Internet Explorer (IE) has been a staple of the Windows operating system for decades, but with the introduction of Microsoft Edge, many users are finding it challenging to access their trusted browser. If you’re one of them, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of opening Internet Explorer without Edge, and provide you with some valuable tips and tricks along the way.
Why Can’t I Open Internet Explorer?
Before we dive into the solution, let’s understand why you might be having trouble opening Internet Explorer in the first place. There are a few possible reasons for this:
- Microsoft Edge has taken over as the default browser: With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft Edge became the default browser, replacing Internet Explorer. This means that whenever you try to open a website or a link, Edge will launch instead of IE.
- Internet Explorer is not pinned to the taskbar: If Internet Explorer is not pinned to the taskbar, you might not be able to find it easily. This is especially true if you’re using a touchscreen device or a tablet.
- Internet Explorer is not installed: In some cases, Internet Explorer might not be installed on your system at all. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including a corrupted installation or a deliberate uninstallation.
Method 1: Opening Internet Explorer from the Start Menu
The easiest way to open Internet Explorer without Edge is to use the Start menu. Here’s how:
- Click on the Start button: Located at the bottom left corner of your screen, the Start button is the gateway to all your apps and programs.
- Type “Internet Explorer” in the search bar: As you start typing, you’ll see a list of matching results appear. Click on “Internet Explorer” to launch the browser.
- Pin Internet Explorer to the taskbar: To make it easier to access Internet Explorer in the future, right-click on the browser’s icon in the taskbar and select “Pin to taskbar.”
Alternative Method: Using the Run Dialog Box
If you’re comfortable using the Run dialog box, you can use it to launch Internet Explorer quickly. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + R: This will open the Run dialog box.
- Type “iexplore” and press Enter: This will launch Internet Explorer immediately.
Method 2: Opening Internet Explorer from the File Explorer
Another way to open Internet Explorer without Edge is to use the File Explorer. Here’s how:
- Open the File Explorer: You can do this by clicking on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E.
- Navigate to the Internet Explorer executable: The Internet Explorer executable is usually located in the “C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer” folder. You can navigate to this folder by typing the path in the address bar.
- Double-click on the iexplore.exe file: This will launch Internet Explorer immediately.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble opening Internet Explorer using the methods above, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you:
- Check if Internet Explorer is installed: Make sure that Internet Explorer is installed on your system. You can do this by checking the “Turn Windows features on or off” dialog box.
- Check if Internet Explorer is enabled: Ensure that Internet Explorer is enabled in the “Turn Windows features on or off” dialog box.
- Reset Internet Explorer settings: If Internet Explorer is not launching properly, try resetting its settings to their default values.
Method 3: Opening Internet Explorer from the Command Prompt
If you’re comfortable using the Command Prompt, you can use it to launch Internet Explorer. Here’s how:
- Open the Command Prompt: You can do this by clicking on the Command Prompt icon in the Start menu or by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Command Prompt.”
- Type “iexplore” and press Enter: This will launch Internet Explorer immediately.
Using the Command Prompt to Open Internet Explorer with a Specific Website
You can also use the Command Prompt to open Internet Explorer with a specific website. Here’s how:
- Open the Command Prompt: Follow the steps above to open the Command Prompt.
- Type “iexplore
” and press Enter : Replace “” with the URL of the website you want to open. For example, “iexplore https://www.google.com” will open Google in Internet Explorer.
Conclusion
Opening Internet Explorer without Edge is easier than you think. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can access your trusted browser quickly and easily. Whether you’re using the Start menu, the File Explorer, or the Command Prompt, there’s a method that’s right for you. So next time you need to use Internet Explorer, don’t let Edge get in the way – use one of these methods to launch IE and get browsing.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Internet Explorer:
- Use the Internet Explorer icon on the taskbar: If you’ve pinned Internet Explorer to the taskbar, you can use its icon to launch the browser quickly.
- Use the keyboard shortcut: Pressing the Windows key + R and typing “iexplore” is a quick way to launch Internet Explorer.
- Use the Internet Explorer app: If you’re using a touchscreen device or a tablet, you can use the Internet Explorer app to launch the browser.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of Internet Explorer and enjoy a seamless browsing experience.
Why do I need to open Internet Explorer without Edge?
There are several reasons why you might need to open Internet Explorer without Edge. One common reason is that some older websites or applications may not be compatible with Microsoft Edge, and Internet Explorer is required to access them. Additionally, some organizations or businesses may still use Internet Explorer for specific tasks or workflows, and users may need to access it without Edge getting in the way.
Another reason is that some users may simply prefer the interface or features of Internet Explorer over Edge, and want to use it as their primary browser. Whatever the reason, opening Internet Explorer without Edge can be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely possible with the right steps.
Is Internet Explorer still supported by Microsoft?
Internet Explorer is no longer actively supported by Microsoft, which means that it will not receive any further updates or security patches. However, it is still available on Windows 10 and earlier versions of Windows, and can be used for basic browsing and other tasks. It’s worth noting that Microsoft has announced plans to end support for Internet Explorer entirely in the future, so users should be aware that it may not be available forever.
Despite the lack of support, Internet Explorer can still be used for specific tasks or workflows, and many users may still need to access it for compatibility reasons. However, users should be aware of the potential security risks of using an unsupported browser, and take steps to protect themselves and their systems.
How do I open Internet Explorer on Windows 10?
To open Internet Explorer on Windows 10, you can follow a few simple steps. First, click on the Start button and type “Internet Explorer” in the search bar. This should bring up the Internet Explorer icon, which you can click to open the browser. Alternatively, you can also find Internet Explorer in the Start menu, under the “Windows Accessories” folder.
Once you’ve opened Internet Explorer, you can use it just like you would any other browser. You can enter URLs, search for websites, and access your favorite online destinations. Keep in mind that Internet Explorer may not have all the features or functionality of more modern browsers like Edge or Chrome, but it can still be useful for specific tasks or workflows.
Can I set Internet Explorer as my default browser?
Yes, you can set Internet Explorer as your default browser on Windows 10. To do this, follow these steps: click on the Start button and select the “Settings” app. From there, click on the “Apps” section and select “Default apps” from the left-hand menu. Scroll down to the “Web browser” section and click on the current default browser (which is likely Microsoft Edge).
From the list of available browsers, select Internet Explorer and click “OK” to set it as your default browser. This will ensure that Internet Explorer is used whenever you click on a link or try to access a website from another app. Keep in mind that setting Internet Explorer as your default browser may not be the best idea, given its lack of support and potential security risks.
How do I prevent Edge from opening when I launch Internet Explorer?
To prevent Edge from opening when you launch Internet Explorer, you’ll need to make a few tweaks to your system settings. One way to do this is to disable the “Let Internet Explorer open sites in Microsoft Edge” feature. To do this, follow these steps: open Internet Explorer and click on the gear icon in the top-right corner. Select “Internet options” from the drop-down menu.
In the Internet Options window, click on the “Advanced” tab and scroll down to the “Browsing” section. Uncheck the box next to “Let Internet Explorer open sites in Microsoft Edge” and click “OK” to save your changes. This should prevent Edge from opening when you launch Internet Explorer, and allow you to use the older browser without interruption.
Can I use Internet Explorer on Windows 11?
Internet Explorer is not available on Windows 11, and Microsoft has announced that it will not be supported on the new operating system. Instead, users are encouraged to use Microsoft Edge, which is the default browser on Windows 11. Edge offers many of the same features and functionality as Internet Explorer, but with improved security and performance.
If you need to access older websites or applications that require Internet Explorer, you may be able to use the “Internet Explorer mode” in Microsoft Edge. This feature allows you to open Internet Explorer-compatible websites directly within Edge, without having to launch the separate Internet Explorer browser. To access Internet Explorer mode, follow these steps: open Edge and click on the three dots in the top-right corner. Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu, and then click on the “Default browser” section.
What are the risks of using Internet Explorer without Edge?
Using Internet Explorer without Edge can pose several risks to your system and data. One of the main risks is security: since Internet Explorer is no longer supported by Microsoft, it will not receive any further security patches or updates. This means that any vulnerabilities or exploits that are discovered in the browser will not be fixed, leaving you open to potential attacks.
Another risk is compatibility: Internet Explorer may not be compatible with newer websites or applications, which could cause problems or errors when trying to access them. Additionally, using an outdated browser like Internet Explorer can make it more difficult to access certain features or functionality, which could impact your productivity or workflow. Overall, it’s generally recommended to use a more modern and secure browser like Edge or Chrome instead of Internet Explorer.