Internet Explorer is no longer the default browser on Windows, but organizations and users sometimes still need to reach legacy line-of-business sites and internal tools that require it. This guide explains how to get Internet Explorer back on supported versions of Windows, what capabilities remain, and how to run legacy sites more safely when IE is not an option. You will find step-by-step instructions, compatibility notes, and reliable alternatives that keep productivity high without relying on an outdated browser.
Understand Internet Explorer’s current status
Microsoft ended mainstream support and security updates for Internet Explorer 11 on older Windows versions years ago, and on Windows 10 and 11, the browser is in maintenance mode with no new features or security patches. Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Edge with Internet Explorer mode (IE mode) to run legacy sites that require specific IE rendering and ActiveX behavior. Understanding this shift helps you choose the safest and most supported way to get on the types of sites that still depend on Internet Explorer.
Check compatibility and requirements
You cannot install Internet Explorer as a fresh download on Windows 10 or Windows 11 the way you install new software. Instead, the legacy components are already part of Windows, and you can enable them through Windows features. Internet Explorer mode in Edge, available on Windows 10 May 2020 Update and later as well as Windows 11, is the recommended path for accessing legacy sites. Use the table below to quickly compare approaches, expected outcomes, and source references for how Microsoft documents these capabilities.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| IE Availability on Windows 10 20H2+ and Windows 11 | IE11 binaries exist; IE mode in Edge is the supported path | Microsoft Docs |
| IE Mode Support | Windows 10 May 2020 Update and later, Windows 11 | Microsoft Docs |
| ActiveX and BHO Support | Available in IE mode, limited in IE11 | Microsoft Docs |
| Security Updates | No new feature updates; security updates ended for older channels | Microsoft Docs |
| Recommended Approach | Use Edge with IE mode for legacy sites | Microsoft Guidance |
How to get on legacy sites using Internet Explorer mode
The safest and most future-proof way to get on sites built for Internet Explorer is to use Microsoft Edge with Internet Explorer mode. IE mode integrates Trident rendering and legacy features into Edge, providing better security and compatibility. Follow these steps to enable and use IE mode, and to configure automatic site detection or manual site entry so that you can consistently reach the tools your organization depends on.
Enable Internet Explorer mode in Edge
- Open Microsoft Edge and select Settings > Apps > Add features.
- Turn on Internet Explorer mode, then restart Edge when prompted.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Internet Explorer mode and manage site lists.
- Add sites to Automatic or Manual lists so Edge opens them in IE mode.
Alternative: Open a true IE11 window from Edge
If you must access an intranet site exactly as it behaves in standalone IE11, you can launch a special Edge window that opens in IE11 document mode. In Edge, hold the Shift key and select the IE mode icon, or use the shortcut Alt+Shift+Ctrl+B to open an IE11-context window for the current site. Note that this still runs inside Edge and may not support every legacy ActiveX control the same as full IE11 on older Windows versions.
Access Windows features to enable legacy components
On some Windows 10 editions, you can turn legacy Internet Explorer components on or off without changing Edge. This does not install a separate standalone IE11 desktop app but makes the underlying runtime available for compatibility. Use these steps to review and enable the needed options, then verify that your scenarios work as expected while maintaining the security boundary provided by the modern Windows stack.
Turn on legacy Internet Explorer components
- Open Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
- Expand Internet Explorer 11 and ensure the related options are enabled.
- Confirm any prompts to install files and restart if required.
- Launch the IE11 icon from the taskbar or Start menu to verify behavior.
Use practical alternatives when IE mode is not enough
In some cases, organizations need additional capabilities such as virtual machines with full IE11 on supported operating systems, application virtualization, or remote access to internal systems. These approaches are more complex and may require licensing or infrastructure changes, but they provide a controlled environment for legacy workloads. For most users, however, Edge with IE mode and modern intranet redesigns reduce the need for heavier alternatives.
Plan for security and long-term support
Since Internet Explorer no longer receives feature updates or robust security patches, minimize exposure by using it only when necessary and isolating those sessions from general browsing. Use Edge with IE mode, restrict access via network policies, and prioritize migrating legacy applications to modern web standards. When you must get on an IE-dependent system, prefer virtualized or remote options and follow your organization’s security guidance to reduce risk.
Decide when to retire or replace legacy dependencies
If the systems you depend on require Internet Explorer, collaborate with application owners to define timelines and migration paths. Document compatibility issues, test alternatives such as modern browsers with adjusted configurations, and communicate clear expectations to stakeholders. Treating legacy browser dependencies as technical debt helps you make informed decisions and reduces operational surprises over time.