Microsoft Edge includes an amazing feature called “Internet Explorer Mode” or “IE Mode”. This mode allows websites that rely on older technologies like ActiveX, legacy scripts, or outdated frameworks to function properly within Edge.
Instead of switching between two different browsers, Edge essentially emulates Internet Explorer for specific websites. This is especially useful for businesses or users who depend on legacy systems that have not been updated.
Enabling IE Mode is straightforward, but there are a few steps involved. You will also need to restart the browser after enabling the feature. Once it is active, you can manually reload any website in Internet Explorer mode or configure certain sites to always open that way.
This guide will walk you through how to enable Internet Explorer in Edge simply!
Go for it!
How to Enable Internet Explorer in Edge
To enable Internet Explorer in Edge, open Edge settings, go to “Default browser”, enable “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode”, restart the browser, then open a site and reload it in IE Mode from the settings menu.
Move to the explained steps!
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge Settings
The first step is to access the settings menu inside Microsoft Edge. Start by opening the browser on your computer. Look at the top right corner of the screen, where you will see three horizontal dots. This is the main menu.
Click on those three dots to open a dropdown menu. From there, select “Settings”. This will take you to the main configuration page, where you can control everything from privacy to appearance.
Once you are inside settings, you will notice a sidebar on the left side of the screen. This sidebar organizes all options into categories, making it easier to navigate.
After opening the settings page, look for the section labeled “Default browser” in the left-hand menu. Click on it to open the relevant options.
This section controls how Edge behaves compared to other browsers and includes the settings for Internet Explorer compatibility.
Scroll down until you find the option labeled “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode”. This is the key setting you need to enable.
Step 3: Enable ‘Internet Explorer Mode’
Once you locate the setting “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode”, click on the dropdown menu next to it.
You will typically see options like “Default”, “Allow”, or “Don’t allow”. Select “Allow” from the list.
By choosing “Allow”, you are permitting Edge to switch specific websites into IE Mode when needed. Without this step, the feature will remain disabled.
After selecting “Allow”, you might notice a message prompting you to restart the browser. This is necessary for the changes to take effect.
Step 4: Restart Microsoft Edge
Now that you have enabled IE Mode, you need to restart the browser.
Close all open Edge windows completely. Then reopen Microsoft Edge. This step ensures that the new setting is properly applied.
Skipping the restart may prevent IE Mode from working, so it is important not to ignore this step.
Step 5: Open a Website in Internet Explorer Mode
Once Edge has restarted, you can start using IE Mode.
Visit the website you want to open in Internet Explorer mode. After the page loads, click on the three dots in the top right corner again to open the menu.
Scroll down and look for the option “Reload in Internet Explorer mode”. Click on it.
The page will refresh, and you will notice a small Internet Explorer icon in the address bar. This indicates that the page is now running in IE Mode.
Step 6: Always Open a Site in IE Mode
If you frequently use a particular website that requires Internet Explorer, you can set it to always open in IE Mode.
After reloading the page in IE Mode, a prompt may appear asking if you want to “Open this page in Internet Explorer mode next time”. Enable this option.
Alternatively, click the IE icon in the address bar and toggle the setting to always open the site in IE Mode.
This saves time and removes the need to manually switch modes every time you visit the site.
Step 7: Manage IE Mode Settings
For better control, you can manage all IE Mode configurations from the settings page.
Go back to “Settings” and then “Default browser”. Here, you can adjust how long pages stay in IE Mode or remove specific sites from the list.
This is particularly useful if you are managing multiple websites or working in an office environment where several legacy tools are in use.
Faqs
What is ‘Internet Explorer Mode’ in Edge
Internet Explorer Mode is a feature that allows Microsoft Edge to load older websites using the Internet Explorer engine. It ensures compatibility with legacy web applications that do not work properly in modern browsers.
Is Internet Explorer still available?
Internet Explorer as a standalone browser has been retired. However, its functionality is still available through IE Mode in Microsoft Edge.
Why do some websites require IE Mode?
Some older websites rely on outdated technologies such as ActiveX controls or legacy JavaScript frameworks. These technologies are not supported by modern browsers, which is why IE Mode is needed.
Is IE Mode safe to use
Yes, IE Mode is safer than using the old Internet Explorer browser because it runs within Microsoft Edge, which includes modern security features.
Can I enable IE Mode on any version of Edge?
IE Mode is available in most modern versions of Microsoft Edge. However, you should ensure your browser is up to date for the best experience.
How long will IE Mode be supported?
Microsoft has supported IE Mode in Edge for several years, especially for enterprise users. It is designed as a long-term solution for legacy compatibility.