Navigating the new landscape of Windows 11 can feel like discovering a new city. You might be wondering, “Where’s the trusty Internet Explorer?” While Microsoft has shifted its focus to the Edge browser, Internet Explorer is still available. Here’s a quick and easy guide: use the “Search” bar, type “Internet Explorer,” and click on the result. Voilà! You’ve got your familiar browser up and running.
How to Open Internet Explorer in Windows 11
Follow these detailed steps to bring up Internet Explorer on your Windows 11 device. It’s straightforward, and within a few minutes, you’ll have your old favorite browser running.
Step 1: Search for Internet Explorer
First, click on the “Search” icon on your taskbar.
The “Search” icon looks like a small magnifying glass, usually found next to the Start menu. Clicking it will open a search box.
Step 2: Type “Internet Explorer” in the Search Bar
Next, type “Internet Explorer” into the search bar and hit Enter.
As you type, the system will start showing search results. Usually, Internet Explorer will appear near the top.
Step 3: Select Internet Explorer from the Results
Click on the Internet Explorer icon from the search results.
This action will open Internet Explorer. You might notice it looks and feels the same as you remember from previous Windows versions.
Step 4: Pin Internet Explorer to the Taskbar (Optional)
If you plan to use Internet Explorer often, right-click its icon in the taskbar and select “Pin to Taskbar.”
Pinning makes it easier to access in the future without needing to search for it each time.
Step 5: Adjust Settings if Necessary
Once Internet Explorer is open, you might want to adjust your settings, like the homepage or add-ons.
Navigate to the settings gear in the upper-right corner of the window to tailor the browser to your liking.
After completing these steps, Internet Explorer will be ready to use on your Windows 11 device. You can browse, download, or do anything you used to do in previous versions of Windows.
Tips for Opening Internet Explorer in Windows 11
- Use the Shortcut: Pinning Internet Explorer to the taskbar makes it easily accessible.
- Default Browser: Remember, Edge is the default browser in Windows 11, and it’s optimized for better performance.
- Compatibility Mode: Use Internet Explorer mode in Edge for websites that require IE.
- Check Updates: Ensure that your Internet Explorer is up-to-date for the best performance and security.
- Backup Bookmarks: Transfer bookmarks from IE to Edge or another browser to avoid losing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Internet Explorer installed by default on Windows 11?
Yes, Internet Explorer is still included in Windows 11, though not prominently featured.
Can I make Internet Explorer my default browser?
You can, but Microsoft Edge is the default browser. Changing it requires going into settings and selecting Internet Explorer as the default.
What is Internet Explorer mode in Edge?
It’s a feature that allows you to open websites using the Internet Explorer rendering engine within Edge, ensuring compatibility with older websites.
Why isn’t Internet Explorer appearing in my search?
If it’s not showing up, ensure that it hasn’t been disabled in Windows Features. You can re-enable it through the Control Panel.
Is it safe to use Internet Explorer in Windows 11?
While it’s safe, Internet Explorer is outdated and less secure compared to modern browsers. Use it primarily for compatibility purposes.
Summary
- Step 1: Click on the “Search” icon.
- Step 2: Type “Internet Explorer” in the search bar.
- Step 3: Click on Internet Explorer from the results.
- Step 4: (Optional) Pin Internet Explorer to the taskbar.
- Step 5: Adjust settings if necessary.
Conclusion
Opening Internet Explorer in Windows 11 is a breeze if you know where to look. While Microsoft is steering users towards Edge, Internet Explorer remains available for those who need it. Whether it’s for nostalgia’s sake or specific website compatibility, you can get your old standby up and running in no time. However, keep in mind that Internet Explorer is not getting any younger, and for most daily tasks, Edge or another modern browser might be the way to go.
So, don’t stress if you can’t find your trusty old browser right away. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be surfing the web in no time. Happy browsing!
For further reading, consider exploring how to use Edge’s Internet Explorer mode, or how to transfer your bookmarks and settings from Internet Explorer to a more modern browser for a seamless transition.
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.