Internet Explorer (IE) has officially been retired by Microsoft, but many users still need it for legacy applications, government portals, or older websites that don’t work properly in modern browsers. While Windows 11 doesn’t include Internet Explorer as a standalone app, there are still ways to access it — either by enabling Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge or by using hidden tricks to launch the old IE interface.
This guide will walk you through all the working methods to install or enable Internet Explorer on Windows 11.
📝 Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)
- Internet Explorer is disabled by default in Windows 11.
- You cannot download and install IE separately — it’s built into the system but hidden.
- The recommended way is to use Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge.
- Advanced users can still launch the original IE interface using Control Panel tricks or scripts.
- IE should only be used for compatibility purposes, not as your main browser.
Why Can’t You Just Install Internet Explorer on Windows 11?
Microsoft officially ended support for Internet Explorer in June 2022. The company wants users to switch to Microsoft Edge, which is faster, safer, and more compatible with modern web standards.
However, since many enterprise and government systems still rely on IE-only features, Microsoft included IE Mode inside Edge to bridge the gap.
Method 1: Enable Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge (Recommended)
This is the safest and most reliable way to use IE on Windows 11.
Steps:
- Open Microsoft Edge
- Click the Start menu and search for Microsoft Edge.
- Go to Settings
- Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Navigate to Default Browser
- In the left sidebar, click Default browser.
- Enable IE Mode
- Find the option Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.
- Set it to Allow.
- Restart Edge
- Close and reopen Edge to apply changes.
- Use IE Mode
- Visit a website.
- Right-click the tab and select Reload tab in Internet Explorer mode.
✅ Now, the site will load as if you were using Internet Explorer.
Method 2: Launch Internet Explorer via Control Panel Trick
Although hidden, Internet Explorer still exists in Windows 11 system files. You can open it using a Control Panel shortcut.
Steps:
- Press Windows + S and search for Internet Options.
- Open the Internet Properties window.
- Go to the Programs tab.
- Click Manage add-ons.
- At the bottom, click Learn more about toolbars and extensions.
➡️ This will launch the classic Internet Explorer window.
Method 3: Create a Script Shortcut to Open Internet Explorer
If you want quick access to IE, you can create a VBS script that launches it.
Steps:
- Open Notepad.
- Paste the following code:
vbscript
CreateObject("InternetExplorer.Application").Visible=true - Save the file as
IE.vbs.- Make sure to select All Files in the Save dialog.
- Double-click the script whenever you want to open Internet Explorer.
Method 4: Use Compatibility Mode for Legacy Apps
Some older apps require IE for rendering. In such cases:
- Right-click the app’s shortcut.
- Select Properties > Compatibility.
- Enable Run this program in compatibility mode and choose Windows 7.
This forces the app to use IE components in the background.
📊 Comparison of Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Safety | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE Mode in Edge | Easy | Safe | Everyday use |
| Control Panel Trick | Moderate | Safe | Occasional use |
| VBS Script Shortcut | Moderate | Medium | Quick IE access |
| Compatibility Mode | Easy | Safe | Legacy apps |
⚠️ Important Notes
- Internet Explorer is no longer supported by Microsoft.
- Using IE for daily browsing is not recommended due to security risks.
- Always use IE only for specific legacy websites that don’t work in modern browsers.
FAQs
1. Can I download Internet Explorer for Windows 11?
No, Microsoft no longer provides a standalone download. IE is built into Windows 11 but hidden.
2. Is Internet Explorer safe to use?
Not really. It’s outdated and vulnerable. Use it only for compatibility purposes.
3. What is IE Mode in Edge?
It’s a feature that lets you load websites using Internet Explorer’s rendering engine inside Microsoft Edge.
4. Can I set Internet Explorer as my default browser in Windows 11?
No, Microsoft has disabled this option. Edge or third-party browsers like Chrome or Firefox can be set as default.
5. Will Microsoft remove Internet Explorer completely?
Yes, over time IE will be phased out entirely. IE Mode in Edge is the long-term solution.
Conclusion
While you can’t install Internet Explorer on Windows 11 as a standalone browser, you can still access it through IE Mode in Edge, hidden shortcuts, or scripts. The best and safest method is to use IE Mode, which gives you compatibility without sacrificing security.
👉 If you only need IE for one or two sites, enable IE Mode in Edge. 👉 If you want the old interface, try the Control Panel trick or VBS script.
Either way, you’ll be able to run those stubborn legacy websites without hassle.