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In the latest Windows operating system, Windows 11, Microsoft has replaced Internet Explorer with Microsoft Edge as the default browser. However, many users still prefer to use Internet Explorer for various reasons, such as familiarity, compatibility with certain web applications, and more. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of changing Microsoft Edge to Internet Explorer in Windows 11, and provide you with several methods to achieve the same.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Changing Microsoft Edge to Internet Explorer Windows 11
As mentioned earlier, Microsoft Edge has replaced Internet Explorer in Windows 11 as the default browser. However, some users still have a preference for Internet Explorer due to several reasons. Changing the default browser to Internet Explorer is not a straightforward process, and you’ll need to carry out a few steps to achieve the same. However, with proper guidance, you can easily change your default browser to Internet Explorer in Windows 11.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you begin, there are a few things that you need to prepare to change your default browser to Internet Explorer in Windows 11. Here’s a list of things you should prepare for:
1. Make sure you have Internet Explorer installed on your computer. If you don’t, you can download it from the Microsoft website.
2. You’ll need to have administrative access to your computer to carry out the necessary changes.
3. Make sure you have backed up your important data before you make any changes.
Method 1: Changing Default Browser from Settings
The easiest way to change the default browser to Internet Explorer in Windows 11 is through the Settings app. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Click on the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
2. From the left-hand side pane, click on Apps.
3. Scroll down the list of apps and click on the Default Apps option.
4. Click on the current default browser (which is Microsoft Edge by default) under the Web browser section.
5. A drop-down menu will appear with a list of installed browsers. Select Internet Explorer from the list.
6. Close the Settings app and open any hyperlink to check if the default browser has been changed to Internet Explorer.
Pros: This method is straightforward and can be carried out in a few easy steps.
Cons: If you have set Microsoft Edge as the default browser for specific file types, it might not work correctly after changing the default browser.
Method 2: Changing Default Browser from File Association
Another way to change the default browser to Internet Explorer in Windows 11 is through file association. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type in Control Panel and click OK.
3. From the Control Panel, click on Programs.
4. Click on Default Programs.
5. Click on Set your default programs.
6. Select Internet Explorer from the list of programs on the left-hand side.
7. Click on Set this program as default.
8. Close the Control Panel and open any hyperlink to check if the default browser has been changed to Internet Explorer.
Pros: This method allows you to set Internet Explorer as the default browser for specific file types, such as HTML and XML.
Cons: It requires more steps than the previous method.
Method 3: Changing Default Browser using Registry Editor
You can also change the default browser to Internet Explorer in Windows 11 by editing the Registry Editor. However, we recommend using this method only if you have advanced technical knowledge. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type in regedit and click OK.
3. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Associations\UrlAssociations\http\UserChoice.
4. Once you locate the UserChoice subkey, look for the Progid value.
5. Double-click on the Progid value and change the value data from MicrosoftEdgeHTML to IE.HTTP.
6. Close the Registry Editor and open any hyperlink to check if the default browser has been changed to Internet Explorer.
Pros: This method provides you with more control over file associations and settings.
Cons: It involves editing the Windows registry, which can be risky if you don’t have advanced technical knowledge.
Why Can’t I Change Microsoft Edge to Internet Explorer in Windows 11?
There can be several reasons why you can’t change Microsoft Edge to Internet Explorer in Windows 11. Here are some reasons and fixes:
1. Internet Explorer isn’t installed on your computer. In this case, you’ll need to download and install Internet Explorer from the Microsoft website.
2. You don’t have administrative access to your computer. In this case, you’ll need to ask your system administrator for permission to carry out the necessary changes.
3. The file associations for Internet Explorer are not set correctly.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you change the default browser to Internet Explorer in Windows 11:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of Internet Explorer installed to ensure compatibility and security.
2. It’s a good idea to back up your computer before carrying out any changes to avoid data loss in case something goes wrong.
5 FAQs about Changing Microsoft Edge to Internet Explorer in Windows 11
Q1: Can I keep both Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer installed on my computer?
A: Yes, you can keep both browsers installed on your computer. You can use either of them as your default browser.
Q2: Can I set Internet Explorer as the default browser for specific file types?
A: Yes, you can set Internet Explorer as the default browser for specific file types using the file association method.
Q3: Is it safe to edit the Windows registry?
A: Editing the Windows registry can be risky if you don’t have advanced technical knowledge. We recommend using this method only if you know what you’re doing.
Q4: Will changing my default browser to Internet Explorer affect my browsing experience?
A: It shouldn’t affect your browsing experience unless a particular website or web application requires the use of Microsoft Edge.
Q5: Do I need to restart my computer after changing my default browser to Internet Explorer?
A: No, you don’t need to restart your computer after changing your default browser to Internet Explorer.
In Conclusion
Changing the default browser from Microsoft Edge to Internet Explorer in Windows 11 can be a bit challenging. However, with the methods and tips provided in this blog post, you should be able to switch to your preferred browser without any issues. Remember to back up your important data before making any changes to your computer.