Jump to Key Sections
Internet Explorer (IE) has been around for over a decade, and during that time, it’s been one of the most popular web browsers on the market. Despite being known for its speed, reliability, and security, the web browser has recently been replaced by Microsoft’s new Edge browser. However, some people may still want to use Internet Explorer for various reasons, including compatibility with old websites. In this blog post, we will discuss multiple ways to download Internet Explorer on Windows 11, explain the pros and cons of each method, and provide tips and tricks for common issues.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Download Internet Explorer on Windows 11
Windows 11 comes with a pre-installed browser called Microsoft Edge, which is also based on the same Chromium engine used by other web browsers like Google Chrome. However, Microsoft Edge may not be able to handle certain websites and plug-ins that were designed specifically for Internet Explorer. Hence, for those reasons, you may need to download Internet Explorer on Windows 11.
Another reason some users prefer to use Internet Explorer is due to its simplicity and ease of use. It offers a user-friendly interface, making it convenient for those who do not want to deal with the complexity of other modern web browsers.
Method 1: Download Internet Explorer on Windows 11 using Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge offers a built-in compatibility mode, which can emulate Internet Explorer and run older websites that are not compatible with modern web browsers. Here is how you can use this feature to run Internet Explorer on Windows 11:
1. Launch Microsoft Edge on your Windows 11 computer.
2. Go to the website that you want to open with Internet Explorer.
3. Click on the three-dot menu on the top-right corner.
4. Select More Tools > F12 Developer Tools.
5. The Developer Tools window will pop up. Click on the Emulation tab.
6. Choose Internet Explorer from the drop-down menu under User agent string.
7. Reload the website, and it should now appear as if you are running it on Internet Explorer.
Pros:
– This method is straightforward and does not require you to download or install any additional software.
– It’s the most secure way to access older websites that are not compatible with modern web browsers.
Cons:
– Compatibility mode only works for specific websites and may not provide a complete experience of Internet Explorer.
– Compatibility mode may not work for older Windows-based applications and plug-ins.
Method 2: Download Internet Explorer on Windows 11 by Enabling IE Mode in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge also has an "IE Mode" feature that allows you to use Internet Explorer directly within the new Edge browser. Here is how you can enable IE mode in Microsoft Edge:
1. Launch Microsoft Edge on your Windows 11 computer.
2. Click on the three-dot menu on the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Scroll down to the Default browser section and click on the "Change Default Browser" button.
5. Under the "Web Browsing" section, select "Internet Explorer".
6. Click on the "Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer Mode" toggle.
7. Go to the website that you want to open with Internet Explorer.
8. Click on the three-dot menu on the top-right corner.
9. Choose "Reload in Internet Explorer mode".
10. The website should now appear as if you are running it on Internet Explorer.
Pros:
– IE Mode is more versatile than compatibility mode as it emulates a more complete Internet Explorer experience.
– It’s convenient as it gives users access to both Edge and IE’s features.
Cons:
– The IE mode feature is only available on the latest version of Microsoft Edge.
– It may not work correctly for all websites, especially when it comes to plug-in and application compatibility.
Method 3: Download Internet Explorer on Windows 11 Using a Virtual Machine
If you need to use Internet Explorer frequently, downloading a virtual machine and installing Internet Explorer on that virtual machine is the most reliable method for running the web browser on Windows 11. Here is how to do it:
1. Download a virtual machine software like VirtualBox or VMware.
2. Download a Windows 7 or Windows 10 image from the Microsoft website. It’s important to choose the Virtual Hard Disk version of the image.
3. Install the virtual machine software and create a new virtual machine.
4. Choose the Windows image you just downloaded as the guest OS.
5. Launch the virtual machine, and you will be running a virtualized version of Windows with Internet Explorer.
Pros:
– This method offers the most reliable and accurate way to use Internet Explorer on Windows 11.
– It allows you to run legacy Windows applications and plugins.
Cons:
– This method requires much more resources than the other methods.
– You will have to install regular updates to the virtual machine image
What to Do If You Can’t Download Internet Explorer on Windows 11
If the above methods do not work, or if you have any issues while using Internet Explorer, there are a few tips and tricks you can try before you give up:
– Clear your browser cache and cookies.
– Disable add-ons and extensions that may interfere with Internet Explorer.
– Check for Windows updates, as the latest updates can fix many issues with Internet Explorer.
– Reset Internet Explorer to its default settings.
Bonus Tip
Protect your privacy while browsing the web with a VPN. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and makes it more difficult for hackers to intercept your data.
5 FAQs
Q1: Is Internet Explorer still available on Windows 11?
A: Internet Explorer is no longer available on Windows 11 by default. However, you can still download and use the web browser with the above methods.
Q2: How do I update Internet Explorer?
A: Internet Explorer is no longer officially supported or updated by Microsoft. However, you can still install the latest version of the browser through Windows Update on older versions of Windows.
Q3: Why can’t I download Internet Explorer on Windows 11?
A: Internet Explorer is no longer offered as a separate download for Windows 11, but you can use the above methods to use the browser.
Q4: Are there any security concerns with using Internet Explorer?
A: Yes, there are known security vulnerabilities with Internet Explorer. It’s recommended that users only use Internet Explorer for legacy purposes and avoid using it for regular browsing.
Q5: Can I use Internet Explorer on a Mac?
A: While Internet Explorer is not compatible with Mac computers, you can use a virtual machine to emulate a Windows environment and run Internet Explorer on a Mac.
Final Thoughts
Internet Explorer may be old, but it still has many useful features for those who need to use it. The above methods offer different ways to download and use Internet Explorer on Windows 11, depending on your needs and preferences. Whether you choose to use compatibility mode, IE mode, or a virtual machine, make sure to prioritize your security and always use the latest version of Internet Explorer available.