Use the Retired Microsoft Browser in Windows 11

In 2022, Microsoft officially retired Internet Explorer, paving the way for its successor, Microsoft Edge. While Edge has embraced modern browsing capabilities with enhanced performance and security features, many users might be surprised to find that Internet Explorer is still accessible on Windows 11. This guide will walk you through easy methods of accessing IE and discuss the implications of its lingering presence in our operating systems.

How to Access Internet Explorer in Windows 11

Accessing Internet Explorer on Windows 11 proves to be a straightforward task. Here are two simple methods you can utilize to launch the browser.

1. Create a Desktop Shortcut for Internet Explorer

The simplest approach to access Internet Explorer is by creating a desktop shortcut. Follow these steps:

Right-click on your desktop or within a desired folder, then choose New > Shortcut.
A new window titled Create Shortcut will appear.
Copy and paste the following command into the location field:
- %systemroot%\System32\conhost.exe powershell.exe -noprofile -executionpolicy bypass -windowstyle hidden -command “(new-object -com internetexplorer.application).visible=$true”
In the next step, name your shortcut either IE or Internet Explorer.
Finalize by closing the Create Shortcut wizard.

With this shortcut, a simple double-click will launch Internet Explorer.

2. Accessing Internet Explorer Through Internet Options

Another method to open Internet Explorer involves using the Internet Options feature in the Control Panel. Here’s how you do it:

Type Control Panel into the Start Menu search bar and select the top result.
In Control Panel, navigate to Network and Internet > Internet Options.
Click on the Programs tab and choose Manage add-ons.
At the bottom of the new window, click on Learn more about toolbars and extensions.

This action should result in Internet Explorer launching automatically.

The Continued Importance of Internet Explorer in Windows 11

Many users may question the rationale behind Internet Explorer’s availability in Windows 11. Beyond nostalgia, there are valid reasons for its continued existence.

For numerous businesses, legacy web applications, intranet portals, and custom-built resources were specifically designed for IE’s Trident rendering engine. Eliminating IE could disrupt essential workflows. Moreover, certain older Windows applications rely on Internet Explorer’s embedded web views and settings, making its full removal impractical.

Furthermore, the Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge necessitates specific files from IE to function correctly. This mode allows users to access websites that require compatibility with older standards, further justifying the need for Internet Explorer on modern systems.

Why Internet Explorer Is Not Recommended for Regular Browsing

While revisiting Internet Explorer can be a nostalgic experience, it certainly should not replace your primary web browser. Users will quickly notice functionality issues with many popular sites.

For example, the MakeUseOf website and ChatGPT fail to operate correctly in Internet Explorer, highlighting that this browser has not adapted to modern web standards. Consequently, many websites might exhibit broken designs, limited functionality, or even block IE users outright.

Additionally, the discontinuation of updates for Internet Explorer means that it no longer receives crucial security patches. The absence of these updates exposes users to a significant risk of malware and other cyber threats.

Moreover, performance issues plague Internet Explorer compared to contemporary browsers. Many benchmarking tools fail to operate within IE, rendering it inadequate for today’s internet usage standards.

In summary, while Internet Explorer can serve as a useful tool for specific legacy applications, it is crucial to rely on modern browsers that align with current web technologies for everyday internet activities. As we head into 2025, Internet Explorer should remain a relic of the past, appreciated primarily for its role in testing old applications rather than as a daily browser.

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