Internet Explorer Mode in Edge: Windows 11 Guide

Internet Explorer is retired, but some older websites and internal business tools still require it. Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 includes a built-in Internet Explorer mode that renders pages using the old IE engine, so you can access legacy sites without installing separate software. This guide shows you how to enable IE mode, open pages in it, and fix common issues.

What You’ll Need

Windows 11 with Microsoft Edge installed (it comes preinstalled).
Administrator rights on the PC to change the initial IE mode setting.
The URL of the legacy site you need to open.

Step-by-Step

Open Microsoft Edge. Click the Edge icon on the taskbar or search for “Edge” in the Start menu.
Go to Settings. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) in the top-right corner, then select Settings.
Open the Default browser section. In the left sidebar, click Default browser.
Allow IE mode reloads. Find the option Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode. Change the dropdown from “Default” to Allow. If prompted, click Restart to apply the change.
Open the legacy site. Type the URL of the site that needs Internet Explorer in the address bar and press Enter.
Reload in IE mode. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) again, hover over More tools, and select Reload in Internet Explorer mode. The page will refresh using the IE engine.
Confirm the mode. A small Internet Explorer icon appears in the address bar, and a banner may show at the top saying “You’re viewing this page in Internet Explorer mode.”
Leave IE mode. To go back to normal Edge, click the Leave button on the banner or select Reload in Internet Explorer mode again to toggle it off.
Set a site to always open in IE mode (optional). While viewing a page in IE mode, click the IE icon in the address bar, then click Open in Internet Explorer mode pages. This adds the site to a list so it automatically loads in IE mode next time.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to restart Edge after changing the setting. The “Allow” option won’t take effect until the browser restarts.
Using the wrong menu. The “Reload in Internet Explorer mode” option is under More tools, not directly in the main menu.
Expecting IE mode to work on every page. Some modern sites block the old engine, and pages with heavy JavaScript may not render correctly.
Not adding the site to the permanent list. If you don’t pin it, you’ll have to manually reload in IE mode every time you visit.
Confusing IE mode with a separate browser. IE mode runs inside Edge; there is no separate Internet Explorer executable on Windows 11.

Tips

Use IE mode only for sites that truly need it. Modern sites run faster and more securely in normal Edge mode.
If you manage multiple PCs, you can configure IE mode via Group Policy or Intune for a consistent experience across your organization.
IE mode supports most ActiveX controls and legacy plugins, but not all. Test critical features like file uploads or print dialogs before relying on it.
Keep Edge updated. Microsoft regularly improves IE mode compatibility and security in new versions.
For occasional use, you can skip the permanent list and just reload in IE mode when needed.

Troubleshooting

IE mode option is greyed out or missing. This usually means the “Allow” setting wasn’t applied. Go to Settings > Default browser, set the dropdown to Allow, restart Edge, and try again. If you’re on a managed work device, your IT department may have disabled it via policy.

The page loads but looks broken. Some legacy sites depend on specific browser versions or ActiveX controls that IE mode doesn’t fully support. Try clearing the site’s cache: click the lock icon in the address bar, then Cookies and site data > Manage > delete. Also check if the site has a compatibility view setting you can enable.

IE mode keeps turning off. By default, IE mode sessions last 30 days for sites on your list. If it turns off sooner, the site may not be properly added. While in IE mode, click the IE icon in the address bar and confirm the site is listed under “Open in Internet Explorer mode pages.”

Downloads or file uploads fail. Some legacy upload dialogs rely on old ActiveX components. Try using a different file input method on the site, or check if the site has an HTML5 upload option. If not, you may need to use a virtual machine with an older browser for that specific task.

Edge crashes when entering IE mode. This can happen with corrupted browser data. Go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values. This won’t delete your bookmarks or passwords. If it still crashes, try disabling extensions temporarily to see if one is conflicting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Internet Explorer mode the same as the old Internet Explorer?
No. IE mode uses the same rendering engine as old IE, but it runs inside Edge. You get the compatibility of IE with the security and features of Edge.

Can I use IE mode on Windows 10?
Yes, IE mode is available in Edge on Windows 10 as well. The steps are nearly identical to Windows 11.

Will IE mode work forever?
Microsoft has committed to supporting IE mode through at least 2029, but they may change this. For critical legacy apps, plan a migration strategy.

Does IE mode support ActiveX and Java applets?
IE mode supports ActiveX controls and some legacy plugins, but Java applets require a separate Java runtime that may not be compatible. Test your specific app.

Why can’t I see the IE mode option in my Edge?
The option only appears after you set “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode” to Allow and restart the browser. If it’s still missing, check if your organization’s policy blocks it.

Can I use IE mode for local files or intranet sites?
Yes, IE mode works with intranet URLs and local file paths. Just navigate to the file or internal address, then reload in IE mode.

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

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