Ever feel like your computer has old baggage hanging around, things you just don’t use anymore? Internet Explorer on Windows 8 can feel a bit like that for many folks. While you can’t truly “delete” Internet Explorer in the traditional sense, because it’s baked right into Windows, you absolutely can turn it off. This process involves going to your Control Panel, opening the “Programs and Features” section, and using the “Turn Windows features on or off” tool to uncheck the box next to Internet Explorer. After a quick restart, it will be gone from your system, making way for your preferred, more modern browsers.
How to Delete Internet Explorer Windows 8 Tutorial
Getting rid of Internet Explorer from your Windows 8 system is less about deleting files and more about telling Windows to simply hide and stop using it. These steps will walk you through the simple process of disabling this built-in browser to give you a cleaner, more streamlined experience.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel on your computer.
You’ve got a couple of easy ways to get to the Control Panel, which is like the command center for your Windows system. One quick trick is to press the Windows key and the “X” key on your keyboard at the same time, which opens a special menu with “Control Panel” as an option.
Another straightforward method is to move your mouse cursor to the top right corner of your screen to open the Charms bar, click “Search,” and then type “Control Panel” into the search box. Once it appears in the results, just click it to open it.
Step 2: Navigate to Programs and Features.
Once you’re in the Control Panel, you’ll see a lot of options, but don’t get overwhelmed. Look for the “Programs” section, and right underneath it, you should see “Programs and Features.” This is where you manage all the applications installed on your computer, whether you want to uninstall them or, in our case, modify Windows features.
Clicking “Programs and Features” opens a new window listing all your installed software. This is a common spot for uninstalling programs you no longer need, but we’re going for something a little different today.
Step 3: Click on “Turn Windows features on or off.”
On the left side of the “Programs and Features” window, you’ll spot an option that says “Turn Windows features on or off.” This is the golden ticket to disabling Internet Explorer. It might seem a little hidden, but this tool is super useful for adding or removing built-in Windows components without fully uninstalling them.
When you click this, a new, smaller window will pop up, and it might take a moment or two to load. This is because your computer is checking all the different features Windows has, preparing to show you what you can enable or disable.
Step 4: Locate Internet Explorer and uncheck its box.
Scroll down the list in the “Windows Features” window until you find “Internet Explorer 10” or “Internet Explorer 11,” depending on your specific version of Windows 8 or 8.1. You’ll see a small checkbox right next to it. Simply click on that checkbox to uncheck it.
Windows might show a small warning message asking if you’re sure you want to turn off Internet Explorer. It might mention that turning it off could affect other programs or features. For most users today, especially with so many alternative browsers available, this isn’t usually a problem. Just click “Yes” to confirm your decision, then click “OK” on the “Windows Features” window.
Step 5: Restart your computer to apply the changes.
After you’ve clicked “OK,” Windows will likely prompt you to restart your computer. This restart is super important because it’s how your system fully applies the changes you just made. Without restarting, Internet Explorer might still pop up or appear to be there.
So, go ahead and restart your PC when prompted. Don’t worry, it won’t take long, and once it’s back up, Internet Explorer will be effectively gone from your system, no longer cluttering your Start screen or tempting you to use it.
After you’ve successfully completed these steps and restarted your computer, Internet Explorer will no longer appear on your Start screen, in your app list, or as an option to open web links. It’s essentially hidden and inactive, though its core files remain part of the operating system. This means it won’t run in the background, consume resources, or pose a security risk due to an outdated browser.
Tips for Deleting Internet Explorer Windows 8
- Understand Why You’re Disabling It: Most people turn off Internet Explorer for security reasons, as it’s often older and less secure than modern browsers, or simply to declutter their system and avoid accidentally using it.
- Have an Alternative Browser Ready: Before you disable Internet Explorer, make sure you have another web browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Opera, already installed and set as your default. You’ll need a way to get online, right?
- It’s Not a Permanent Deletion: Remember, you’re not actually deleting the program’s files; you’re just turning off the feature. This means if you ever change your mind, you can easily go back into “Turn Windows features on or off” and re-enable it.
- Free Up Minimal Space: Don’t expect to free up much hard drive space by disabling IE. Since its files are deeply integrated into Windows, the space savings are usually negligible, but the performance and security benefits are real.
- Consider Windows 8.1 Differences: If you’re on Windows 8.1, the process is the same, but you’ll likely need to disable Internet Explorer 11. The steps remain consistent across both versions of Windows 8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is disabling Internet Explorer the same as uninstalling it?
No, it’s not quite the same as uninstalling a regular program. When you disable Internet Explorer using the “Turn Windows features on or off” tool, you’re essentially telling your operating system to hide it and stop using it. The core files remain on your system because IE is a fundamental part of Windows, but it won’t run or appear anywhere. Uninstalling would typically remove all associated files, which isn’t an option for IE.
Will disabling Internet Explorer affect other programs or Windows updates?
For the vast majority of users and modern applications, disabling Internet Explorer will have no negative impact. Most current software and websites rely on more modern web engines that are not tied to IE. Windows updates will continue to function normally, as the update process doesn’t rely on Internet Explorer being active. Some very old, legacy business applications might still be designed to work specifically with IE, but these are rare today.
Can I still use another browser after disabling Internet Explorer?
Absolutely! In fact, that’s usually the main reason people disable IE. You can and should install a more modern, secure, and feature-rich browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Opera. Once you have an alternative installed, you can set it as your default browser, and it will handle all your web browsing needs without issues caused by IE being disabled.
Is it safe to disable Internet Explorer?
Yes, it is generally very safe to disable Internet Explorer, especially if you have a modern alternative browser installed. Disabling IE can even improve your security posture, as older versions of IE are more susceptible to certain vulnerabilities. By removing it from active use, you reduce a potential attack vector for malware or other online threats.
What if I need Internet Explorer again in the future?
No problem at all! Since you’re only disabling it and not truly deleting it, you can easily bring it back. Just follow the same steps you used to turn it off: go to Control Panel, then Programs and Features, then “Turn Windows features on or off,” and simply recheck the box next to Internet Explorer. After a quick restart, it will be available on your system once more.
Summary
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to Programs and Features.
- Click “Turn Windows features on or off.”
- Uncheck Internet Explorer.
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
Taking charge of your computer’s features, especially those that might be outdated or unused, is a smart move for any PC owner. Understanding how to disable Internet Explorer in Windows 8 puts you in the driver’s seat. For years, Internet Explorer was the go-to browser, but the digital landscape has changed dramatically. Modern browsers offer not just faster performance, but also significantly enhanced security features and a much richer user experience. Think of it like upgrading from an old flip phone to the latest smartphone; both make calls, but one offers a whole world of possibilities the other can’t touch.
By turning off Internet Explorer, you’re not just decluttering your Start screen, you’re making a conscious choice for better online safety and efficiency. Why run software that might be vulnerable or simply not keeping up with today’s web standards? You wouldn’t drive an old car without seatbelts if you had a safer option, would you? The same logic applies to your web browser. This simple process allows your Windows 8 system to run a little leaner and potentially a little safer, freeing up resources for the applications you actually use and love.
Remember, this isn’t a permanent goodbye; it’s more like putting it into storage. If, by some slim chance, you ever encounter a niche website or a very specific legacy application that absolutely demands Internet Explorer to function, you can always reactivate it with just a few clicks. But for your daily browsing needs, embracing a modern alternative is the way to go. So, go ahead and empower your Windows 8 machine to enjoy a faster, more secure internet experience with the browser of your choice. Your digital journey deserves the best available tools, and taking control of features like Internet Explorer is a fantastic first step toward optimizing your system.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.