Internet Explorer 11 is retired and disabled in most modern Microsoft environments. Older Windows 10 installations can still expose legacy components, but the standalone browser should not be restored for normal web use.
Steps
- Open Windows search and find Turn Windows features on or off, or use the Optional features interface available on that Windows 10 build.
- Look for Internet Explorer 11 only if the legacy component is still listed.
- Clear or remove the feature when Windows provides that supported option.
- Approve the change and restart Windows if requested.
- Use Microsoft Edge or another maintained browser for normal browsing.
- For an authorized legacy business site, ask the organization’s administrator whether managed Microsoft Edge IE mode is required.
IE mode is different from Internet Explorer
Organizations with old internal applications can use Microsoft Edge’s IE mode under supported management policies without returning users to the retired standalone IE browser.
Do not remove random Windows components
Legacy web technologies can be tied to enterprise applications. On a managed PC, confirm application requirements with IT before changing optional features.
Avoid third-party IE installers
Downloads that promise to restore Internet Explorer can contain modified or unsafe software. Use only Windows’ supported components and Microsoft’s current compatibility approach.
Windows 10 is unsupported
Windows 10 reached the end of standard support in October 2025. Both the operating system and any remaining Internet Explorer dependencies should have a migration plan.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.