Downloading Internet Explorer in Windows 11 might sound tricky since Microsoft has replaced it with the new and shiny Microsoft Edge. However, if you need to access certain websites or legacy applications that only work in Internet Explorer, there’s a way. You can use Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge, which allows you to run Internet Explorer directly within the Edge browser.
How to Download Internet Explorer in Windows 11
In this section, we’ll guide you through the steps to access Internet Explorer features within Windows 11 by enabling Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge. This approach ensures you retain compatibility with older web technologies while using the latest browser.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge
Launch the Microsoft Edge browser on your Windows 11 computer.
Once you open Edge, you’re already halfway there. This browser is designed to handle Internet Explorer Mode seamlessly.
Step 2: Access Settings
Click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select “Settings.”
These settings contain a treasure trove of options that allow you to tweak Edge to your liking, including enabling Internet Explorer Mode.
Step 3: Navigate to Default Browser
In the settings menu, find and click on the “Default browser” tab.
This tab holds the key to activating Internet Explorer Mode, which is essential for accessing sites that require the older browser.
Step 4: Enable Internet Explorer Mode
Under “Internet Explorer compatibility,” switch on the option to “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.”
By toggling this option, Edge will become your one-stop-shop for all your browsing needs, even those pesky old sites.
Step 5: Restart Edge
Close and reopen Microsoft Edge to apply the changes.
Restarting the browser ensures that all your newly set preferences take effect, making Internet Explorer Mode available for use.
After enabling Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge, you can now open websites that require the old browser without a hitch. Just enter the URL in Edge, and if it needs Internet Explorer, Edge will automatically switch to the mode needed.
Tips for Downloading Internet Explorer in Windows 11
- Ensure that Windows 11 is up-to-date for the best compatibility with Internet Explorer Mode.
- Remember that Internet Explorer is no longer a standalone browser in Windows 11.
- If a site doesn’t work in Internet Explorer Mode, consider reaching out for support or using an alternative method.
- Use caution when visiting sites that require Internet Explorer as they may lack modern security features.
- Bookmark sites you frequently visit in Internet Explorer Mode for quick access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find Internet Explorer in Windows 11?
Internet Explorer is no longer available as a standalone browser in Windows 11. Instead, you use Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge.
Is Internet Explorer Mode safe to use?
Yes, Microsoft Edge provides security updates and modern protections even when using Internet Explorer Mode.
Can I set Internet Explorer Mode as my default?
No, Internet Explorer Mode is designed to be used on a per-website basis and cannot be set as the default browsing mode.
Are there any limitations to Internet Explorer Mode?
Some very old web technologies might not work properly even in Internet Explorer Mode. Always test your sites.
Can I install the old Internet Explorer on Windows 11?
No, the traditional Internet Explorer browser cannot be installed on Windows 11; use the mode within Edge instead.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Access settings.
- Navigate to Default Browser.
- Enable Internet Explorer Mode.
- Restart Edge.
Conclusion
In this digital age, staying connected often means adapting to new tools while keeping a foot in the past for legacy systems. Accessing Internet Explorer in Windows 11 through Microsoft Edge is a prime example of how Microsoft has provided a bridge from the old to the new. It’s like finding a hidden room in your house that you didn’t know existed—a room that contains all those old websites you thought you’d never see again.
The Internet Explorer Mode essentially keeps the door open to those legacy applications and sites, ensuring that your workflow remains uninterrupted. Plus, it keeps you within the safer, more secure confines of Microsoft Edge. If your adventures require more than just Internet Explorer, consider exploring the vast range of extensions and features Edge has to offer. By adopting new tech while respecting the past, you’re setting yourself up for a more versatile and secure browsing experience.
Remember, technology is always evolving, and staying informed is your best ally. As you continue to explore what Windows 11 and Edge can do, you’ll find that tackling any tech challenge—big or small—is as simple as pie. So go ahead, dive into your settings, switch on that Internet Explorer Mode, and navigate the web with confidence.
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.