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You can find Internet Explorer in every Microsoft Windows version, starting with Windows 95. It is the first web browser developed by Microsoft and included in the OS.
Microsoft intrigued a lot of users when it decided to replace Internet Explorer with Edge. But a change was needed because even the company knew about users’ dissatisfaction with the old browser.
As things stand, reviews of Microsoft Edge are quite positive, with users rating it among the best browsers for all devices. This is not surprising as Edge is probably Microsoft’s last chance to create a fitting default browser for its operating systems.
Since Edge has replaced it, the Internet Explorer browser is almost nonexistent on Windows 10. It is nowhere to be found on the taskbar or the start menu.
However, IE is still present on Windows PC. And if you want to open it for some reason, this guide contains the steps to follow.
Where is Internet Explorer in Windows 10?
Internet Explorer is located among the programs on your PC. You can find the browser from the start menu in another folder.
Also, to get to the location of the Internet Explorer file, you need to go through your hard disk partition and check the program files. We will show you how to do this later in this guide.
Can I still download Internet Explorer for Windows 10?
Internet Explorer comes with your Windows 10 browser by default. So, you don’t need to download the browser.
You only need to know how to find and use it on your PC.
Can you still install Internet Explorer?
You can still install Internet Explorer on Windows 10, but not with a standalone installer or any downloaded tool.
Instead, if you can’t find the browser by default on your device, you will need to enable it as a feature. With this, you will be able to use it.
Quick tip:
We recommended Opera One because is an open source and free to use for all devices. The browser is very fast, and it has a minimalistic and intuitive interface. It has a lot of useful features that make the browsing experience better.
Also, It’s a browser that focuses on content rather than the underlying technology. Opera One is loaded with many useful features by default, such as VPN, Ad Blocker and even AI.
Opera One
Use this friendly browser which can be customized as per user requirements.
How do I access Internet Explorer in Windows 10?
1. Use Cortana
- Press the Windows key + S and type internet explorer.
- Click on Internet Explorer to open it.
- Also, you can right-click on it and select Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start to access it later.
You can find Internet Explorer just like you do everything else in Windows 10, with Cortana. However, it is advisable to pin the browser to make it easier to access later.
2. Go to IE file location
- Open File Explorer and click the Local disk (C:).
- Select Program Files (x86).
- Select the Internet Explorer folder.
- Double-click iexplore to open the browser.
All programs installed on your computer are in the Programs files folder on the Windows partition. Therefore, you can locate the Internet Explorer folder on that partition, following the file path above on Windows 10.
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3. Go to Windows Accessories
You can also access internet Explorer from Start Menu. It is not located at the letter I as you may think but under the Windows Accessories folder.
On the Start Menu, it is placed alongside other Windows accessories, like Paint or Notepad. So, to open it, navigate to the letter W, click on the Windows Accessories folder, and then select Internet Explorer.
Why can’t I see Internet Explorer in Program and Features?
If you can’t find Internet Explorer in the program and features on your PC, it is most likely because you have uninstalled or disabled it.
The only way to find it is to enable it from optional features in the settings on your PC. With this, you will be able to use the browser.
So, as you can see, Internet Explorer didn’t disappear from Windows 10 completely. But, all the attention is centered on Edge, so you probably won’t even notice that Internet Explorer is there.
Even if you are the greatest Internet Explorer fan in the world, it’s better to use a better modern browser instead: Opera One, Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or privacy-oriented browsers.
Modern browsers feature the latest security improvements so that you can safely use the internet. On the other hand, Internet Explorer is vulnerable to many threats, so choose wisely.
What are your thoughts about Microsoft Edge? Is it a worthy successor of Internet Explorer, or has Microsoft missed the thing again? Let us know your impressions and thoughts in the comments below.
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
You might not have been aware that IE can still be used in Windows 10. In this beginners guide we show you how to easily get to it anytime you want.
Activate Cortana either by saying «Hey Cortana, open Internet Explorer,» or by typing in the box if you’re not using voice or have Cortana disabled. Internet Explorer will show up immediately to be opened for use. To avoid doing this every time you want to use Internet Explorer, follow these simple steps.
- Type «Internet Explorer» in the Cortana/Search box. (Saying «Hey Cortana, open Internet Explorer» isn’t useful here.)
- Right click on Internet Explorer in the Cortana/Search window.
- To add Internet Explorer as a tile on your Start Menu click Pin to Start.
- To keep it on your taskbar simply click Pin to taskbar.
Now, every time you need to use IE it’s just a click away.
If you don’t want to add extra clutter to your taskbar or don’t use the search box at all, here’s where else you can find it.
- Open the Start Menu.
- Scroll down to Windows Accessories.
- Open the folder.
- Launch Internet Explorer.
Whichever method you use, you’ll now be able to access the old browser if you really need it.
Updated March 11, 2019: We checked this guide to ensure it’s up to date for 2019.
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In Windows 10, Internet Explorer is no longer the default web browser. Microsoft has shifted its focus to the newer Microsoft Edge browser. However, Internet Explorer is still present in Windows 10 for compatibility reasons, especially for enterprise users who rely on legacy web applications.
To find Internet Explorer in Windows 10, you can follow these steps:
1. Type «Internet Explorer» in the search bar located next to the Start button.
2. From the search results, click on the «Internet Explorer» desktop app. Alternatively, you can also find it by navigating to the «Windows Accessories» folder in the Start menu.
By following these steps, you can access Internet Explorer in Windows 10, though it is recommended to use more modern and secure browsers like Microsoft Edge or other popular alternatives such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
Video Tutorial:Where did my Internet Explorer go?
How do I open Internet Explorer instead of Edge in Windows 10?
To open Internet Explorer instead of Microsoft Edge in Windows 10, you can follow these steps:
1. Click on the Start button, usually located at the bottom-left corner of your screen, and type «Internet Explorer» in the search bar.
2. As you start typing, you should see Internet Explorer appear in the search results. Click on it to open the application.
3. In case you don’t find Internet Explorer in the search results, it might be hidden. To enable it, press the Start button, then click on the Settings icon (shaped like a gear) to open the Settings app.
4. Inside the Settings app, locate and select the «Apps» category.
5. Within Apps, click on the «Default apps» option from the left-hand side menu.
6. Scroll down until you find the section titled «Web browser» and click on the current default browser (which should be Microsoft Edge).
7. A list of available web browsers will be displayed. Look for «Internet Explorer» and click on it to set it as the default browser.
8. After selecting Internet Explorer as the default web browser, the next time you open any link or HTML file, it should open in Internet Explorer instead of Microsoft Edge.
It’s worth noting that Microsoft encourages users to adopt their latest web browser, Microsoft Edge, as it offers improved security and compatibility with modern web standards. However, if you have a specific reason to use Internet Explorer, such as compatibility with legacy websites or applications, these steps should help you open Internet Explorer as your default browser in Windows 10.
Why can’t I find Internet Explorer on Windows 10?
Internet Explorer is not available by default on Windows 10 because Microsoft has transitioned to a new default web browser called Microsoft Edge. Here are a few reasons why you may not find Internet Explorer on your Windows 10:
1. Microsoft Edge as the primary browser: Windows 10 introduced Microsoft Edge as the default browser, and it offers better performance, improved security, and modern features compared to Internet Explorer. As a result, Microsoft phased out Internet Explorer to promote the use of its new browser.
2. Deprecation of Internet Explorer: Internet Explorer has been gradually phased out by Microsoft, and the company no longer actively develops or supports it. The last major release was Internet Explorer 11, which was included with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.
3. Compatibility issues: Internet Explorer was known for its compatibility issues with modern web standards, which caused difficulties for web developers and users alike. Microsoft addressed these issues in Microsoft Edge, which was built from scratch and designed to adhere to industry standards.
4. Legacy support: While Internet Explorer is not available by default, Microsoft understands that some enterprise applications and websites may still rely on its technologies. To bridge this gap, Windows 10 offers a compatibility feature called «Internet Explorer mode» within Microsoft Edge. This mode allows businesses to access legacy sites and applications that require Internet Explorer without needing to install the browser separately.
Therefore, if you are using Windows 10, it is recommended to use Microsoft Edge as your primary web browser due to its enhanced performance, features, and security. Internet Explorer is no longer actively supported and has been replaced by Microsoft Edge as the default browser for Windows 10.
Was Internet Explorer removed from Windows 10?
Yes, Internet Explorer was removed from Windows 10. Here are the steps or reasons:
1. Microsoft’s decision to phase out Internet Explorer: Microsoft announced in 2015 that Internet Explorer would be phased out in favor of their new default browser, Microsoft Edge. This decision was made due to several reasons, including performance issues, security vulnerabilities, and lack of support for modern web standards.
2. Introduction of Microsoft Edge: Windows 10 introduced Microsoft Edge as the default web browser, providing a more modern and efficient browsing experience. Microsoft Edge boasts improved speed, security features, and compatibility with modern web standards.
3. Internet Explorer Compatibility Mode: Although Internet Explorer was removed from Windows 10, Microsoft included the Internet Explorer Compatibility Mode within Microsoft Edge. This mode allows users to access websites that rely on older technologies and are not fully compatible with modern browsers.
4. Legacy support: Windows 10 still provides a limited level of support for Internet Explorer for enterprise users who rely on older web applications or systems that may require Internet Explorer to function correctly. However, this support is intended for compatibility purposes and is not designed for general browsing.
5. Microsoft’s emphasis on Edge: With the removal of Internet Explorer, Microsoft has focused its efforts on improving Microsoft Edge, regularly releasing updates and new features to enhance user experience and security. Microsoft Edge is now the primary browser for Windows users, and Microsoft encourages its adoption.
Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge background of a tech blogger, and it reflects the situation as of 2023 with Windows 10, not the older versions.
How do I disable Microsoft Edge and enable Internet Explorer?
To disable Microsoft Edge and enable Internet Explorer on a Windows system, you can follow these steps:
1. Open the «Control Panel» on your computer. You can access it by searching for «Control Panel» in the Windows Start menu.
2. In the Control Panel, locate and click on the «Programs» or «Programs and Features» option.
3. Look for «Microsoft Edge» in the list of installed programs. You can use the search bar on the top-right corner to find it quickly.
4. Once you find Microsoft Edge, right-click on it and select «Uninstall» or «Uninstall/Change» from the contextual menu.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
To enable Internet Explorer, please note that Microsoft Edge has become the default web browser for Windows 10. However, you can still access Internet Explorer by following these steps:
1. Press the «Windows» key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
2. Type «Internet Explorer» in the search bar, and you should see it appear in the search results.
3. Click on «Internet Explorer» to open the browser.
Please keep in mind that Internet Explorer is no longer actively supported by Microsoft and may not receive the same level of security updates and features as more modern browsers like Microsoft Edge or other popular alternatives such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. It’s generally recommended to use a supported and up-to-date browser for better security and browsing experience.
How do I turn Internet Explorer back on?
Internet Explorer is a web browser originally developed by Microsoft, but it is no longer supported or actively maintained. Starting from Windows 10, Microsoft has replaced Internet Explorer with Microsoft Edge as the default browser. However, if you specifically want to use Internet Explorer for certain tasks or compatibility reasons, follow these steps to turn it back on:
1. Open the Start menu or search bar on your Windows computer.
2. Type «Control Panel» and click on the corresponding search result to open the Control Panel.
3. In the Control Panel window, select «Programs» or «Programs and Features,» depending on your Windows version.
4. Click on «Turn Windows features on or off» or «Uninstall a program,» depending on your Windows version.
5. In the Windows Features window that appears, scroll down and locate «Internet Explorer.«
6. If there is a checkmark next to «Internet Explorer,» it means it’s already enabled. If not, click on the checkbox to enable it.
7. Click «OK» or «Apply» to save the changes.
8. Windows will apply the changes, and Internet Explorer will be enabled on your computer.
9. You can search for Internet Explorer in the Start menu or use the Run command (press Windows key + R) and type «iexplore» to launch it.
Please note that while you can enable Internet Explorer, it is recommended to use modern web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, as they offer better security, improved features, and better compatibility with modern websites.
What replaced Internet Explorer in Windows 10?
In Windows 10, Microsoft replaced Internet Explorer with a new default web browser called Microsoft Edge. There are several reasons for this change:
1. Performance and Security Improvements: Microsoft Edge was built from scratch with a modern codebase, which provides better performance and improved security features compared to Internet Explorer.
2. Compatibility with Web Standards: Internet Explorer had a reputation for poor compliance with web standards, causing compatibility issues with many websites. Microsoft Edge was developed to support modern web standards, ensuring a more seamless browsing experience.
3. Enhanced Features and Functionality: Microsoft Edge offers a range of features and functionality that were not available in Internet Explorer. This includes a more intuitive user interface, improved tab management, better integration with Cortana (Microsoft’s technical blogger), and support for browser extensions.
4. Continual Updates: Unlike Internet Explorer, which received infrequent updates tied to Windows updates, Microsoft Edge is updated independently and regularly. This allows for more rapid feature additions, bug fixes, and security patches, ensuring a more up-to-date and secure browsing experience.
5. Integration with the Microsoft Ecosystem: Microsoft Edge is tightly integrated with other Microsoft services and products, such as OneDrive, Office 365, and Windows Timeline. This allows for a more seamless experience across devices and enhances productivity for users within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Overall, the replacement of Internet Explorer with Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 was a strategic move by Microsoft to provide users with a modern, secure, and feature-rich web browsing experience.
После установки новой ОС от Microsoft многие задают вопрос, где находится старый браузер IE или как скачать Internet Explorer для Windows 10. Несмотря на то, что в 10-ке появился новый браузер Microsoft Edge, старый стандартный браузер также может оказаться полезным: для кого-то он привычнее, а в некоторых ситуациях в нем работают те сайты и сервисы, которые не работают в других браузерах.
В этой инструкции о том — как запустить Internet Explorer в Windows 10, закрепить его ярлык на панели задач или на рабочем столе, а также о том, что делать, если IE не запускается или не находится на компьютере (как включить IE 11 в компонентах Windows 10 или, если этот способ не работает, установить Internet Explorer в Windows 10 вручную). См. также: Лучший браузер для Windows.
Запуск Internet Explorer 11 в Windows 10
Internet Explorer является одним из основных компонентов Windows 10, от которого зависит работа самой ОС (так повелось еще с версии Windows 98) и полностью удалить его нельзя (хотя можно отключить, см. Как удалить Internet Explorer). Соответственно, если вам нужен браузер IE, не стоит искать, где скачать его, чаще всего для запуска нужно выполнить одно из следующих простых действий.
- В поиске на панели задач начните набирать Internet, в результатах вы увидите пункт Internet Explorer, нажмите по нему для запуска браузера.
- В меню пуск в списке программ перейдите к папке «Стандартные — Windows», в ней вы увидите ярлык для запуска Internet Explorer
- Зайдите в папку C:\ Program Files\ Internet Explorer\ и запустите файл iexplore.exe из этой папки.
- Нажмите клавиши Win + R (Win — клавиша с эмблемой Windows), введите iexplore и нажмите Enter или Ок.
Думаю, 4-х способов запустить Internet Explorer будет достаточно и в большинстве случаев они работают, за исключением ситуации, когда в папке Program Files \ Internet Explorer отсутствует iexplore.exe (этот случай будет рассмотрен в последней части руководства).
Как поместить Internet Explorer на панель задач или рабочий стол
Если для вас удобнее иметь ярлык Internet Explorer под рукой, вы очень просто можете поместить его на панель задач Windows 10 или на рабочий стол.
Самые простые (на мой взгляд) способы сделать это:
- Для того, чтобы закрепить ярлык на панели задач, начните набирать Internet Explorer в поиске Windows 10 (кнопка там же, на панели задач), когда браузер отобразится в результатах поиска, кликните по нему правой кнопкой мыши и выберите пункт «Закрепить на панели задач». В том же меню можно закрепить приложение и на «начальном экране», то есть в виде плитки меню пуск.
- Для того, чтобы создать ярлык Internet Explorer на рабочем столе, вы можете поступить следующим образом: так же, как и в первом случае, найти IE в поиске, кликнуть по нему правой кнопкой мыши и выбрать пункт меню «Открыть папку с файлом». Откроется папка, содержащая готовый ярлык, просто скопируйте его на рабочий стол.
Это далеко не все способы: например, вы можете просто кликнуть правой кнопкой по рабочему столу, выбрать в контекстном меню «Создать» — «Ярлык» и указать в качестве объекта путь к файлу iexplore.exe. Но, надеюсь, для решения задачи хватит указанных способов.
Как установить Internet Explorer в Windows 10 и что делать, если он не запускается описанными способами
Иногда может оказаться, что Internet Explorer 11 не находится в Windows 10 и выше описанные способы запуска не работают. Чаще всего это говорит о том, что необходимый компонент отключен в системе. Чтобы его включить обычно достаточно выполнить следующие шаги:
- Зайдите в панель управления (например, через меню правого клика по кнопке «Пуск») и откройте пункт «Программы и компоненты».
- Слева выберите «Включение или отключение компонентов Windows» (требуются права администратора).
- В открывшемся окне найдите пункт Internet Explorer 11 и включите его, если он отключен (если включен — далее опишу возможный вариант действий).
- Нажмите Ок, дождитесь установки и перезагрузите компьютер.
После этих действий Internet Explorer должен быть установлен в Windows 10 и запускаться обычными способами.
Если IE уже был включен в компонентах, попробуйте отключить его, выполнить перезагрузку, а затем — вновь включить и перезагрузиться: возможно, это исправит проблемы с запуском браузера.
Что делать, если Internet Explorer не устанавливается в «Включение и отключение компонентов Windows»
Иногда возможны сбои, не позволяющие установить Internet Explorer с помощью настройки компонентов Windows 10. В этом случае можно попробовать такой вариант решения проблемы.
- Запустите командную строку от имени Администратора (для этого можно использовать меню, вызываемое клавишами Win+X)
- Введите команду dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:Internet-Explorer-Optional-amd64 /all и нажмите Enter (в случае если у вас 32-битная система, замените в команде amd64 на x86)
Если всё пройдет успешно, согласитесь на перезагрузку компьютера, после которой вы сможете запустить и использовать Internet Explorer. Если же команда сообщила о том, что указанный компонент не найден или по какой-то причине не может быть установлен, можно поступить следующим образом:
- Скачать оригинальный ISO образ Windows 10 в той же разрядности, что и ваша система (или подключить флешку, вставить диск с Windows 10, если у вас есть такие).
- Смонтировать образ ISO в системе (или подключить флешку, вставить диск).
- Запустить командную строку от имени администратора и использовать следующие команды.
- Dism /mount-image /imagefile:E:\sources\install.wim /index:1 /mountdir:C:\win10image (в этой команде E — буква диска с дистрибутивом Windows 10).
- Dism /image:C:\win10image /enable-feature /featurename:Internet-Explorer-Optional-amd64 /all (или x86 вместо amd64 для 32-битных систем). После выполнения откажитесь от немедленной перезагрузки.
- Dism /unmount-image /mountdir:C:\win10image
- Перезагрузите компьютер.
Если же и эти действия не помогают заставить работать Internet Explorer, я бы рекомендовал проверить целостность системных файлов Windows 10. А если и тут не удается что-либо исправить, то посмотреть статью с материалами на тему Восстановление Windows 10 — возможно, имеет смысл выполнить сброс системы.
Дополнительная информация: для того, чтобы скачать установщик Internet Explorer для других версий Windows удобно использовать специальную официальную страницу https://support.microsoft.com/ru-ru/help/17621/internet-explorer-downloads
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- 5 Ways to Find and Run Internet Explorer in Windows 10
If you need to use Internet Explorer in Windows 10 but have no idea how to find and launch it, this post will help. Windows 10, as you know, uses Microsoft Edge as the default web browser, but it did not remove the Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer is still a desktop app built-in Windows 10, although it seems to be hidden and it’s not easy to find. Now this page will show you five ways that you can quickly find and run Internet Explorer in Windows 10.
Way 1: from start menu
Bring up the Windows 10 Start menu. Type internet explorer in the search box, and then Internet Explorer app will appear in the search result. Click or tap it to run Internet Explorer.
Tips: If you need to frequently use Internet Explorer, you can pin it to Start menu or taskbar.
Way 2: via Run box
Bring up Run dialog box by pressing Win + R key combination. Type iexplore in the box and click OK. This will run Internet Explorer.
Way 3: through File Explorer
Open Windows 10 File Explorer. Type iexplore in the address box, and hit Enter key. This will run the Internet Explorer browser.
Way 4: through command prompt
Step 1: Press Win + X, and then select Command Prompt from the menu to open Command Prompt window.
Step 2: Type @start iexplore and hit Enter key. This will run Internet Explorer.
Way 5: via Microsoft Edge
When Microsoft Edge is open, go to one webpage, click the More actions button, and then click Open with Internet Explorer from the drop-down menu. This will open Internet Explorer.
Tips: If you are more used to using Internet Explorer in Windows 10, you can change the default web browser and set Internet Explorer as your default web browser.