How to Enable Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge

Still have a website that only works in Internet Explorer? You are not alone. Many businesses still rely on old web apps built years ago. The good news? You no longer need the old Internet Explorer browser. Microsoft Edge has a built-in Internet Explorer (IE) mode that lets you run those legacy sites safely.

TL;DR: Microsoft Edge includes an Internet Explorer mode for old websites that still need it. You can enable it in Edge settings under the default browser section. Once turned on, you can reload specific sites in IE mode or set them to always open that way. It’s simple, fast, and much safer than using old Internet Explorer.

Why Internet Explorer Mode Still Matters

Internet Explorer was officially retired in 2022. But retirement does not mean disappearance. Many internal company tools were built for IE. Some government portals also rely on old technology.

These websites may:

• Use outdated ActiveX controls
• Rely on old JavaScript versions
• Not load properly in modern browsers
• Break certain forms or buttons

Instead of keeping an unsafe old browser around, Microsoft created IE mode inside Edge. It uses the modern Chromium engine but switches to the old rendering engine when needed.

Think of it like a time machine. But safer.

Before You Start

Make sure:

• You are using the latest version of Microsoft Edge
• You are on Windows (IE mode does not work on macOS)
• You have permission to change browser settings

To check for updates in Edge:

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner
2. Go to Help and feedback
3. Click About Microsoft Edge

If an update is available, install it first.

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How to Enable Internet Explorer Mode in Edge

Let’s walk through it step by step.

Step 1: Open Edge Settings

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.

This takes you to the settings dashboard.

Step 2: Go to Default Browser

In the left sidebar:

• Click Default browser

You will see a section called Internet Explorer compatibility.

Step 3: Allow Sites to Reload in Internet Explorer Mode

Look for this option:

Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode

Change the dropdown to:

Allow

After that, click Restart when prompted.

That’s it. IE mode is now enabled.

How to Open a Website in IE Mode

Now comes the practical part.

To open a specific website in IE mode:

1. Go to the website.
2. Click the three dots in the corner.
3. Select Reload in Internet Explorer mode.

The page will refresh.

You will notice a small Internet Explorer icon in the address bar. That means it worked.

You may also see a message that says:

You’re in Internet Explorer mode

Success!

Always Open a Site in IE Mode

If you use the same legacy site every day, repeating the process can be annoying.

Good news. You can set it to always open in IE mode.

After reloading in IE mode:

• Click the IE icon in the address bar
• Turn on Open this page in Internet Explorer mode next time
• Click Done

Now Edge will remember your preference for 30 days.

After 30 days, it may ask you again.

How to Manage IE Mode Pages

Want to see which sites are using IE mode?

Go back to:

• Settings → Default browser

Scroll to:

Internet Explorer mode pages

Here you can:

• View added websites
• Remove sites
• Add new ones manually

This is helpful for work environments.

Using IE Mode in Business Environments

If you are in a company setting, things may look slightly different.

Many organizations use something called:

Enterprise Mode Site List

This is a centrally managed XML file. It tells Edge which sites must open in IE mode automatically.

IT admins control this list.

If IE mode is grayed out for you:

• Contact your IT department
• Ask if IE mode is managed by policy

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Common Problems and Quick Fixes

Option Is Missing

If you don’t see the IE mode option:

• Make sure you are on Windows 10 or 11
• Update Edge to the latest version
• Check if your organization disabled it

Website Still Not Working

Sometimes even IE mode cannot fix everything.

Try this:

• Clear browser cache
• Disable extensions temporarily
• Check if the site requires compatibility view settings from old IE

IE Mode Keeps Turning Off

This may happen if:

• Your company manages browser policies
• You passed the 30-day automatic expiration

Simply re-enable it for that site.

Is Internet Explorer Mode Safe?

Good question.

Internet Explorer itself is no longer secure. That is why Microsoft retired it.

But IE mode:

• Runs inside modern Edge
• Uses current security updates
• Receives Microsoft support

It is much safer than installing the old browser.

Still, avoid using old websites for sensitive tasks unless required.

When Should You Use IE Mode?

Use it when:

• A work portal only functions in IE
• A government site demands it
• An internal HR tool breaks in normal Edge

Do not use it for:

• Regular browsing
• Online shopping
• Banking if not required

Modern websites are built for modern browsers.

Benefits of Using IE Mode Instead of Old Internet Explorer

• No need to install unsupported software
• Better overall security
• Easy site-by-site control
• Works seamlessly inside one browser
• Supported by Microsoft

This keeps your workflow simple.

Quick Recap

Here’s the short version:

1. Open Edge.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Click Default browser.
4. Enable IE mode.
5. Reload the website in IE mode.

Simple. Clean. Done.

Final Thoughts

Technology moves fast. But businesses do not always move at the same speed.

That is why tools like IE mode exist. They bridge the gap between old systems and modern security.

You no longer need to keep outdated browsers alive. You do not need risky workarounds. And you definitely do not need to panic when a legacy website refuses to load.

Microsoft Edge makes it easy.

Enable the setting once. Reload the page. Get back to work.

And if someday that old website finally gets modernized? You can turn IE mode off just as easily.

Simple solutions are the best solutions.