Ah, Internet Explorer! It brings back memories, doesn't it? While Microsoft Edge is the default and recommended browser for Windows 11, you might have specific reasons for wanting to dust off the old Internet Explorer. Perhaps you need to access a legacy website that isn't fully compatible with modern browsers. Whatever your reason, let's get started!
Step 1: Unearthing the Hidden Relic - Accessing Internet Explorer Mode in Edge
Now, before you get too excited, it's crucial to understand that Internet Explorer is no longer a standalone application in Windows 11. Instead, Microsoft has integrated its core engine into Edge as a compatibility feature called "IE Mode." So, our first step is to find and utilize this mode within Edge.
1.1: Opening Microsoft Edge
First things first, let's launch Microsoft Edge. You can usually find its icon on your taskbar (it looks like a stylized blue and green "e") or by searching for it in the Start Menu. Go ahead and click on it to open the browser.
1.2: Navigating to Settings
Once Edge is open, look for the three horizontal dots (...) in the top-right corner of the window. This is the "Settings and more" menu. Click on it. A dropdown menu will appear. Scroll down and select "Settings".
1.3: Finding the "Default browser" Section
In the Settings menu, you'll see a sidebar on the left. Click on "Default browser". This section allows you to configure how Edge handles compatibility with older websites.
1.4: Enabling "Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode"
On the right-hand side, you'll find various options related to the default browser. Look for the setting labeled "Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode (IE mode)". The toggle switch next to it will likely be set to "Off." Click on this switch to turn it "On". You'll probably be prompted to restart Edge for the changes to take effect. Go ahead and click "Restart".
Step 2: Embracing the Past - Using IE Mode for Specific Websites
With IE Mode enabled, you can now reload specific websites that might have compatibility issues with modern browsers using the Internet Explorer engine within Edge.
2.1: Visiting the Problematic Website
Open Microsoft Edge again after the restart. Navigate to the website that you suspect requires Internet Explorer for proper functionality. You might notice that certain elements aren't displaying correctly, or some features aren't working as expected.
2.2: Reloading in IE Mode
If you encounter issues, look at the top-right corner of the Edge window again. Click on the three horizontal dots (...) to open the "Settings and more" menu. This time, hover your mouse over "More tools" in the dropdown menu. A submenu will appear. In this submenu, you should now see an option that says "Reload in Internet Explorer mode". Click on this option.
2.3: Witnessing the Transformation
Your current tab will now reload using the Internet Explorer engine. You might notice a small "e" icon appear next to the website address in the address bar, indicating that the page is now being rendered in IE Mode. Hopefully, the website will now display and function correctly.
2.4: Keeping Specific Sites in IE Mode (Optional)
If you frequently visit a particular website that requires IE Mode, you can configure Edge to automatically open it in this mode. To do this:
- Go back to Edge Settings > Default browser.
- Look for the section titled "Internet Explorer mode pages".
- Click the "Add" button.
- Enter the URL of the website you want to always open in IE Mode and click "Add".
You can manage this list of websites here, adding or removing sites as needed.
Step 3: Understanding the Limitations - Why It's Not True Internet Explorer
It's vital to remember that IE Mode within Edge is not the same as running the standalone Internet Explorer 11 browser. It's an emulation feature designed for compatibility. This means:
- Some very specific Internet Explorer-only features or ActiveX controls might still not function perfectly.
- The user interface is still the modern Edge interface, albeit with the rendering engine of IE.
- Microsoft is actively encouraging users to transition away from Internet Explorer, and support for IE Mode will eventually be phased out.
Step 4: Exploring Alternatives (If IE Mode Isn't Enough)
While IE Mode covers many compatibility scenarios, there might be rare instances where it doesn't fully address the issue. In such cases, you might need to explore alternative solutions, although these are becoming increasingly limited in Windows 11:
4.1: Virtual Machines
You could consider setting up a virtual machine with an older operating system (like Windows 7 or Windows 10) that still has the full Internet Explorer 11 browser. This is a more technical solution but offers the most authentic IE experience.
4.2: Third-Party Emulators (Use with Caution)
Be extremely cautious when considering third-party emulators that claim to run legacy browsers. These can often pose security risks and might not function reliably. It's generally best to avoid them unless you have a very specific and well-understood need and trust the source.
Step 5: Staying Informed - The Future of Internet Explorer
Keep in mind that Microsoft's long-term strategy is to move away from Internet Explorer entirely. While IE Mode provides a temporary bridge for compatibility, it's essential to plan for the future and explore modern alternatives for websites and applications that still rely on older technologies. Contacting the website or application provider to inquire about their modernization plans is always a good idea.
And there you have it! While you can't run standalone Internet Explorer in Windows 11, utilizing IE Mode within Microsoft Edge allows you to access those older websites when necessary. Remember to use this feature judiciously and keep an eye on the evolving web landscape.
How to... Frequently Asked Questions
How to open a specific website directly in Internet Explorer mode?
Unfortunately, you can't directly launch a website into IE Mode from outside of Edge. You first need to open the website in Edge and then reload it in IE Mode using the steps outlined in Step 2.
How to know if a page is currently in Internet Explorer mode?
When a webpage is being rendered in IE Mode, you'll typically see a small "e" icon appear to the left of the website address in the Edge address bar.
How to disable Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge?
To disable IE Mode, go to Edge Settings > Default browser and toggle the "Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode (IE mode)" switch back to "Off". You'll need to restart Edge for the changes to take effect.
How to edit the list of websites that automatically open in Internet Explorer mode?
Navigate to Edge Settings > Default browser. In the "Internet Explorer mode pages" section, you can review, add, or remove websites from the list.
How to troubleshoot if Internet Explorer mode isn't working for a website?
First, ensure that IE Mode is enabled in Edge settings. If it is, try clearing your browsing data (cache and cookies) for the website. If the issue persists, the website might have compatibility issues even with IE Mode, or there might be a problem on the website's end.
How to find the "More tools" menu in Microsoft Edge?
The "More tools" menu is located within the "Settings and more" menu, which is accessed by clicking the three horizontal dots (...) in the top-right corner of the Edge window.
How to revert a website back to the standard Edge rendering engine from IE mode?
If a page is in IE Mode, the "Settings and more" menu (...) will have an option that says "Reload in default mode". Clicking this will reload the page using the standard Edge engine.
How to understand why Microsoft removed the standalone Internet Explorer?
Microsoft removed the standalone Internet Explorer primarily for security reasons and to encourage the adoption of more modern and secure browsing technologies like Microsoft Edge, which offers better performance and compatibility with modern web standards.
How to report a website that isn't working correctly even in Internet Explorer mode?
You can use the feedback option within Microsoft Edge (usually found in the "Settings and more" menu under "Help and feedback") to report compatibility issues. This helps Microsoft improve IE Mode.
How to prepare for the eventual removal of Internet Explorer mode in Edge?
The best way to prepare is to identify websites and applications that rely on IE Mode and explore modern alternatives or contact the providers to inquire about their plans to update their systems for modern browsers.