Internet Explorer has been officially retired, but some legacy websites and applications still require its functionality. Fortunately, Windows 11 provides a way to access Internet Explorer features through Microsoft Edge’s IE Mode. This article explains how to enable and use Internet Explorer Mode in Windows 11.
Enabling Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge
Internet Explorer Mode allows you to view legacy websites that require Internet Explorer, all within the modern Microsoft Edge browser. Here’s how to enable it:
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge in Windows 11.
Step 2: Click the three dots (…) in the top-right corner to open the menu.
Step 3: Select “Settings” from the menu.
Step 4: In the left sidebar, click on “Default browser”.
Step 5: Under “Internet Explorer compatibility”, toggle on “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode”.
Step 6: Restart Microsoft Edge for the changes to take effect.
Using Internet Explorer Mode
Once enabled, you can use Internet Explorer Mode in two ways:
Method 1: Automatic Detection
Microsoft Edge will automatically detect websites that require Internet Explorer and prompt you to switch to IE Mode. When you encounter such a site:
Step 1: A popup will appear asking if you want to open the site in IE Mode.
Step 2: Click “Open in Internet Explorer mode” to reload the page.
Step 3: The page will reload with a blue “IE” icon in the address bar, indicating you’re in IE Mode.
Method 2: Manual Activation
For sites that don’t trigger automatic detection, you can manually switch to IE Mode:
Step 1: Click the three dots (…) in the top-right corner of Edge.
Step 2: Select “Reload in Internet Explorer mode” from the menu.
Step 3: The page will reload in IE Mode, with the blue “IE” icon visible in the address bar.
Managing IE Mode Settings
To fine-tune your IE Mode experience:
Step 1: Open Edge Settings and go to “Default browser”.
Step 2: Under “Internet Explorer compatibility”, click “Add” next to “Internet Explorer mode pages”.
Step 3: Enter the URLs of sites that should always open in IE Mode.
Step 4: Use the “Remove” button to delete sites from the list if needed.
Limitations and Considerations
While IE Mode is useful, it’s important to understand its limitations:
- IE Mode is not a full version of Internet Explorer, so some very old web technologies may still not work.
- Microsoft plans to support IE Mode until at least 2029, but it’s best to update legacy applications when possible.
- Using IE Mode may expose you to security risks associated with older web technologies.
Troubleshooting IE Mode
If you encounter issues with IE Mode:
- Ensure your Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge are up to date.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies.
- Try adding the problematic site to the IE Mode pages list in Edge settings.
- If a site still doesn’t work, contact the site administrator about modernizing their web application.
Internet Explorer Mode in Windows 11 provides a bridge between old and new web technologies. While it’s a useful tool for compatibility, it’s always best to encourage the use of modern web standards whenever possible.