How to Reinstall Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10

Internet Explorer is a web browser developed by Microsoft Corporation. It is one of the oldest web browsers that has been in use since its inception in 1995. In Windows 10, Microsoft changed the name of its default web browser to Microsoft Edge, and Internet Explorer was relegated to being an optional feature. However, some users may still prefer to use Internet Explorer for some purposes. In case you need to reinstall Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10, you can follow the steps listed below.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Reinstall Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10

Though Windows 10 has Microsoft Edge as its default web browser, there are times when you may need to use Internet Explorer 11. Some websites and applications may still require Internet Explorer to function properly. Hence, if you face any issues with the browser, you may need to reinstall it to ensure smooth browsing.

Method 1: Via Control Panel

If you want to reinstall Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10, you can use the Control Panel method. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Control Panel from the list.
  2. Click on Programs and Features.
  3. Click on Turn Windows features on or off.
  4. Scroll down to Internet Explorer 11 and uncheck the box next to it to turn it off.
  5. Click on Yes when prompted to confirm your action.
  6. Restart your computer.
  7. Follow steps 1 to 3 again.
  8. Check the box next to Internet Explorer 11 to turn it back on.
  9. Click on Yes when prompted to confirm your action.
  10. Restart your computer once again.

Pros:

Pros:

  • This method is straightforward and easily accessible via the Control Panel.
  • You can turn Internet Explorer 11 off and on at will.

Cons:

Cons:

  • It involves restarting your computer twice before the installation process is complete, which can be time-consuming.
  • The method may not work in some situations, such as when the browser files are corrupted.

Method 2: Via Windows PowerShell

Another way to reinstall Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10 is via Windows PowerShell. The steps to follow are:

  1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the list.
  2. Type the following command in the PowerShell window and press Enter: DISM /Online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:Internet-Explorer-Optional-amd64
  3. Wait for the command to execute successfully and then restart your computer.
  4. Type the following command in the PowerShell window and press Enter: DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:Internet-Explorer-Optional-amd64
  5. Wait for the command to execute successfully and then restart your computer again.

Pros:

Pros:

  • This method is faster than the Control Panel method as it involves just one restart.
  • You can use copy-paste to enter the commands in PowerShell.

Cons:

Cons:

  • If the commands are not executed correctly, you may face problems with your computer or browser.
  • The process involves using PowerShell, which may be unfamiliar to some users.

Method 3: Via DISM tool

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is a Windows utility that allows you to repair the Windows image and install features like Internet Explorer. You can use this tool to reinstall Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10 by following the steps below.

  1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the list.
  2. Type the following command in the PowerShell window and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait for the process to complete, which may take some time.
  4. Type the following command in the PowerShell window and press Enter: DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:Internet-Explorer-Optional-amd64
  5. Wait for the installation process to complete and then restart your computer.

Pros:

Pros:

  • The DISM tool can fix any corruption issues that may be preventing Internet Explorer 11 from working correctly.
  • This method is relatively easy to execute, and you can use copy-paste to enter the commands.

Cons:

Cons:

  • The process involves using PowerShell, which may be unfamiliar to some users.
  • If the DISM tool fails to fix the corruption, you may need to seek additional help to solve the problem.

What to Do If You Can’t Reinstall Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10

If you face any issues when trying to reinstall Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10, you can try the following fixes:

  • Restore your computer to an earlier point in time when Internet Explorer 11 was working correctly.
  • Reset the browser to its default settings by going to Internet Options and clicking on the Advanced tab. Look for the Reset button and follow the prompts to complete the process.
  • Run a malware scan to check if any viruses are affecting Internet Explorer’s functionality.

Bonus Tip

If you need to use Internet Explorer 11 frequently, you can pin it to your taskbar for easy access. To do this, follow the steps below:

  1. Open Internet Explorer 11.
  2. Right-click on its icon in the taskbar.
  3. Select Pin to taskbar from the context menu.

5 FAQs

Q: Can I completely uninstall Internet Explorer 11 from Windows 10?

A: No, Internet Explorer 11 is a built-in feature of Windows 10, and you can only disable it.

Q: How do I know which version of Internet Explorer 11 is installed on my computer?

A: Open Internet Explorer 11 and click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner. Select About Internet Explorer to see the version information.

Q: Can I use Internet Explorer 11 on a Mac?

A: No, Internet Explorer 11 is only available for Windows devices.

Q: Why does Internet Explorer 11 frequently crash on my computer?

A: Internet Explorer 11 may crash due to several reasons such as corrupted files, malware infections, incompatible add-ons, outdated drivers, etc.

Q: Can I use Internet Explorer 11 to access modern websites?

A: While Internet Explorer 11 may have compatibility issues with some modern websites, it can still function correctly in most cases.

Final Thoughts

Internet Explorer 11 may not be the default web browser in Windows 10, but it can be useful in some scenarios. If you need to reinstall it, you can choose from one of the methods discussed above. Always remember to restart your computer after uninstalling or installing Internet Explorer 11 to ensure smooth browsing.