How to Stop Internet Explorer From Opening Edge Automatically

Introduction

Hi there, readers! Welcome to our in-depth guide on how to stop Internet Explorer from automatically opening Microsoft Edge. We understand that this can be a frustrating issue, especially if you prefer to use Internet Explorer for certain tasks. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to help you regain control over your browser settings and prevent Edge from being forced upon you.

Understanding the Default Browser Settings

Internet Explorer has been around for decades, and many users are accustomed to using it as their primary browser. However, with the release of Microsoft Edge, Microsoft has made Edge the default browser in Windows 10 and 11. This means that when you click on a link in an application or an email, Edge will automatically open, even if you have Internet Explorer installed.

Modifying Default Browser Settings

To change the default browser to Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel from the Start menu.
2. Click on “Programs” and then “Default Programs.”
3. Select “Set your default programs.”
4. In the list of programs, find Internet Explorer and click on “Set this program as default.”
5. Click on “OK” to save the changes.

Using the Registry Editor

In some cases, the default browser settings may be locked or inaccessible. In such situations, you can use the Registry Editor to manually change the default browser.

1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key + R and typing “regedit.”
2. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Associations\UrlAssociations\http\UserChoice
3. In the right-hand pane, double-click on the “ProgId” value and change it to “IE.HTTP.”
4. Click on “OK” to save the changes and restart your computer.

Tips for Preventing Edge From Opening

In addition to modifying the default browser settings, there are a few other tips you can try to prevent Edge from opening:

Disable Edge in Task Manager

1. Open Task Manager by pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys.
2. In the Task Manager window, click on the “Startup” tab.
3. Find Microsoft Edge in the list and right-click on it.
4. Select “Disable” from the context menu.

Remove Edge Shortcut from Desktop and Taskbar

1. Right-click on the Microsoft Edge shortcut on your desktop and select “Delete.”
2. Right-click on the Microsoft Edge icon in the taskbar and select “Unpin from taskbar.”

Reinstall Internet Explorer

If all else fails, you can try reinstalling Internet Explorer to restore the default browser settings.

1. Open the Control Panel from the Start menu.
2. Click on “Programs” and then “Programs and Features.”
3. Find Internet Explorer in the list of installed programs and click on “Uninstall.”
4. Follow the prompts to uninstall Internet Explorer.
5. Download and reinstall Internet Explorer from the Microsoft website.

Table: Default Browsers in Different Windows Versions

Conclusion

We hope this article has provided you with the necessary information and steps to stop Internet Explorer from automatically opening Edge. By following the methods outlined above, you can regain control over your browser settings and ensure that your preferred browser is always the one that opens when you click on links.

If you have any further questions or need additional help, feel free to check out our other articles on Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer. We’re always here to assist you in finding the best solutions for your tech needs.

FAQ about “Internet Explorer Stop Opening Edge”

Why does Internet Explorer (IE) open Edge instead of the website I want?

Edge is the default browser in Windows 10 and later. When you open IE, it redirects to Edge for security and compatibility reasons.

How can I stop IE from opening Edge?

There are a few ways to do this:

• Set IE as the default browser: Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Default apps > Web browser > select Internet Explorer.
• Disable the Edge Protocol Handler: Go to Start > type “regedit” > navigate to “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\iexplore.exe” > double-click “Default” > change the value data to “%1” (without quotes).
• Use a different browser: Download and install a different browser, such as Chrome or Firefox, and set it as the default.

Why am I prompted to “Use the new Microsoft Edge”?

This message appears when you visit a website that is not compatible with IE. Edge is designed to support modern web standards and provide a better browsing experience.

How can I stop seeing the “Use the new Microsoft Edge” message?

• Update IE: Go to Start > type “windows update” > check for updates for Internet Explorer.
• Enable Enhanced Protected Mode: Go to Internet Options > Advanced > under “Security”, check “Enable Enhanced Protected Mode”.
• Ignore website compatibility: Go to Internet Options > Advanced > under “Browsing”, uncheck “Warn about website compatibility view”.

Can I still use Internet Explorer?

Yes, but it is not recommended. IE is no longer supported by Microsoft and lacks security features found in modern browsers.

What are the risks of using Internet Explorer?

Using IE may expose your device to malware, phishing attacks, and other security breaches.

Should I switch to Edge?

Yes, Edge is the recommended browser for Windows 10 and later. It provides better security, compatibility, and performance than IE.

How can I import my data from IE to Edge?

• Open Microsoft Edge.
• Click the three dots in the top-right corner and select “Settings”.
• Under “Import data”, select “Import from another browser”.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to import your bookmarks, history, and other data.

Why does my browser keep reverting to Edge?

Check your browser settings to make sure IE is still set as the default. Some apps may override the default browser setting when opening links.