After almost 27 years, Microsoft has finally pulled the plug on Internet Explorer. A move that hasn’t been well received, especially by enterprise users who depended on the browser to leverage its Internet Explorer Mode feature to visit older websites that aren’t supported by more modern browsers.
The company has been urging users to transition from Internet Explorer in favor of its browser Microsoft Edge, and even incorporated Internet Explorer mode to make it seamless. Microsoft has indicated that it is more secure and runs well with Windows 11.
With this feature, users will be able to access both modern and legacy websites within Edge. It has also created a new avenue that allows users to continue using apps that only run on IE mode. This cancels out the need for developers to rewrite the apps, thus allowing them to save on cost.
Besides, the Edge Chromium compatibility mode features most of Internet Explorer’s capabilities such as document modes, security zone policies, Internet Explorer F12 developer tools, and more. Though it doesn’t support navigation menu policies, Internet Explorer toolbars, or Edge F12 developer tools.
If you still need IE Mode to enhance your productivity, you’re in the right place. We’ll walk you through the steps you need to enable it. Here’s how to do it:
How to enable Internet Explorer mode on Microsoft Edge
- Launch your Microsoft Edge browser and click on the Ellipsis on the top-right of the menu icon.
- Click on Settings and select the Default browser option.
- Under the Internet Explorer compatibility option, head to the Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode section, click on Allow and hit the Restart button to save the changes.
At this point, you should now be able to access IE mode in Microsoft Edge. We invite you to check out our separate guide that will assist you to change your default browser in Windows 11. It is worth considering setting Microsoft Edge as your default browser, especially if you rely on IE mode a lot.
How to launch legacy websites using IE mode on Microsoft Edge
- Launch Microsoft Edge and click on the Ellipsis in the top-right corner.
- Select the Reload in Internet Explorer mode option.
Microsoft Edge will display an Internet Explorer logo on the left of the address bar to signify that the feature has been enabled. You should now be able to open legacy websites or run apps that are dependent on IE mode.
It is worth noting that only the sites you’ve configured to use IE mode will leverage this capability, the rest will continue to run on Microsoft Edge. Microsoft also has a video detailing how you can use the IE mode button in Edge, check it out below:
Get your groove on with IE mode on Edge
Despite Microsoft retiring Internet Explorer, you should be able to visit legacy websites and use apps dependent on IE mode in Microsoft Edge. The feature is limited to Windows users, meaning Mac and Linux users can’t access it.
Microsoft plans to retire this feature in 2029 since most IE-based apps would’ve hit the end of support and transitioned to up-to-date technology that is supported by modern browsers.
Do you use the IE mode feature in Microsoft Edge? Share your experience with us below.
