Are you confused about how to use Internet Explorer in Windows 11? Last year, In June 2022, IE (Internet Explorer) Browser was officially retired from Windows Microsoft. Back in our head, we all were expecting it as internet explorer was quite outdated and even Microsoft had stopped all its support way back. Microsoft developed a new and better version of IE and marketed it as an Edge browser. No doubt, it’s a very efficient and modern web browser but there are a few applications, most enterprise apps, that require internet explorer for their connectivity.

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We have been getting a request to help users enable internet explorer on their windows 11 because, at their workplaces, they have custom applications that leverage internet explorer. These organizations and financial institutes invest a lot in such applications and they can’t modify them frequently due to security and operational reason. Besides that, revamping the whole structure could lead to various business complexities and issues. In this guide, we have listed three ways to enable internet explorer on windows 11. All three are different and have their respective use cases. Let’s jump right onto them:

Method #1: Create a VBS File on the Desktop – The Most Popular

In case you want to open internet explorer and use it for your day-to-day tasks, you can follow this method. In this method, we will be writing a short script that will invoke the internet explorer launcher every time we run the script file. Don’t worry, it’s a very easy process, Just follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Navigate to your desktop and create a new Text Document.

Step 2: Copy the following statement and paste it into the newly created text document.

CreateObject(“InternetExplorer.Application”).Visible=true

Step 3: Navigate to the File Option on the top left ribbon of the text document and click on it.

Step 4: A new list of options will appear, click on Save as.

Step 5: A new dialog will appear, click on Save as type and set it to All files (.)

Step 6: Now, in the File name field, give your desired file name, and ensure that you add the .vbs extension at the back. For example, IE-Launcher.vbs then Click on the Save button and you are good to go.

Now, you will see a VBS file on your desktop. To launch internet explorer, you can double-click on it, the browser will open instantly. We have validated this script on multiple windows 11 machines and it worked flawlessly. however, if you still get some errors, do let us know in the comments section.

Method #2: Enable IE Mode in Edge browser – Official

In case you just want to load a few websites in your favorite, internet explorer, you can follow this method. In this approach, we will enable the IE mode in the Edge browser’s settings. This will ensure that if any website or webpage, requires the internet browser to load, it will automatically will be redirected. Using this method, you can continue using the modern edge browser and occasionally use internet explorer on windows 11 seamlessly. Follow the below-mentioned steps to enable IE mode in the edge browser on windows 11:

Step 1: Search and Launch the Edge browser.

Step 2: Navigate to the Meatballs menu (3 linear dots) at the top right corner of the browser and click on it. A list of options will appear, navigate to Settings and Open it.

Step 3: A new setting’s webpage will open. In the left sidebar, navigate to the Default browser and Click on it.

Step 4: Another webpage will open, here, you will find the option Let Internet Explorer open sites in Microsoft Edge. You have to change the option to Always (Recommended) from the drop-down menu.

Step 5: Now, change the value of the option Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode (IE mode) to Allow from the drop-down menu.

Step 6: As soon as you do that, a Restart button will appear right below the options, you have changed. Click on it and let the browser restart.

Step 7: Now, on the same settings page, click on the Add button located on the right of Internet Explorer mode pages.

Step 8: You will be asked to enter a URL, in the text field, enter the URL of the webpage that you want to use in internet explorer and Click on the Add button.

Note: Include https:// or http:// before the website’s address.

That’s It, now quickly restart the edge browser and open the same website you have added in step 8. Your website will be loaded in Internet Explorer automatically. Now, in case you don’t want to add website URLs again and again, you can simply add the Internet Explorer mode option in the toolbar of the browser. Follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Click on the Meatball Icon (3-dot menu) located at the top right corner of the browser. Navigate to Reload in Internet Explorer mode and Right click on it.

Step 2: A new list will appear, select the Show in the toolbar option.

You have now successfully added the “Internet Explorer mode” option in your browser’s toolbar. Whenever you want to open any website in internet explorer, enter the URL and click on the IE mode button. To stop the IE Mode, click on the option again.

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Method #3: Launch Internet Explorer on Windows 11 using Start Menu – Least Popular

If you don’t want to create a VBS file or enable the Internet explorer mode in the edge, then you can consider this method. However, it is one of the least popular ways because of its less success rate. Our readers have reported that this solution is not working for them. In further investigation, we have identified that this trick does not work on some of the windows 11 builds and it may fail for future releases as well.

When we tried it on our stable windows 11 build, we could launch internet explorer. We would recommend you stick to the above two methods as they have a 100% success rate across all windows 11 builds. However, if you want to try, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open Start Menu. Search for Internet Options and open the first option from the results.

Step 2: A new dialogue will appear, navigate to the Programs tab.

Step 3: On the programs tab, click on the Manage add-ons button.

Step 4: A new window will open, navigate to “Learn more about toolbars and extensions” located at the bottom-left corner, and click on it.

You will see that the help page is loaded in internet explorer itself. Now, you can simply use the IE browser.

FAQ related to Internet Explorer on Windows 11

Que. #1: How do I enable or access Internet Explorer in Windows 11?

Ans: To easiest way to enable Internet Explorer in Windows 11, you can create a VBS file and launch Internet Explorer whenever you want. There are other ways as well, check out the three methods we have listed in this guide.

Que. #2: Is Internet Explorer still supported on Windows 11?

Ans: Yes, Internet Explorer is still supported on Windows 11, but it is not the default browser anymore. Microsoft Edge is the new default browser for Windows 11.

Que. #3: Can I use Internet Explorer as my default browser in Windows 11?

Ans: You can use Internet Explorer as your default browser on Windows 11, but we would recommend using internet explorer as your daily browser because Microsoft has officially retired internet explorer and launched Edge as its replacement which has better performance and security features.

Que. #4: Are there any compatibility issues when using Internet Explorer in Windows 11?

Ans: Yes, modern-day websites might not be fully compatible with Internet Explorer in Windows 11, as they are designed for newer and better browsers like Edge or Chrome.

Que. #5: How do I troubleshoot issues with Internet Explorer in Windows 11?

Ans: You can try clearing your cache and cookies, disabling any add-ons, and running a virus scan. If the issue persists, you can try using the Microsoft Edge browser.

Que. #6: How do I customize the settings and options in Internet Explorer in Windows 11?

Ans: You can customize settings and options in Internet Explorer in Windows 11 by going to the Tools menu and selecting Internet options. Here, you can adjust settings such as security, privacy, and appearance.

Conclusion

We hope, now you can enable and use Internet Explorer in Windows 11 without any issues. In case you get stuck at any place, do reach out to us and we would love to fix your issue.

Last update on 2025-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API