Restore Metro Mode for Internet Explorer in Windows

This guide shows you how to bring back the full-screen, touch-friendly Metro (Modern) version of Internet Explorer on Windows 8, 8.1, or 10. The Metro mode is the tile-based, swipe-friendly interface that appears when you launch IE from the Start screen. If your IE opens only as a desktop app, or the Metro version is missing entirely, these steps will restore it. You’ll need a Windows account with administrator privileges to change some settings.

What You’ll Need

A Windows PC (8, 8.1, or 10) with Internet Explorer installed.
Administrator access to the computer (to change default programs and group policy settings).

Step-by-Step

Check if Metro IE is actually disabled. Press the Windows key to open the Start screen, then type “Internet Explorer.” If you see two results—one labeled “Internet Explorer” (desktop) and another just “Internet Explorer” (Metro)—the Metro app is still installed. If only the desktop version appears, it may be disabled or uninstalled.
Set IE as the default browser (Windows 8/8.1). Metro IE only works when Internet Explorer is the default browser. Open the desktop IE, go to Tools (gear icon) > Internet options > Programs tab, and click Make default. If you’re on Windows 10, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and set Web browser to Internet Explorer.
Re-enable the Metro IE app (Windows 8/8.1). Open Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off. Look for Internet Explorer 11 (or 10). If the checkbox is unchecked, check it and click OK. Restart if prompted.
Use Group Policy to force Metro mode (Windows 8/8.1 Pro/Enterprise). Press Win+R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer. Double-click “Do not allow Internet Explorer to launch the Internet Explorer desktop” (or similar). Set it to Enabled. This forces IE to open in Metro mode when launched from the Start screen.
Launch from the Start screen. After making changes, open the Start screen (press Windows key) and click the IE tile. If you still get the desktop version, right-click the tile and choose Open in new window or check if the tile is pinned from the desktop version.
Reinstall the Metro app (if missing). If the Metro IE app is completely gone (no tile at all), open PowerShell as administrator (right-click Start > Windows PowerShell (Admin)). Type Get-AppxPackage -Name *InternetExplorer* to see if it’s installed. If not, reinstall it with: Add-AppxPackage -Register "C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.InternetExplorer.Default_8wekyb3d8bbwe\AppxManifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode (adjust the path if needed).
Reset IE settings. If the above doesn’t work, open desktop IE, go to Tools > Internet options > Advanced tab, and click Reset under “Reset Internet Explorer settings.” Check the box to delete personal settings, then click Reset. Restart.

Common Mistakes

Not setting IE as default. Metro IE will not launch if another browser (Chrome, Firefox) is the default. Always check this first.
Confusing desktop and Metro tiles. The desktop IE tile looks like a small window; the Metro tile is full-screen and has a flat, modern design. Make sure you’re clicking the right one.
Editing Group Policy without admin rights. If you’re not an administrator, gpedit.msc won’t open. Use a standard account? You’ll need to ask an admin to make the change.
Disabling the feature instead of enabling. In Windows Features, ensure the checkbox is checked, not unchecked.

Tips

Use the Start screen tile. Always launch Metro IE from the Start screen, not from the desktop. If you pin it to the taskbar, it opens the desktop version.
Check for updates. Ensure Windows is up to date, as some updates may change how IE behaves.
Keyboard shortcut. In Metro IE, you can swipe from the top or bottom edge to see the address bar and tabs.
If you use a hybrid device (like a Surface), Metro IE is optimized for touch, so it’s worth restoring if you prefer that experience.

Troubleshooting

If you’ve followed the steps and Metro IE still doesn’t appear:

Recheck default browser. Sometimes a browser update resets the default. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and confirm IE is set.
Run the Windows Store apps troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps, and run it. This can fix app registration issues.
Check if the Metro app is disabled via policy. In gpedit.msc, look under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer for any setting like “Turn off Internet Explorer 11” or “Disable Internet Explorer.” Set them to Not Configured.
Re-register the app manually. Open PowerShell as admin and run: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*InternetExplorer*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml"}. Restart after.
Last resort: system restore. If IE worked before, use System Restore to a point before the problem started. Search for “Create a restore point” and run the restore wizard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Metro IE disappear in the first place?

It often happens after a Windows update, a browser default change, or if the app was accidentally disabled in Windows Features or Group Policy.

Can I use Metro IE on Windows 10?

Yes, Windows 10 still includes Metro IE for legacy and touch use, but it’s hidden. You can enable it by setting IE as default and using the Start screen tile. Note that Microsoft Edge is the default browser, but IE remains available.

Is Metro IE the same as Edge?

No. Metro IE is the full-screen version of Internet Explorer, while Edge is a separate, modern browser. Metro IE is based on the same engine as desktop IE.

Will Metro IE work with all websites?

Generally, yes, but some older sites that require ActiveX or specific plugins may not work in Metro mode. For those, use the desktop version.

How do I switch between Metro IE and desktop IE?

Launch from the Start screen for Metro, and from the desktop or taskbar for desktop. There’s no toggle within the app itself.

What if I don’t have gpedit.msc?

Group Policy Editor is only available in Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions. Home users can skip that step and rely on the other methods.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →