How to Enable Internet Explorer in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 3, 2025

Microsoft has officially retired Internet Explorer (IE) and replaced it with Microsoft Edge in Windows 11. However, many businesses and users still rely on Internet Explorer for legacy web apps, old intranet sites, and enterprise tools that don’t work well in modern browsers.

So, what if you need Internet Explorer in Windows 11? By default, it’s disabled, but there are still ways to enable IE mode or access Internet Explorer when needed.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to enable Internet Explorer in Windows 11 safely and use it to run older websites and apps.

🔑 Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)

  • Internet Explorer is officially discontinued in Windows 11.

  • You cannot fully install IE11 as a standalone browser anymore.

  • The recommended method is using Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge.

  • You can also access IE indirectly via IE Tab extensions or by enabling legacy components.

  • IE mode ensures compatibility with older sites while keeping modern security features.

Why Is Internet Explorer Disabled in Windows 11?

Microsoft officially ended support for Internet Explorer on June 15, 2022. The goal is to push users toward Microsoft Edge, which is more secure, faster, and based on the Chromium engine (like Chrome).

But many older government portals, corporate intranet tools, and banking sites still require IE-specific code. That’s why Microsoft built Internet Explorer Mode in Edge — a compatibility feature to keep those sites working without keeping IE as a separate browser.

How to Enable Internet Explorer in Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

Here are the best methods you can use:

Method 1: Use Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge (Recommended)

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.

  2. Click the three dots (…) menu in the top-right corner.

  3. Go to Settings.

  4. Navigate to Default browser (left sidebar).

  5. Under “Internet Explorer compatibility”:

    • Set “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode” to Allow.

  6. Restart Edge to apply changes.

  7. To use IE mode:

    • Visit the website.

    • Click the three dots (…) menu → Reload in Internet Explorer mode.

✅ Edge will now render the site as if it were Internet Explorer.

Method 2: Access Internet Explorer via Windows Tools

While you can’t fully install IE11, some system shortcuts may still launch it:

  1. Press Win + R, type iexplore, and press Enter.

    • If IE is fully removed, this will redirect you to Microsoft Edge.

  2. Check Windows Tools (search in Start Menu). Sometimes, IE is still listed, but it will usually open Edge with IE mode.

Method 3: Pin Internet Explorer Mode to Taskbar in Edge

If you frequently use IE-only websites:

  1. Open the website in Edge.

  2. Reload it in Internet Explorer mode (as shown above).

  3. Right-click the tab → Pin to taskbar.

  4. Next time, you can open that website directly in IE mode with one click.

Method 4: Use IE Tab Extension in Edge or Chrome

If you prefer an extension-based method:

  1. Open Edge Add-ons Store or Chrome Web Store.

  2. Search for IE Tab.

  3. Install the extension.

  4. Click the IE Tab button → it opens a page in an Internet Explorer rendering engine inside Edge/Chrome.

Method 5: Enable IE Mode with Group Policy (For Enterprise Users)

If you’re an IT admin managing multiple PCs:

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:
    Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Microsoft Edge → Configure Internet Explorer integration

  3. Set it to Enabled, and choose Internet Explorer Mode.

  4. Restart Edge.

✅ This forces Edge to automatically switch to IE mode for specified legacy sites.

Troubleshooting: Why Won’t Internet Explorer Work in Windows 11?

  • Problem: Running iexplore.exe redirects to Edge.

    • Solution: Use IE Mode in Edge instead.

  • Problem: Legacy website doesn’t open correctly.

    • Solution: Add the site to IE Mode site list in Edge settings.

  • Problem: IE Tab extension not working.

    • Solution: Make sure you installed it from the official store and restart the browser.

Advantages of Using IE Mode in Edge

  • 🔒 More secure than standalone Internet Explorer.

  • ⚡ Faster performance using Chromium engine.

  • 🔄 Seamless switching between modern and legacy sites.

  • 🏢 Enterprise-friendly with Group Policy and IE Mode site lists.

Table: Internet Explorer vs IE Mode in Edge

Feature Internet Explorer (IE11) IE Mode in Edge
Security Updates ❌ No ✅ Yes
Performance Slow Fast (Chromium)
Compatibility Legacy only Legacy + Modern
Availability Removed in Win 11 Built into Edge

Conclusion

While Internet Explorer is no longer available as a standalone browser in Windows 11, you can still access it using Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge. This ensures compatibility for older websites while giving you modern security and performance benefits.

To recap:

  • IE is discontinued, but IE Mode in Edge is the official solution.

  • You can enable it via Edge settings, Group Policy, or extensions.

  • For everyday use, stick with Edge — but for legacy apps, IE mode is your friend.

So next time a site says, “Works best in Internet Explorer,” you’ll know exactly what to do.

FAQs About Enabling Internet Explorer in Windows 11

1. Can I download Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 11?
No. Microsoft has removed IE11 from Windows 11. You can only use IE Mode in Edge.

2. Is IE mode safe to use?
Yes. IE mode is safer than standalone IE because it runs inside Edge with modern security.

3. Can I make Internet Explorer my default browser in Windows 11?
No. Only modern browsers like Edge, Chrome, and Firefox can be set as default.

4. How long will IE mode be supported?
Microsoft plans to support IE mode in Edge at least until 2029 for enterprise users.

5. What’s the best alternative to Internet Explorer?
Microsoft Edge is the official replacement. Chrome and Firefox are also good options for modern browsing.

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