How to Turn on Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge
Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge is a built-in feature that lets you run old websites inside the modern browser without breaking them. It uses technology from Internet Explorer 11 so older business tools and web pages load and work just like they did on the old software.
You can set specific web addresses to open in this mode automatically, which helps you keep using important work sites without trouble.
Open Microsoft Edge, go to Settings , then Default browser, and select “Allow” for “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.” Restart Edge for the changes to take effect.
Why You Might Need Internet Explorer Mode
Visiting legacy company platforms or running older applications often requires leveraging Internet Explorer mode inside Edge.
Turning On Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge
Configuring Microsoft Edge settings to permit Internet Explorer mode establishes the necessary foundation. Unlocking this powerful capability requires telling the browser to accept the original rendering engine.
Open Microsoft Edge and Go to Settings
Launch Microsoft Edge. Locate the three horizontal dots (…) in the top-right corner of the browser window. Click those dots to reveal the primary menu. Select “Settings” from the dropdown.
Go to the Default Browser Section
Navigation panels appear on the left side of the Settings menu. Click “Default browser.” Managing browser interoperability and compatibility handling happens in this exact location.
Allow Sites to Reload in Internet Explorer Mode
Locate the section labeled "Internet Explorer compatibility." A dropdown menu adjacent to "Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode" requires attention here. Change this setting to "Allow" to activate the core functionality.
Restart Microsoft Edge
Restarting Microsoft Edge applies the configuration changes. Shut down every open Edge window entirely. Relaunch the application to confirm the capability is operational for future page reloads.
How to Open a Specific Website in Internet Explorer Mode
Enabling Internet Explorer mode in settings permits immediate usage for dependent web pages. Deployment methods vary depending on whether the hardware is personally owned or corporate-managed.
For Personal Devices or When IE Mode is Fully Enabled
Personal devices require manual activation of Internet Explorer mode for individual web addresses. Unrestricted administrator privileges make this process effective when company restrictions do not apply.
Navigate to the Website
Open Microsoft Edge and navigate directly to the target URL requiring compatibility mode. Allow the webpage to complete its initial loading sequence.
Access Edge's Settings Menu
Click the three horizontal dots (...) positioned in the top-right corner of the Edge window to open the main menu.
Find the "Reload in Internet Explorer Mode" Option
Locate the newly available option reading "Reload in Internet Explorer mode" inside the expanded menu. Click that selection.
Important Note: Edge version 141 and newer alters this sequence slightly. Navigate to Settings, select 'Default browser,' and locate 'Internet Explorer compatibility.' Click 'Add' under 'Internet Explorer mode pages' to type the target URL. Reloading the page immediately afterward forces proper rendering.
Confirm the Website is Loading Correctly
The webpage refreshes automatically. A compact IE icon appears within the address bar, confirming active execution under Internet Explorer mode. Verification ensures functional integrity across the site elements.
For Enterprise Devices or When Your Organization Manages IE Mode
Corporate IT departments typically manage Internet Explorer mode policies on company-owned hardware. Automated provisioning rules force designated organizational web addresses to load inside this compatibility environment without manual user intervention.
Navigate to the Website
Navigate to the organizationally approved URL designed for IE mode. Manual configuration remains unnecessary under standard enterprise deployment scenarios.
Look for the "Reload in Internet Explorer Mode" Option
Click the three dots (...) in the top-right corner of Edge after the page loads. The "Reload in Internet Explorer mode" option should appear. Missing options or broken pages indicate an unapproved URL or restrictive corporate policies blocking unlisted sites. Contacting internal IT support resolves these administrative restrictions.
Company-managed computers often display a greyed-out "Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode" setting. Administrators must configure specific rules, such as the Enterprise Site List, before this option becomes available.
Exiting Internet Explorer Mode
Returning to standard browsing after finishing work on a legacy site takes only a second.
Look for the Information Bar
Active IE mode sessions display an informational message bar across the top of the browser window reading something similar to "This site is running in Internet Explorer mode."
Click "Leave"
Click the 'Leave' button located inside the top notification banner to exit Internet Explorer mode for that specific tab. Closing the tab and opening a fresh window similarly restores native Edge rendering.
Reference:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/internet-explorer-mode-in-microsoft-edge
Summary
Legacy websites lacking modern browser support load successfully using Internet Explorer mode inside Edge, activated through Settings under 'Default browser.'
How do I go to Internet Explorer mode in Edge?
Access Edge settings, navigate to 'Default browser,' locate 'Internet Explorer compatibility,' and select 'Allow' next to 'Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.'
How to permanently enable IE mode in Edge?
Open Settings > Default browser to configure permanent enablement. Set 'Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode' to 'Allow' under 'Internet Explorer compatibility', permitting persistent automated routing for designated URLs.
Why is Edge in Internet Explorer mode?
Compatibility requirements for legacy internal applications engineered for older browsers dictate the use of Internet Explorer mode. Emulating the IE11 rendering engine lets outdated code execute inside the modern Microsoft Edge framework.
How to get out of Internet Explorer mode in Edge?
Closing the compatibility tab or disabling the functionality within the Edge settings panel terminates Internet Explorer mode sessions.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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