Internet Explorer setup for Windows 10 is a surprisingly straightforward process, despite the browser’s eventual retirement. While Microsoft Edge has long been the default, many users might still need to access or even set up Internet Explorer on a Windows 10 machine, perhaps for legacy website compatibility or specific business applications. Fear not, as this guide will walk you through the simple steps to get Internet Explorer up and running on your Windows 10 system. It’s important to note that as of June 15, 2022, Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported by Microsoft. However, understanding its presence on Windows 10 can still be beneficial.
Why You Might Still Need Internet Explorer on Windows 10
Before diving into the setup, it’s worth understanding why someone might still be looking for Internet Explorer on Windows 10. Although it’s been superseded by Edge, there are still remnants of its existence for various reasons:
Legacy Applications: Some older enterprise applications and internal company websites were developed and tested exclusively for Internet Explorer. These applications may not function correctly on modern browsers and require IE for full compatibility.
Specific Web Content: Although rare, certain specialized web content or interactive elements might have been built using ActiveX controls or other technologies that were primarily supported by Internet Explorer.
Testing and Development: Developers who are maintaining older web projects might need to test their sites in Internet Explorer to ensure they work across different browser versions.
Familiarity or Habit: Some users are simply accustomed to the interface and functionality of Internet Explorer and prefer to use it for certain tasks, even if it’s not the most modern or secure option.
If any of these scenarios apply to you, then getting Internet Explorer set up is your next step.
Enabling Internet Explorer on Windows 10
In Windows 10, Internet Explorer isn’t removed; it’s simply hidden by default and can be easily enabled. It’s considered an optional feature that can be turned on or off. Here’s how you can access it:
1. Open the Control Panel: The easiest way to do this is to type “Control Panel” into the Windows search bar (next to the Start button) and click on the result.
2. Navigate to “Programs and Features”: Within the Control Panel, look for the “Programs” category and click on “Programs and Features.” If your Control Panel is set to icon view, simply find and click on “Programs and Features.”
3. Turn Windows Features On or Off: On the left-hand side of the “Programs and Features” window, you’ll see an option that says “Turn Windows features on or off.” Click on this.
4. Locate and Enable Internet Explorer: A new window will pop up listing various Windows features. Scroll down through the list until you find “Internet Explorer 11.” Check the box next to it. You might also need to expand the entry by clicking the “+” sign next to it to ensure all sub-components are selected.
5. Apply Changes: Click “OK” to save your selection. Windows will then search for the necessary files and install Internet Explorer 11. This process might take a few moments. You may be prompted to restart your computer to complete the installation.
Once the process is finished, Internet Explorer 11 will be available on your Windows 10 system.
Launching and Using Internet Explorer
After completing the installation, you can launch Internet Explorer just like any other program on your computer:
1. Use the Windows Search Bar: Type “Internet Explorer” into the Windows search bar. You should see the Internet Explorer icon appear. Click on it to open the browser.
2. Access via Start Menu: You can also find Internet Explorer in your Start Menu under Windows Accessories. Expand this folder to locate and click on the Internet Explorer shortcut.
Upon launching, you’ll be greeted with the familiar Internet Explorer interface. You can now use it to navigate to websites.
Configuring Internet Explorer for Your Needs
Once Internet Explorer is running, you might want to adjust some settings for a better experience or to suit specific needs.
Setting a Homepage
By default, Internet Explorer might open to a MSN start page or a blank page. You can change this to your preferred website:
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Go to the website you want to set as your homepage.
3. Click on the gear icon (usually in the top-right corner) and select “Internet options.”
4. In the “General” tab, under the “Home page” section, you’ll see fields for your homepage. Click the button that says “Use current.”
5. Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
Managing Add-ons
Internet Explorer supports add-ons, which are small programs that can extend the browser’s functionality. If you need to manage these for compatibility with legacy applications:
1. Click the gear icon and select “Manage add-ons.”
2. Here, you can view, enable, or disable various add-ons. Be cautious when installing or enabling add-ons, especially from untrusted sources, as they can pose security risks.
Compatibility View Settings
For websites that don’t display correctly, Compatibility View can be a lifesaver. It makes Internet Explorer render pages as if they were running on an older version of the browser.
1. When you are on a website that isn’t displaying correctly, click the gear icon and select “Compatibility View settings.”
2. You can choose to add the current website to the list of sites that will automatically use Compatibility View.
3. You can also check “Display intranet sites in Compatibility View” if you’re having trouble with internal company websites.
Important Security Considerations
It’s crucial to reiterate that Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported by Microsoft. This means it no longer receives security updates, making it vulnerable to new threats. Using Internet Explorer for general internet browsing is strongly discouraged.
If you absolutely must use Internet Explorer for a specific legacy application, consider the following:
Use it in an Isolated Environment: If possible, run the application requiring Internet Explorer on a separate, dedicated machine or within a virtual machine that is not connected to the internet or is heavily firewalled.
Limit Its Use: Only launch Internet Explorer when absolutely necessary for the specific application or website.
* Use Microsoft Edge with IE Mode: For many businesses, the best approach is to use Microsoft Edge’s “Internet Explorer mode.” This allows Edge to render specific websites using the Internet Explorer engine, providing compatibility without forcing users to utilize the unsupported IE browser directly. You can configure Edge to open specific sites in IE mode through its settings.
Conclusion
While Internet Explorer may be a relic of the past, the internet explorer setup for Windows 10 is a capability still present. By following the steps outlined above, you can enable and access this browser on your Windows 10 machine. However, always prioritize security. As Microsoft Edge, with its built-in Internet Explorer mode, offers a safer and more supported alternative for those needing legacy website access, it’s the recommended path for most users. Use Internet Explorer directly only when there is absolutely no other recourse, and do so with extreme caution.