Internet Explorer is still available on Windows 11 — if you know where to look
Despite being retired in June, Internet Explorer can still be accessed on Windows 11.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Microsoft’s latest operating system was never meant to run Internet Explorer. Windows 11 shipped with the ancient browser disabled. Microsoft continued to move away from Internet Explorer in June 15, 2022 byofficially ending its support. But like old habits, old browsers die hard. Twitter userXenoPantherfigured out a way to get Internet Explorer to run on Windows 11.
In the depths of Windows, there’s an ancient Internet options section. By following a few simple steps, you can open Internet Explorer:
Following these steps will open a window running Internet Explorer. Why anyone would want to do this is another question, especially since Microsoft Edge has an Internet Explorer mode for anyone that relies on legacy software.
As far as we can tell, this workaround can be used on all versions of Windows 11. If you’re dying to run Internet Explorer on Windows 11, you should probably act quickly. Microsoft never intended to have the old browser work on its new OS. There’s a good chance that the company will remove the recently discovered workaround in a future update.
Following the retirement of Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge saw abump in market share. While the increased share may have been unrelated, Edge went from 10.12% to 10.64% in June 2022. Microsoft’s browser now sits squarely in second place but trails Google Chrome by a significant margin. Chrome had a 66.93% market share in June 2022 and has hovered around that mark for quite some time.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
