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

By / October 5, 2025

Do you still need Internet Explorer for legacy websites, online portals, or older enterprise tools? You’re not alone.

Although Microsoft officially retired Internet Explorer (IE) on June 15, 2022, some organizations and users still depend on it for compatibility reasons. Windows 11 no longer includes the classic Internet Explorer app — but don’t worry. You can still run Internet Explorer in Windows 11 using built-in tools like Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge or a few clever workarounds.

In this comprehensive, step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to open and use Internet Explorer on Windows 11, including multiple methods, screenshots-style instructions, and troubleshooting tips.

Why Internet Explorer Is No Longer Available on Windows 11

Microsoft officially ended support for Internet Explorer 11 on June 15, 2022. The company shifted its focus to Microsoft Edge, a modern, faster, and more secure browser built on the Chromium engine.

In Windows 11:

  • The Internet Explorer executable (iexplore.exe) still exists but redirects to Edge.

  • The classic IE interface is disabled by default.

  • Legacy compatibility is handled by IE Mode inside Microsoft Edge.

This change ensures that users have a more secure browsing experience while maintaining compatibility with older web technologies.

Can You Still Run Internet Explorer in Windows 11?

✅ Yes — but not directly.

Although you can’t launch the standalone Internet Explorer app anymore, you can still:

  • Run Internet Explorer Mode inside Microsoft Edge.

  • Access the IE engine for legacy websites.

  • Use hidden shortcuts or configuration tools to emulate IE behavior.

This ensures compatibility with older intranet sites, ActiveX controls, or outdated web apps that only work in IE.

What Is Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge?

Internet Explorer Mode (IE Mode) is a built-in feature in Microsoft Edge that allows you to open web pages using the Internet Explorer rendering engine within Edge.

It’s ideal for:

  • Accessing legacy web portals.

  • Running ActiveX-based or Silverlight content.

  • Supporting old enterprise web applications.

Essentially, IE Mode gives you the same compatibility as Internet Explorer, but within the secure environment of Edge.

How to Run Internet Explorer in Windows 11 (5 Methods)

Let’s go through the best and safest ways to use Internet Explorer on Windows 11.

🧭 Method 1: Open Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge

This is the official and recommended method from Microsoft.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
    You can find it from the Start Menu or press Windows + S and type “Edge.”

  2. Click the three-dot (⋮) menu in the top-right corner.

  3. Go to Settings → Default browser.

  4. Under “Internet Explorer compatibility,” find:

    • Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.

    • Select Allow from the dropdown.

  5. Click Restart to relaunch Edge.

Now that IE Mode is enabled:

  1. Open any website.

  2. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) again.

  3. Choose Reload in Internet Explorer mode.

You’ll notice an IE icon appear in the address bar — confirming that IE Mode is active.

🧭 Method 2: Launch Internet Explorer via Control Panel

Some users can still open a hidden version of IE through older Control Panel interfaces.

Here’s how:

  1. Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.

  2. Go to Network and Internet → Internet Options.

  3. In the Programs tab, click Manage add-ons.

  4. If the window opens in the old Internet Explorer-style interface, you can navigate and use IE features temporarily.

🧩 Note: This method doesn’t open full Internet Explorer, but it can help access legacy add-on settings and configurations.

⚙️ Method 3: Use the Run Command or Shortcut Trick

This trick works on some systems where IE is still partially installed.

Option 1: Run Command

  1. Press Windows + R.

  2. Type:

    iexplore

  3. Hit Enter.

If IE is still available on your build, it will open — otherwise, you’ll be redirected to Microsoft Edge.

Option 2: Create a Shortcut

  1. Right-click on your Desktop → New → Shortcut.

  2. In the location box, type:

    "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe"

  3. Name it Internet Explorer → click Finish.

  4. Double-click the shortcut.

💡 If it redirects to Edge, proceed to Method 1 and use IE Mode instead.

🏢 Method 4: Enable IE Mode via Group Policy (IT Admins)

If you manage multiple systems (like in an organization), Group Policy is the best way to enable IE Mode system-wide.

Steps:

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

  2. Navigate to:

    Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Microsoft Edge

  3. Double-click Configure Internet Explorer integration.

  4. Set it to Enabled.

  5. Under “Options,” choose Internet Explorer mode.

  6. Click Apply → OK.

Next, restart Edge — and IE Mode will be available for all users.

🧩 Method 5: Access Internet Explorer Using Compatibility Tools

If you absolutely need the standalone IE interface for testing or development, you can use tools like:

  • IE Tab Extension (Chrome/Edge Add-on)

    • Install from the Edge Add-ons store.

    • It emulates Internet Explorer within a tab.

  • Virtual Machines (VMs) from Microsoft:

✅ These are safe, sandboxed methods for developers who still require Internet Explorer environments.

How to Set a Website to Always Open in IE Mode

If you frequently use certain websites that require IE Mode, you can make Edge open them automatically.

Steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge → Settings → Default browser.

  2. Under Internet Explorer mode pages, click Add.

  3. Enter the site URL (e.g., https://legacyportal.company.com).

  4. Click Add again.

The next time you visit that site, it will automatically load in IE Mode for the next 30 days.

🧠 Pro Tip: For permanent configuration in enterprise environments, IT admins can deploy Enterprise Site Lists via Group Policy or XML files.

How to Check if Internet Explorer Mode Is Active

To confirm you’re in IE Mode:

  • Look for the Internet Explorer icon (small blue “e”) in the address bar.

  • Right-click the page → choose Properties → see “Browser mode: IE Mode.”

  • Or check developer tools (F12) for the IE document mode.

If you don’t see the icon, re-enable IE Mode from Settings (Method 1).

How to Pin an IE Mode Shortcut to the Taskbar

If you regularly use a site in IE Mode, pin it to your taskbar for one-click access.

Here’s how:

  1. Open the site in Edge and enable IE Mode.

  2. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) → More tools → Pin to taskbar.

  3. Name it (e.g., “My Portal – IE Mode”).

  4. Now, clicking this shortcut will always open that site in IE Mode automatically.

Difference Between Internet Explorer and IE Mode

Feature Internet Explorer IE Mode in Microsoft Edge
Interface Classic IE window Runs inside Edge
Rendering Engine Trident (MSHTML) Uses the same Trident engine
Security Outdated, less secure Protected by Edge’s sandbox
Availability Retired Built into Edge
Add-on Support ActiveX, BHOs Limited support
Recommended By Microsoft ❌ No ✅ Yes

Verdict: IE Mode offers the best of both worlds — compatibility + security.

Common Errors When Opening Internet Explorer in Windows 11

Error Cause Solution
Internet Explorer won’t open Redirected to Edge Use IE Mode instead
IE Mode option missing Disabled in settings Enable via Edge Settings or Group Policy
Legacy site not displaying correctly Compatibility view not enabled Add the site to IE Mode site list
“Internet Explorer is no longer supported” message Microsoft redirection Confirm IE Mode is allowed in policies

Alternative Browsers for Legacy Support

If you no longer want to rely on Internet Explorer, here are modern alternatives:

Browser Legacy Support Feature Highlights
Microsoft Edge IE Mode Official Microsoft solution
Mozilla Firefox ESR Extended Support Release Stability for enterprises
Google Chrome + IE Tab Add-on Emulates IE rendering Developer-friendly
Brave Chromium base Fast, privacy-focused alternative

Key Takeaways

  • 🧭 Internet Explorer is officially retired, but IE Mode in Edge replaces it.

  • ⚙️ You can enable IE Mode via Edge Settings or Group Policy.

  • 💻 Use Run commands or virtual machines for testing older IE versions.

  • 🧩 IE Mode provides legacy compatibility while keeping security intact.

  • 📌 You can pin IE Mode sites to your taskbar for quick access.

Conclusion

And there you have it — a complete, easy-to-follow step-by-step guide on how to run Internet Explorer in Windows 11.

Even though Microsoft has moved on from the classic Internet Explorer browser, you don’t have to worry about losing access to older websites or apps. With Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge, you can still run legacy content securely and seamlessly.

Whether you’re an IT professional, developer, or just someone who needs to open an old site, the methods above ensure full compatibility — without compromising speed or safety.

So go ahead, enable IE Mode, and continue browsing those older web apps hassle-free.

❓FAQs

1. Is Internet Explorer completely removed from Windows 11?

Not entirely — the IE executable (iexplore.exe) still exists but automatically redirects to Microsoft Edge.

2. Can I still use Internet Explorer 11 directly?

No. It’s officially retired and inaccessible through normal shortcuts. Use IE Mode in Edge instead.

3. How do I open IE Mode in Edge quickly?

Press Alt + F → More tools → Reload in Internet Explorer mode.

4. Does IE Mode support ActiveX or Silverlight?

Yes — IE Mode retains legacy support for these technologies (unlike standard Edge or Chrome).

5. Will Microsoft remove IE Mode in the future?

Microsoft has committed to supporting IE Mode through at least 2029, giving enterprises time to transition.

✅ In summary:
You can’t launch Internet Explorer as a standalone app on Windows 11 anymore — but you can use Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge to run legacy websites easily. It’s safe, supported, and the only reliable way to bring back IE functionality on modern systems.

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