April 4, 2025

How to Run Internet Explorer in Edge

TLDR

To learn how to run Internet Explorer in Edge, Microsoft Edge offers a convenient Internet Explorer Mode that allows you to open legacy websites and applications built for the obsolete browser. By enabling IE mode in Edge through the Settings > Default Browser section, users can load sites that require Internet Explorer’s legacy features like ActiveX controls and document modes. This mode is perfect for businesses or individuals who rely on third-party applications or legacy applications that aren’t compatible with modern browsers. The guide provides detailed steps on setting up IE Mode, configuring sites to always open in IE mode, and troubleshooting common issues, ensuring compatibility with outdated systems without sacrificing security or performance.

Introduction

As a WordPress expert, I often deal with websites and third-party applications that were built for an obsolete browser like Internet Explorer. These legacy systems don’t always function properly in a modern active browser like Microsoft Edge. That’s where Internet Explorer mode steps in.

Microsoft Edge now offers an ingenious solution: the ability to run a legacy browser—specifically, Internet Explorer—within an active browser for Windows. Whether you’re dealing with outdated browser exe applications or handling maintenance issues on corporate intranet sites, this feature is your bridge between old and new.

This post provides detailed steps to activate and use Internet Explorer mode in Edge (sometimes called Edge 2 or plan Edge) for browser window compatibility. We’ll also address kinds of issues and offer fixes, tips, and links to helpful tools.

What is Internet Explorer Mode?

Definition

Internet Explorer Mode allows you to open older websites inside a current browser (Microsoft Edge) using the original IE rendering engine. This mode is especially useful when maintaining a legacy application that depends on outdated features only supported by the real Internet Explorer.

Key Features Supported in IE Mode

Feature

Supported in IE Mode

ActiveX controls

✅ Yes

Legacy document modes (IE7-11)

✅ Yes

Compatibility button

support

✅ Yes

VBScript

✅ Yes

Browser activity

logging

✅ Limited

Modern developer tools

❌ No

Extensions and plugins

❌ No (including some

party extension

)

Limitations

IE Mode is not intended to be your daily driver for the product on Internet usage. It disables the SOLUTION button, Submit button, and some browser dialog features. There’s no support for extensions (like those in Studio – Tools – Extensions) or modern web APIs, making it an unsupported browser for anything beyond legacy requirements.

Enabling Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge

Step-by-Step Guide

To enable IE mode, follow these detailed steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge – your browser for Windows.
  2. Click the Settings and more icon (⋯).
  3. Choose Settings from the dropdown menu.
  4. Navigate to Default browser.
  5. Set “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode” to Allow.
  6. Restart Edge when prompted using the Restart button.
  7. This opens compatibility for 3D access Internet Explorer within Edge.

Visual Guide

If you experience a dialog message or warning message, double-check your Windows to Version and ensure it supports IE mode.

Using Internet Explorer Mode

Reloading a Page in IE Mode

To activate IE mode in a tab:

  1. Visit the site.
  2. Click on ⋯ > Reload in Internet Explorer mode.
  3. The tab will reload, showing the IE logo in the address in Edge.

You can now click traditional elements like the Exit button, Maximize button, and Submit button as if you were using the real Internet Explorer.

Note: Clicking the Exit Internet Explorer link at the top of the page will return you to Edge’s default mode.

Configuring Sites to Always Open in IE Mode

Want a site to always launch in IE mode? Do this:

  1. Open Settings > Default Browser.
  2. Scroll to Internet Explorer mode pages.
  3. Click Add and enter your site URL (e.g., http://legacy-site.com).
  4. The site will reload in IE mode for 30 days.

Advanced Configuration for Organizations

Enterprise Mode Site List (for Teams)

If your organization relies on multiple third-party applications or legacy applications, use the Enterprise Mode Site List.

Steps:

  1. Download the Enterprise Mode Site List Manager from Microsoft.
  2. Add URLs to the tool.
  3. Export as an XML file.
  4. Host this on a shared network location.

Group Policy Editor

Set this at the system level using Group Policy:

  1. Open gpedit.msc from the Windows run menu.
  2. Go to
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge > Internet Explorer integration
  3. Enable Configure IE integration.
  4. Enter the path to your XML site list.

This ensures users across departments access your browser window in the right mode—minimizing outstanding issues.

Troubleshooting Common IE Mode Issues

Issue

Cause or Fix

IE Mode option not visible

Update Edge or check your

Windows to Version

.

Site not persisting in IE Mode

Add it to IE Mode list or use Group Policy.

Dialogs or buttons not working

Site may rely on unsupported

browser dialog

components.

Can’t open certain links

Likely a restriction due to

unsupported browser

APIs or scripting.

Persistent

warning message

pop-ups

Disable conflicting

party extensions

or confirm admin policies.

FAQs

Q: Why do I need IE Mode instead of just opening Internet Explorer?
A: Internet Explorer is an obsolete browser and no longer updated. IE Mode in Edge allows you to open legacy content in a secure, updated active browser.

Q: How often do I need to reauthorize sites for IE Mode?
A: Manually added sites expire every 30 days. To avoid this, use the Enterprise Mode Site List.

Q: Can I use IE Mode for all websites?
A: No. Only specific sites requiring legacy rendering. General browsing should use the current browser view.

Q: What if my site uses a custom toolbar or script?
A: Features like toolbars, browser dialog boxes, and modern browser activity tracking are often unsupported in IE Mode.

Q: How can I debug issues in IE Mode?
A: You may need to use older versions of developer tools or isolate kinds of issues like unsupported JavaScript or missing compatibility headers.

Conclusion

Using IE Mode in Microsoft Edge is the smart way to handle legacy browser needs while staying within a modern, secure ecosystem. Whether you’re supporting a government portal, managing a browser exe application, or maintaining WordPress admin compatibility with outdated themes or plugins, IE Mode is the ultimate bridge.

It’s an elegant SOLUTION button to a common web development problem, especially if your users still rely on legacy applications or third-party applications designed for IE.

Additional Resources

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