How to Enable Internet Explorer Mode in Edge? [Add IE Button]
When Microsoft officially retired Internet Explorer in 2022, it created a challenge for users and businesses that still rely on legacy websites built with older technologies such as ActiveX controls, VBScript, or outdated web standards. To solve this issue, Microsoft Edge introduced a feature called Internet Explorer Mode, commonly known as IE Mode.
Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge allows users to open and run legacy websites using the Internet Explorer rendering engine directly inside the Edge browser. This means you can still access older websites without installing or launching Internet Explorer separately.
In this guide, I will explain how to enable Internet Explorer Mode in Edge step by step, how it works, and how to add the IE Mode button.
Let’s do it!
How to Enable Internet Explorer Mode in Edge?
To enable Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge, open Edge Settings, navigate to Default Browser, locate the Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode (IE mode) option, set it to Allow, and restart the browser. After restarting, you can reload compatible websites using Internet Explorer Mode.
The following steps explain the entire process clearly.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge Settings
The first step is to access the settings menu in Microsoft Edge, where the Internet Explorer compatibility options are located.
Launch Microsoft Edge on your computer. After the browser opens, look at the top right corner of the window. You will see a three-dot menu icon, which is the main settings menu for Edge.
Click this icon to open a dropdown menu containing multiple options such as History, Downloads, Extensions, and Settings.
From this list, select Settings.
Once you click Settings, the browser will open the Edge Settings page in a new tab. This page contains all configuration options for the browser, including privacy controls, appearance settings, and compatibility features.
The next step is to locate the section where IE Mode settings are available.
Step 2: Navigate to the Default Browser Section
Inside the Edge Settings page, you will see several categories listed on the left side of the screen. These categories help organize different browser settings.
Look for the option labeled Default browser in the left sidebar and click it.
When you open this section, the right side of the page will display multiple settings related to browser compatibility and default browser preferences.
Scroll down until you find the option titled Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode (IE mode).
This setting controls whether Edge allows websites to open using the Internet Explorer engine.
By default, this option is usually set to Default or Don’t allow.
To enable Internet Explorer Mode, click the dropdown menu next to this option and select Allow.
Selecting Allow activates the IE Mode capability inside Microsoft Edge.
However, the setting will not become active until you restart the browser.
Step 3: Restart Microsoft Edge
After enabling the IE Mode option, you must restart the browser to apply the changes.
Once you select Allow for Internet Explorer Mode, a Restart button will appear on the screen. This button allows Edge to reload with the new configuration.
Click Restart.
Microsoft Edge will automatically close and reopen within a few seconds. All previously open tabs will be restored, and the IE Mode feature will now be active.
Restarting the browser ensures that the compatibility engine is properly initialized.
After this step, your Edge browser is fully ready to open websites using Internet Explorer Mode.
Step 4: Open a Website in Internet Explorer Mode
Once IE Mode is enabled, you can manually reload specific websites using Internet Explorer compatibility.
Open the website that requires Internet Explorer compatibility.
After the page loads, click the three dots menu icon in the top right corner of Edge again.
Scroll through the menu options until you see Reload in Internet Explorer mode.
Click this option.
The page will reload automatically using the Internet Explorer rendering engine. When the page finishes loading, you will see a small Internet Explorer icon in the address bar, indicating that the website is currently running in IE Mode.
This feature allows older websites to function correctly even though Internet Explorer itself has been discontinued.
Adding the Internet Explorer Mode (IE Mode) Button
While manually opening the menu each time works, many users prefer adding a dedicated Internet Explorer Mode button to the Edge toolbar for quick access.
Adding the button makes it easier to switch websites into IE Mode without navigating through menus repeatedly.
Open Microsoft Edge Settings again by clicking the three dots icon and selecting Settings.
Inside the settings panel, click Appearance in the left sidebar.
Scroll down until you find the section called Customize toolbar.
In this section, locate the option labeled Internet Explorer mode button.
Turn on the toggle switch next to this option.
After enabling the toggle, a small Internet Explorer icon will appear on the Edge toolbar.
Now, whenever you visit a website that requires Internet Explorer compatibility, you can simply click this button to reload the page in IE Mode instantly.
This shortcut is extremely useful for users who frequently access legacy websites.
FAQs
What is Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge?
Internet Explorer Mode is a compatibility feature built into Microsoft Edge that allows websites designed for Internet Explorer to run using the IE engine inside the Edge browser.
It enables older websites and enterprise applications to function correctly even after Internet Explorer was retired.
Why do some websites still require Internet Explorer Mode?
Some older websites were built using technologies such as ActiveX, legacy document modes, or outdated scripting methods that modern browsers do not support.
IE Mode allows these websites to function by loading them using the Internet Explorer rendering engine.
Is Internet Explorer Mode safe to use?
Yes, Internet Explorer Mode inside Edge is safer than the original Internet Explorer browser because it runs inside the modern Microsoft Edge security environment.
Edge continues to receive security updates and protection features, making it safer for accessing legacy websites.
Can I set a website to always open in Internet Explorer Mode?
Yes, Edge allows users to configure certain websites to automatically open in IE Mode.
After opening a website in IE Mode, Edge may offer an option called Open this page in Internet Explorer mode next time. Enabling this option ensures the site automatically loads in IE Mode in the future.
Is Internet Explorer still available on Windows?
The standalone Internet Explorer browser has been officially retired by Microsoft. However, its engine is still available inside Microsoft Edge through Internet Explorer Mode.
This ensures compatibility for organizations that still depend on legacy web applications.
Does IE Mode work on Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes, Internet Explorer Mode works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 through the Microsoft Edge browser.
As long as you are using an updated version of Edge, the feature should be available in the browser settings.