Getting Internet Explorer up and running on Windows 11: The Aussie’s guide
Alright mate, here’s the deal: trying to get Internet Explorer back on Windows 11 is kinda like chasing a wild goanna — tricky but not impossible. Microsoft’s made IE pretty hard to find these days, hiding it away like a secret menu. Instead of a simple download, you’ll need to use Edge’s Internet Explorer mode. Sounds a bit Aussie-bunkers, but it does the trick for those old-school sites stuck in the past. Here’s how to get IE mode sorted without losing your marbles.
Open Microsoft Edge
First up, launch Microsoft Edge. Chances are, if you’re after IE on Windows 11, you’re already using Edge — it’s basically built-in. Find it in the Start menu or just click the icon on your taskbar. Can’t spot it? Press Windows + R, type in msedge, and hit Enter. Don’t skip this part — IE mode runs inside Edge, so it’s the star of the show.
Head into Settings
Next, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner — yeah, that one. Select ‘Settings’. Or, if you’re quick, press Alt + F then S, which gets there even faster. Settings can feel like a never-ending rabbit hole, but all you need is the default browser options. A tip: if your Edge feels a bit behind, update it first! The latest features sometimes hide behind those pesky updates.
Find the Default Browser Settings
In the Settings menu, go to ‘Default browser’ on the left-hand side. That’s where Microsoft keeps all the related options. Here, you’ll see things about setting Edge as your default and some compatibility features. Sometimes, IE mode settings might already be turned on — but more often than not, you’ll need to do it manually to get everything running smooth as.
Turn on IE Mode
This part’s a bit tricky. In the ‘Internet Explorer compatibility’ section, look for something like ‘Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.’ Flip that toggle to ‘On’. It’s not a full install of IE, just a quick way to access the old faithful inside Edge. The easiest way? Just flick the switch — that’s usually enough. Heads up: if you skip this step, those tricky corporate sites might flat-out refuse to load, and you’ll be left scratching your head.
Restart Edge
Now, close down Edge completely — and I mean all the way, check in Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to make sure no Edge processes are hanging about — then fire it up again. When it’s back, look for the IE mode icon. If all’s gone well, loading those vintage sites will feel like a walk in the park.
Once set up, accessing those old, outdated sites isn’t a pain. It’s a bit of a band-aid, but it gets the job done. To reload a site in IE mode, click the three-dot menu, then go to More tools > Reload in Internet Explorer mode. Pretty clever, eh?
Quick Tips for Using Internet Explorer Mode
Before diving into IE mode, here are a few handy tips. Keep Edge updated — newer versions iron out bugs and improve compatibility. Check your version in Settings > About Microsoft Edge or just type edge://version into the address bar.
Only use IE mode for sites that truly need it. Most web apps work perfectly fine in regular Edge. Using IE mode for everything? That’s like bringing a sledgehammer to a nail — overkill. Also, be cautious — old sites can be a security risk. Bookmark them so you don’t have to hunt for them every time. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even set up desktop shortcuts for those sites with IE mode enabled. Just right-click the desktop, choose New > Shortcut, and enter microsoft-edge:"URL". Don’t forget to turn on the toggle to enable that feature.
And hey, don’t forget — Edge’s got a bunch of modern features too. It’s got more to offer than just nostalgia. You can even configure group policy settings if you want certain sites to always open in IE mode — handy if you’re managing a heap of devices or working in a big outfit.
FAQs About Internet Explorer Mode
Can I install Internet Explorer standalone on Windows 11?
Nope, not anymore. Microsoft’s put IE on the back burner; it’s only available through Edge now. It’s a bit of a letdown, but IE mode’s still there for legacy sites. Check under Settings > Default browser or in the Control Panel > Programs. Spoiler: you’re mostly dealing with IE mode, not a separate browser.
Is IE mode available on all versions of Edge?
Not quite. You need Edge 77 or newer for IE mode to work properly. Unsure? Just type edge://version in the address bar. And remember to keep Edge up to date — it’s the best way to stay compatible and secure.
Can’t find the IE mode option? What’s the go?
Probably your Edge is a bit behind — update it pronto. Sometimes, group policies can block it too. If you’ve got admin rights, check out gpedit.msc to see if any policies are stopping IE mode from showing up. Might be a pain, but it’s fixable.
Will IE mode work exactly like the old Internet Explorer?
Not quite. It’s a bit of a lookalike, trying to emulate IE inside Edge. Complex features or some funky websites might not behave perfectly. For tough sites, try the ieemode:about page — that’s a handy way to manage which sites get the old-school treatment automatically.
Should I use IE mode for every website?
No way. It’s only for those sites that really need it. Modern sites tend to run better in the regular Edge browser. If you want certain sites to always open in IE mode, set up a Enterprise Mode Site List — keeps things simple and tidy.
Final Thoughts
So, you won’t find IE as a standalone anymore, but IE mode in Edge gets you pretty close without much fuss. Once you’ve set it up, those ancient sites won’t be a pain anymore. It’s like dusting off an old trusty tool for the occasional trip down memory lane — while still riding the wave of modern tech.
To sum it up:
- Open Edge: Windows + R, type
msedge - Go to Settings: Alt + F then S or visit
edge://settings - Click on Default Browser:
edge://settings/defaultBrowser - Toggle IE Mode: Turn on the compatibility feature
- Restart Edge: Close it fully and re-open, check for IE mode
Not too shabby, eh? Once you know the ropes, it’s pretty straightforward. Just another day navigating the digital world — juggling the old and the new. Hope this makes life easier for someone out there!