How to Run Internet Explorer on Windows 10: A Deep Dive for the Discerning User

Let’s cut straight to the chase. You want to run Internet Explorer (IE) on Windows 10. The answer is: you can’t directly run the full, standalone Internet Explorer 11 application in Windows 10 anymore. Microsoft officially retired it in favor of Microsoft Edge. However, there’s a workaround: you can leverage IE mode within Microsoft Edge. This effectively emulates the Internet Explorer rendering engine, allowing you to access legacy websites and applications that require it. This article will explore the depths of using IE mode and answer all your burning questions about running Internet Explorer-dependent web applications on Windows 10.

Understanding the Shift: Why IE is Gone (But Not Forgotten)

For years, Internet Explorer was synonymous with the internet itself. However, as technology evolved, IE struggled to keep pace with modern web standards. This led to security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues. Microsoft recognized the need for a browser built from the ground up with modern technologies and security in mind, hence the birth of Microsoft Edge.

While Edge is superior in many ways, a vast number of older websites and internal business applications were built specifically for Internet Explorer and its unique rendering quirks. This is why Microsoft cleverly integrated IE mode into Edge, offering a bridge to the past without compromising the future.

Enabling and Using IE Mode in Microsoft Edge

The good news is that enabling and using IE mode is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Ensure IE Mode is Enabled

First, you need to verify that IE mode is enabled in your Edge settings.

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three horizontal dots (…) in the top-right corner to open the menu.
3. Select Settings.
4. In the left-hand menu, click on Default browser.
5. Look for the “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode (IE mode)” option.
6. If it’s set to “Don’t allow”, change it to “Allow”.
7. You will be prompted to restart Microsoft Edge. Do so to apply the changes.

Step 2: Reloading a Site in IE Mode

Once IE mode is enabled, you can reload a specific website in IE mode.

1. Navigate to the website you want to view in IE mode using Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three horizontal dots (…) in the top-right corner to open the menu.
3. Select “Reload in Internet Explorer mode”.

The page will now reload using the IE rendering engine. You’ll see the Internet Explorer logo in the address bar, indicating that IE mode is active.

Step 3: Configuring IE Mode for Specific Websites (Enterprise Mode Site List)

For businesses that rely heavily on IE-dependent applications, manually reloading each site can be tedious. The Enterprise Mode Site List allows you to create a list of websites that automatically open in IE mode whenever accessed through Edge. This configuration typically involves Group Policy or the Microsoft Edge policies.

1. Create an Enterprise Mode Site List XML file: This file contains a list of URLs that should be opened in IE mode. You can use the Enterprise Mode Site List Manager tool (available from Microsoft) to create this file.
2. Configure the “Configure the Enterprise Mode Site List” policy: This Group Policy setting tells Edge where to find the Enterprise Mode Site List XML file.

Detailed instructions on configuring the Enterprise Mode Site List are available on the Microsoft Docs website. This is a more advanced configuration and typically handled by IT professionals.

Troubleshooting Common IE Mode Issues

Even with IE mode, you might encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• “Reload in Internet Explorer mode” option is missing: Ensure you have enabled IE mode in the Edge settings (Step 1 above).
• Website still doesn’t display correctly in IE mode: Try clearing the cache and cookies for the website. Also, check if the website requires a specific version of Internet Explorer and adjust compatibility settings accordingly.
• IE mode automatically disables: Ensure the “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode” setting remains enabled.
• Enterprise Mode Site List isn’t working: Double-check the XML file for errors and verify that the Group Policy setting is correctly configured.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about running Internet Explorer (or its equivalent) on Windows 10, with detailed answers:

1. Is Internet Explorer completely gone from Windows 10?

Yes, the standalone Internet Explorer 11 application is officially retired and no longer supported on Windows 10. However, the underlying IE rendering engine still exists and is used by IE mode in Microsoft Edge.

2. Why can’t I just download Internet Explorer and install it?

Microsoft has intentionally removed the ability to install the standalone Internet Explorer application on Windows 10. The company wants users to transition to Microsoft Edge, which offers improved security, performance, and compatibility with modern web standards.

3. What is IE mode in Microsoft Edge?

IE mode is a feature built into Microsoft Edge that allows it to use the Internet Explorer rendering engine to display websites. This is crucial for accessing older websites and applications that were designed specifically for Internet Explorer.

4. How long will IE mode be supported in Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft has committed to supporting IE mode in Microsoft Edge until at least 2029. This gives businesses ample time to modernize their legacy web applications or migrate to alternative solutions.

5. Does IE mode provide the same experience as the original Internet Explorer?

While IE mode uses the Internet Explorer rendering engine, it’s not an exact replica of the original Internet Explorer. Some minor differences may exist, particularly with features not directly related to rendering. However, for most websites, the experience will be virtually identical.

6. How do I clear the cache and cookies in IE mode?

Clearing the cache and cookies in IE mode is done through the Microsoft Edge settings.

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three horizontal dots (…) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. In the left-hand menu, click on Privacy, search, and services.
5. Under “Clear browsing data”, click on “Choose what to clear”.
6. Select the time range (e.g., “All time”).
7. Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files”.
8. Click “Clear now”.

This will clear the cache and cookies for both Edge and IE mode.

7. Can I use IE mode to run ActiveX controls?

Yes, IE mode supports ActiveX controls, which are often required by older business applications. Ensure ActiveX controls are enabled in the IE mode settings within Edge if you are facing issues running applications requiring ActiveX controls.

8. Is IE mode secure?

While IE mode provides a way to run legacy applications, it’s important to remember that it’s still using the Internet Explorer rendering engine, which has known security vulnerabilities. Microsoft continues to provide security updates for the IE rendering engine used in IE mode, but it’s crucial to exercise caution when accessing unfamiliar or untrusted websites in IE mode. It is highly advisable to use IE mode for trusted internal websites only.

9. How do I configure IE mode using Group Policy?

You can configure IE mode using Group Policy in Windows. The key settings are:

• “Configure the Enterprise Mode Site List”: Specifies the location of the Enterprise Mode Site List XML file.
• “Send all intranet sites to Internet Explorer 11”: Forces all intranet sites to open in IE mode.
• “Prevent bypassing the message about sites that require Internet Explorer”: Prevents users from bypassing the IE mode prompt.

These settings can be found under “Computer ConfigurationPoliciesAdministrative TemplatesMicrosoft Edge” in the Group Policy Management Editor.

10. What if IE mode doesn’t solve my compatibility issues?

If IE mode doesn’t fully address your compatibility problems, consider these alternatives:

• Virtualization: Use a virtual machine running an older version of Windows with Internet Explorer.
• Compatibility View settings (within IE mode): Adjust the Compatibility View settings in Edge to see if they improve the rendering.
• Modernization: The ideal long-term solution is to modernize your legacy web applications to be compatible with modern browsers like Microsoft Edge.

11. Does IE mode work on all Windows 10 versions?

Yes, IE mode is available on most supported versions of Windows 10.

12. Where can I find more information and support for IE mode?

Microsoft provides extensive documentation and support for IE mode on the Microsoft Docs website. Search for “Microsoft Edge IE mode” to find the official documentation and troubleshooting guides.

In conclusion, while the original Internet Explorer is retired, IE mode in Microsoft Edge provides a viable solution for accessing legacy websites and applications on Windows 10. By understanding how to enable and configure IE mode, and by addressing potential compatibility issues, you can effectively bridge the gap between the past and the present. Remember to prioritize security and consider modernizing your applications for long-term compatibility.