How to Run Internet Explorer in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Running Internet Explorer in Windows 11 feels a bit strange, but if you’ve got some old legacy apps or dodgy corporate websites that still rely on IE, there’s a way to get around it. Of course, Windows 11 doesn’t have IE built in anymore, but luckily Microsoft chucked in IE mode within Edge, so that’s your workaround. Setting it up isn’t too tricky, but it’s a bit tucked away in the settings, and you’ll need to flick a couple of switches to make it run smoothly.

How to Run Internet Explorer in Windows 11

Here’s the lowdown. You basically turn on IE mode in Edge, then add the sites you want to open with that mode. That way, you get a sort of ‘retro’ browser experience without actually having IE installed. It works alright, but remember it’s mainly for those stubborn legacy sites — not for your everyday browsing. On some setups, enabling IE mode and adding websites can be a bit flaky; sometimes you need to restart Edge or even reboot your PC. Of course, Windows loves making things just complicated enough.

Method 1: Enable IE Mode in Edge Settings

1. Open Microsoft Edge. You’ll find it pinned on the taskbar or in the Start menu. Click on it.
2. Head to Settings: Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, then pick Settings.
3. Go to Default Browser: In the sidebar, click Default browser. This is where you control how Edge handles things like IE mode.
4. Turn on IE Mode: Look for Internet Explorer compatibility. Flick the switch for Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode. This setting’s a bit sneaky to find, but it’s key — without it, IE mode won’t work.
5. Add Websites to IE Mode: Scroll down to Internet Explorer mode pages. Click Add, then punch in the URL of the old site or app you need, like http://legacy.app. Once you add it, Edge will automatically open that site in IE mode whenever you visit.

This all sounds straightforward, but sometimes after flicking that switch, Edge needs a restart. Other times, it works straight away. It’s a bit hit or miss — you might need to close and reopen Edge or reboot your PC if it’s acting up.

Method 2: Using Command Line to Force IE Mode

This one’s a bit more hit-or-miss, but if fiddling in the settings doesn’t do the trick, you can try launching Edge with a special command. Not always necessary, but handy for power users:

msedge --ie-mode-test

On some setups, this command kicks IE mode into gear faster, especially if your settings are a bit wonky. Just a heads up, you might need to tweak some configs in about:flags or via group policy for more control.

Tips for Running Internet Explorer in Windows 11

• Check if your company or the website still needs IE — if it works with Edge’s IE mode, it’s probably safer than sticking with an old, deprecated browser.
• Remember, IE mode runs on the Edge engine underneath, so it’s relatively secure — but avoid using it for dodgy sites or anything sensitive.
• Keep Edge updated; Microsoft often rolls out improvements to IE mode in updates.
• Use IE mode sparingly — overdoing it might expose you to vulnerabilities, especially on older or unpatched sites.
• If your legacy app acts up, try clearing cache or resetting site permissions in Edge; sometimes that sorts out loading issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I find Internet Explorer in Windows 11?

Because it’s not included anymore. Instead, you use IE mode inside Edge for those old sites — it’s basically the closest thing to IE on Windows 11.

Is IE mode secure inside Edge?

Yep, it runs on the Edge engine, so it’s as secure as Edge itself. But since it’s mainly for compatibility, don’t use it for sensitive or untrusted sites.

Can I set IE mode as the default for all sites?

Nope, that’s not how it works. You need to add specific sites to the IE mode list. Otherwise, Edge stays normal for everything else.

How often should I update Edge?

Just check for updates about once a month — Microsoft pushes out patches regularly. Keeping Edge fresh helps IE mode run smoothly, too.

Are there alternatives to IE mode?

Maybe, if the sites are updated you can ditch IE altogether. But if you need that old web app running, IE mode’s still your best shot — just don’t rely on it forever.

Summary

• Open Microsoft Edge.
• Head to Settings (the three-dot menu) → Default browser.
• Toggle the switch for Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.
• Add your old sites to Internet Explorer mode pages.

Hopefully, this saves someone a few hours. It’s a bit clunky, but it gets the job done when you need it — at least for now. Good luck navigating the web’s old-school corners in Windows 11.