Are you a Windows 11 user who still relies on legacy websites or web apps built specifically for Internet Explorer? Good news! Windows 11 includes an Internet Explorer mode right inside Microsoft Edge, helping you access older web content without switching browsers.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to enable and use Internet Explorer (IE) mode in Windows 11 — perfect for businesses, developers, or anyone needing that classic compatibility.
What is Internet Explorer Mode in Windows 11?
Internet Explorer mode is a feature built into Microsoft Edge that lets you open websites with the Internet Explorer 11 rendering engine. This is ideal for websites that require ActiveX controls, older JavaScript, or legacy intranet sites that don’t render well on modern browsers.
Since Microsoft officially retired the standalone Internet Explorer app in 2022, IE mode offers a smooth way to keep using those sites seamlessly inside Edge, without losing modern browser features.
How to Enable Internet Explorer Mode in Windows 11
Here’s how to turn on IE mode in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11:
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge
Make sure Microsoft Edge is updated to the latest version for the best compatibility. You can check updates by clicking the three dots (…) > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge.
Step 2: Access Edge Settings
Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, then select Settings.
Step 3: Navigate to Default Browser Settings
In the left sidebar, select Default browser.
Step 4: Enable Internet Explorer Compatibility
Find the section named Internet Explorer compatibility. Set the option Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode to Allow.
Step 5: Restart Microsoft Edge
Close and reopen Edge to apply the changes.
How to Use Internet Explorer Mode in Windows 11
Once IE mode is enabled, here’s how to open a website in Internet Explorer mode:
Step 1: Navigate to the Website
Open Microsoft Edge and go to the legacy website you want to view.
Step 2: Open the IE Mode Tab
Click the three-dot menu (…), then choose Reload in Internet Explorer mode.
Step 3: Use the Site as Usual
The page will reload with Internet Explorer’s rendering engine. You’ll see an IE mode icon in the address bar, indicating IE mode is active.
Step 4: Exit IE Mode
When you no longer need IE mode, click the IE mode icon and select Open in Microsoft Edge to return to the modern browser mode.
Pro Tip: Add Sites to the IE Mode List for Auto-Loading
If you access certain legacy sites frequently, you can make IE mode automatic for them:
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- Go to Settings > Default browser.
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- Under Internet Explorer mode pages, click Add.
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- Enter the URL of the site and save.
This way, these sites will open in IE mode automatically whenever you visit.
Why Use Internet Explorer Mode?
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- Legacy Site Compatibility: Access intranet or government websites that require IE-only features.
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- Business Continuity: Keep running legacy web apps during corporate migrations.
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- Smooth Transition: Use modern Edge features alongside IE mode, all in one browser.
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- Security: IE mode runs within Edge’s sandbox, offering better protection than standalone IE.
Final Thoughts
While Internet Explorer is officially retired, IE mode in Windows 11 is a powerful tool to keep your legacy websites running without the hassle of multiple browsers. Whether for work or personal use, enabling IE mode in Microsoft Edge blends the best of both worlds — classic compatibility and modern browsing.
Give it a try, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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