How to Use Internet Explorer (IE) Mode in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11

Although Windows 11 no longer includes Internet Explorer, many legacy websites and applications still depend on it for optimal performance. Microsoft Edge addresses this need with its Internet Explorer (IE) Mode, enabling users to access older web content directly within Edge. This guide will walk you through enabling and using IE Mode in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11.

Internet Explorer Compatibility Mode in Microsoft Edge

IE Mode in Microsoft Edge allows you to access legacy websites and applications that were designed for Internet Explorer by integrating IE's rendering engine into Edge. This ensures compatibility with older web technologies without compromising modern web performance and security. Below are the Internet Explorer 11 features that are supported and those that are not supported in Microsoft Edge.

Internet Explorer Features Supported in Microsoft Edge

• All Enterprise Modes and Document Modes
• ActiveX controls (e.g., Silverlight, Java)
• Browser Helper Objects
• IE settings and Group Policies affecting Security Zone settings and Protected Mode
• Microsoft Edge extensions (Note: Extensions that interact directly with IE page content are not supported)
• F12 developer tools for Internet Explorer when launched using IEChooser

Internet Explorer Features Not Supported in Microsoft Edge

• Internet Explorer toolbars
• IE11 or Microsoft Edge F12 developer tools
• IE settings and Group Policies that affect the navigation menu

Why Is Internet Explorer Compatibility Mode Important?

As of June 15, 2022, the standalone Internet Explorer desktop application is no longer supported by Microsoft. For organizations and users that rely on IE-based websites and applications, IE Mode in Edge provides essential functionality. In enterprise environments, administrators can define an 'Enterprise Mode Site List' using the Local Group Policy Editor, enabling them to update or remove sites from IE Mode across all networked machines efficiently.

How to Enable Internet Explorer (IE) Mode in Microsoft Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge from the taskbar or Start Menu on your Windows 11 computer.

2. Click the three horizontal dots (ellipsis) in the top-right corner of the Edge browser window.

3. From the dropdown menu, select Settings.

4. In the Settings tab, click the three horizontal lines (hamburger icon) at the top-left corner.

5. From the sidebar, select Default browser.

6. Under the Internet Explorer compatibility section, toggle on the option Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.

7. Click the Restart button to apply the changes and relaunch Edge.

How to View Webpages in Internet Explorer Mode

Once you've enabled IE Mode, you can view websites using this mode by following these steps:

1. Open the website you want to view in Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge.

2. Click the three horizontal dots (ellipsis) in the top-right corner of the Edge window.

3. Hover over More tools, then select Reload in Internet Explorer mode.

The webpage will reload in IE Mode. You'll notice an Internet Explorer icon next to the address bar, indicating that the page is running in IE Mode. Edge will also display a message below the address bar informing you that you're viewing the page in Internet Explorer mode.

4. To exit IE Mode, click the Leave button on the message below the address bar.

By following these steps, you can seamlessly access legacy websites and applications that require Internet Explorer, all within the convenience and security of Microsoft Edge on Windows 11.