Many Windows users still rely on Internet Explorer 11 for accessing older business applications, legacy websites, and internal company portals. However, Microsoft introduced a feature called IEToEdge BHO, which automatically redirects unsupported Internet Explorer websites to Microsoft Edge. While this feature improves compatibility and security, it can become frustrating if you intentionally want to keep using IE11.
If your browser constantly opens Microsoft Edge whenever you launch certain websites in Internet Explorer, disabling the IEToEdge Browser Helper Object (BHO) can help stop the automatic redirect behavior.
This guide explains everything in a beginner-friendly way, including what the IEToEdge BHO is, why it exists, and how to safely disable it step by step.
What Is IEToEdge BHO?
The term IEToEdge BHO stands for Internet Explorer to Edge Browser Helper Object. A Browser Helper Object is a small plugin that extends the functionality of Internet Explorer.
Microsoft created this component to improve the browsing experience when users attempt to open outdated or unsupported websites in Internet Explorer. Instead of displaying broken pages or security warnings, IE11 redirects those websites directly to Microsoft Edge, which uses a more modern rendering engine.
The redirect system became more common after Microsoft officially retired Internet Explorer 11 for many Windows versions. Even though IE11 still exists in some environments, Microsoft encourages users to move toward Edge through automatic redirection.
While this may help general users, it can create problems for organizations or individuals who still need Internet Explorer for compatibility reasons.
Why You May Want to Disable IEToEdge BHO?
There are several reasons why users choose to disable this redirect feature.
Some older web applications only work correctly in Internet Explorer. If Edge opens automatically, the application may stop functioning properly.
Many enterprise environments still depend on legacy ActiveX controls, outdated scripts, or older authentication methods that modern browsers no longer support.
Some users simply prefer to avoid automatic browser switching because it interrupts workflow and creates confusion.
Disabling the IEToEdge BHO allows IE11 to remain in control without automatically passing websites to Microsoft Edge.
Things to Know Before You Start!
Before making changes, it is important to understand a few things.
Disabling the IEToEdge BHO does not uninstall Microsoft Edge from your computer.
Some websites may still fail to load properly in Internet Explorer because IE11 no longer receives active support for modern web standards.
You should create a System Restore Point before modifying advanced Windows settings like the registry or group policies. This helps you restore your system if something goes wrong.
You also need administrator access for some methods described in this guide.
Disable IEToEdge BHO to Stop IE11 Redirect to Edge
To disable the IEToEdge BHO and stop Internet Explorer 11 from redirecting to Microsoft Edge, follow these quick steps:
Open Internet Explorer 11 and access Manage Add-ons from the Tools menu. Locate the IEToEdge BHO add-on under Toolbars and Extensions. Select it and click Disable. Restart Internet Explorer to apply the changes.
For advanced users, the feature can also be disabled through the Windows Registry Editor or Group Policy Editor.
Step 1: Open Internet Explorer Add-on Manager
The easiest way to disable the redirect feature is through Internet Explorer’s built-in Add-on Manager.
Start by opening Internet Explorer 11 on your Windows computer. Once the browser launches, look for the small gear-shaped icon located in the upper-right corner of the window. This is the Tools menu.
Click the Tools icon to open the dropdown menu. From the list of available options, select Manage add-ons. This opens a new window where Internet Explorer stores all installed extensions, helper objects, and browser plugins.
Inside the Manage Add-ons window, you will see different categories on the left side. Select Toolbars and Extensions because the IEToEdge BHO is stored there.
The main panel will now display all active and inactive browser helper objects installed in Internet Explorer.
Take your time while browsing through the list because there may be many entries depending on your Windows configuration.
Step 2: Locate the IEToEdge BHO Extension
After opening the Toolbars and Extensions section, you need to identify the correct add-on responsible for redirecting IE11 to Microsoft Edge.
Look carefully for an entry called IEToEdge BHO or something similar, such as Microsoft Edge Browser Helper. The exact naming can vary slightly between Windows versions and updates.
You can sort the list by publisher to make the search easier. Most Microsoft-related browser extensions will appear under the publisher name Microsoft Corporation.
Once you locate the extension, click on it once to highlight it. Information about the selected add-on will appear at the bottom of the window. This confirms that you selected the correct helper object.
This add-on is what intercepts unsupported websites and launches them in Microsoft Edge automatically.
Step 3: Disable the IEToEdge Browser Helper Object
Now that you have located the correct extension, the next step is to disable it.
With the IEToEdge BHO selected, look toward the lower-right corner of the Manage Add-ons window. You should see a button labeled Disable.
Click the Disable button once. Internet Explorer may display a warning message explaining that disabling the add-on could affect browser functionality. This is normal because the redirect feature is part of Microsoft’s compatibility system.
Confirm the action when prompted.
After disabling the extension, the status of the IEToEdge BHO should change from Enabled to Disabled.
At this point, the automatic redirect feature is no longer active within Internet Explorer.
Step 4: Restart Internet Explorer
Changes made to browser add-ons usually require a restart before they fully take effect.
Close all Internet Explorer windows currently open on your computer. Make sure every IE11 tab and session is completely shut down.
Wait a few seconds and reopen Internet Explorer.
Once the browser launches again, try visiting a website that previously redirected you to Microsoft Edge. In many cases, the redirect should no longer occur.
If the website opens normally in IE11, the process was successful.
If the redirect still happens, your Windows system may be enforcing the behavior through group policies or registry settings. In that case, continue with the advanced methods below.
Disable IE Redirect Through Registry Editor
Some Windows configurations continue redirecting users even after the add-on is disabled. This usually happens in managed environments or after certain Windows updates.
Using the Registry Editor provides a more advanced solution.
Begin by pressing Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit and press Enter. If Windows displays a User Account Control prompt, click Yes.
The Registry Editor window will open.
Navigate to the following registry path carefully:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
Inside this folder, look for settings related to Edge redirection or browser helper objects.
Depending on your system, you may find entries connected to redirect behavior. You can create or modify policies that disable automatic Edge launching.
Because registry configurations vary between Windows versions, always back up your registry before making changes. Incorrect registry edits can cause system instability.
To back up the registry, click File, then Export, and save a backup copy to a safe location.
After making changes, restart your computer so the new settings can apply correctly.
Use Group Policy Editor to Block Edge Redirects
Professional and Enterprise editions of Windows include a feature called the Group Policy Editor. This tool allows administrators to control browser behavior across the operating system.
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog again. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
Once the Local Group Policy Editor opens, navigate through the following sections:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer
Look for policies related to Internet Explorer integration, Edge redirection, or unsupported site handling.
Microsoft sometimes updates policy names, so the wording may differ slightly depending on your Windows build.
Open the relevant policy and change its status from Not Configured to Disabled.
Apply the changes and restart your system afterward.
This method is especially useful in workplace environments where multiple users experience forced redirects.
Verify That the Redirect Is Disabled
After completing the changes, it is important to confirm everything works properly.
Launch Internet Explorer 11 again and visit several websites that previously triggered Edge automatically. Pay close attention to browser behavior.
If the websites now stay inside IE11 without launching Microsoft Edge, the configuration was successful. If Microsoft Edge still opens automatically, double-check the following:
Ensure the IEToEdge BHO is still disabled
Verify that group policies did not re-enable the setting automatically
Restart the computer after every major change
Check whether your organization manages browser policies remotely
Sometimes Windows updates restore default browser behavior, so periodic verification may be necessary.
Common Problems and Fixes
IEToEdge BHO Keeps Re-Enabling Itself
This usually happens because Windows updates or company policies restore default settings automatically.
To fix this, use both the Add-on Manager method and the Group Policy method together. Combining both approaches reduces the chance of automatic reactivation.
Internet Explorer Crashes After Disabling the Add-on
If IE11 becomes unstable after disabling browser helper objects, another extension may be conflicting with the browser.
Open Manage Add-ons again and disable unnecessary third-party extensions one at a time until stability improves.
Websites Still Do Not Load Correctly
Disabling the redirect does not guarantee modern websites will function in Internet Explorer.
Many websites no longer support IE11 because it uses outdated rendering technology. In those cases, you may need to use Edge IE Mode, which combines Internet Explorer compatibility inside Microsoft Edge.
Can You Completely Remove IEToEdge BHO?
In most consumer systems, the add-on can only be disabled rather than permanently removed.
Microsoft integrates many browser helper components directly into Windows. Removing them manually may cause compatibility or update issues.
For most users, disabling the helper object is sufficient.
Is It Safe to Disable IEToEdge BHO?
For most advanced or legacy-use scenarios, yes.
However, Microsoft created the redirect feature partly for security reasons. Internet Explorer no longer receives major security updates, which means unsupported websites may expose your system to vulnerabilities.
If you continue using IE11, avoid visiting unknown or unsafe websites. Only use Internet Explorer for trusted internal applications or older systems that require it.
You should also maintain updated antivirus protection and firewall security.
Alternative Option: Use Edge IE Mode Instead
If your goal is simply to run old websites correctly, Microsoft Edge IE Mode may be a better long-term solution.
IE Mode allows Microsoft Edge to emulate Internet Explorer for compatibility purposes while still benefiting from modern browser security features.
This option is officially supported by Microsoft and works well for many enterprise environments.
Although it does not fully replace standalone IE11 for every scenario, it is safer and more future-proof than continuing to rely entirely on Internet Explorer.
FAQs
What does IEToEdge BHO do?
The IEToEdge BHO automatically redirects unsupported websites from Internet Explorer 11 to Microsoft Edge. It helps improve compatibility and security for outdated web content.
Can I permanently stop IE11 from opening Edge?
Yes, in many cases, you can stop the redirect by disabling the IEToEdge BHO and adjusting Windows policies or registry settings.
Is Internet Explorer 11 still supported?
Microsoft has retired Internet Explorer 11 for most consumer use cases. Some enterprise environments still support limited compatibility scenarios.
Will disabling IEToEdge BHO uninstall Microsoft Edge?
No. Disabling the helper object only stops automatic redirects. Microsoft Edge remains installed on your system.
Why do some websites still fail in IE11?
Many modern websites no longer support Internet Explorer technology. Even without redirects, certain pages may not function properly.
Is Edge IE Mode better than using IE11 directly?
For most users, yes. Edge IE Mode offers better security and compatibility while still supporting many legacy Internet Explorer features.