edge will automatically use IE Mode.

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🔒 Security Benefits of Using IE Mode

Even though IE Mode uses the old rendering engine, it still inherits Edge’s modern sandboxing, SmartScreen, and tracking prevention features.

So, IE Mode offers legacy support without compromising on security.

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🧩 Troubleshooting IE Mode Issues

If IE Mode isn’t working as expected, try these fixes:

1. Ensure IE Mode Is Enabled

Revisit Settings → Default browser → Allow IE mode, and confirm it’s set to Allow.

2. Restart Edge

Some changes only take effect after restarting Edge.

3. Update Edge

Go to Help and Feedback → About Microsoft Edge to make sure you’re using the latest version.

4. Check Group Policy Settings

If you’re in a managed environment, ensure Group Policy or Enterprise Site Lists are configured properly.

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🧮 How to Check If a Site Is Running in IE Mode

Here’s how to verify:

• Look for the Internet Explorer icon in the address bar.

• Right-click the page and choose Inspect → Document Mode.

• You’ll see IE Mode listed if active.

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🔧 How to Disable IE Mode in Edge

If you no longer need IE Mode, it’s easy to disable:

1. Open Settings → Default Browser.

2. Under Allow sites to be reloaded in IE Mode, choose Don’t allow.

3. Restart Edge.

This ensures no sites automatically switch to IE Mode.

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⚡ Alternative Tools for Legacy Web Access

If IE Mode doesn’t meet your needs, consider these alternatives:

However, Microsoft officially recommends IE Mode in Edge as the long-term solution.

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🧭 Best Practices for Using IE Mode

• 🕐 Use it only for necessary legacy sites

• 🔄 Keep your browser up to date

• 🧩 Regularly review your Enterprise Site List

• 🛡️ Avoid using IE Mode for general browsing

• 📋 Educate users on when and why IE Mode should be used

Following these will help maintain both compatibility and security.

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🏁 Conclusion: Keep the Past and Future in Sync

Even though Internet Explorer is history, IE Mode ensures your older apps and websites don’t have to be. It’s a smart bridge between legacy compatibility and modern browsing.

By enabling IE Mode in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11, you get to run old systems securely, save IT costs, and avoid the hassle of maintaining outdated browsers.

So, whether you’re an individual accessing an old government portal or an IT admin supporting hundreds of users—IE Mode keeps your workflow uninterrupted.

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❓ FAQs About Enabling IE Mode in Edge on Windows 11

1. Is Internet Explorer still available in Windows 11?

No. Internet Explorer has been officially removed from Windows 11, but you can still use its rendering engine via IE Mode in Microsoft Edge.

2. Can I use IE Mode for any website?

You can, but it’s meant only for legacy or intranet sites that require Internet Explorer technologies.

3. Does IE Mode support ActiveX controls?

Yes. IE Mode supports most IE-specific features like ActiveX, document modes, and Enterprise Mode configurations.

4. How long will Microsoft support IE Mode?

Microsoft plans to support IE Mode until at least 2031, ensuring a smooth transition for businesses.

5. Can I automate IE Mode settings for multiple computers?

Yes, enterprise administrators can manage and deploy IE Mode using Group Policy or Microsoft Intune.

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📝 Summary: Key Takeaways

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In short:

IE Mode in Edge on Windows 11 lets you use legacy sites safely without losing modern browser functionality — the perfect balance of old and new.