How to Stop Internet Explorer from Opening Edge
Howdy readers!
Are you facing the annoying problem of Internet Explorer (IE) automatically redirecting you to Edge whenever you try to open it? Fear not, for in this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the depths of this issue and provide you with foolproof solutions to “stop Internet Explorer from opening Edge.” Let’s dive right in!
Understanding the Problem
Internet Explorer has been gradually phased out by Microsoft in favor of Edge, the more modern and feature-rich browser. In an attempt to make the transition smoother, Microsoft has designed Edge to open certain older Internet Explorer-based websites and intranet applications. However, this can become a nuisance if you still prefer or need to use Internet Explorer for specific tasks.
Disabling Edge as the Default Browser
One simple solution is to prevent Edge from being the default browser. This way, your computer will no longer automatically open Edge when you click on Internet Explorer links or files.
- Open the “Default Apps” Settings: Go to “Settings” > “Apps” > “Default Apps.”
- Scroll Down to Web Browser: Locate the “Web Browser” section.
- Set Internet Explorer as Default: Click on the browser icon next to “Web Browser” and select Internet Explorer from the list.
Modifying the Registry (Advanced Users)
If the above solution doesn’t work for you, you may need to edit a specific key in the Windows Registry. However, this step is recommended only for advanced users who are comfortable making changes to system settings.
- Open Registry Editor: Press Windows Key + R, type “regedit,” and click “OK.”
- Navigate to the Key: Navigate to the following key in the Registry Editor: “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\iexplore.exe”
- Change the Value: Double-click on the “Path” value and change the data to the path of the Internet Explorer executable file (usually “C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe”).
Troubleshooting Additional Issues
If you continue to encounter problems, consider the following troubleshooting tips:
- Check for Updates: Ensure that both Internet Explorer and Edge are updated to their latest versions.
- Disable Add-ons and Extensions: Some third-party add-ons can interfere with browser behavior. Disable them to see if it resolves the issue.
- Reset Internet Explorer: Resetting Internet Explorer to its default settings can sometimes fix the problem.
- Uninstall and Reinstall Internet Explorer: As a last resort, you can try uninstalling Internet Explorer and reinstalling it from the Microsoft website.
Comparison Table: Solutions for Stopping Internet Explorer from Opening Edge
| Solution | Description |
|---|---|
| Disable Edge as Default Browser | Prevents Edge from opening as the default browser when clicking IE links. |
| Modify Registry | Changes a specific key in the Registry to force Internet Explorer to open instead of Edge. |
| Disable Add-ons and Extensions | Disables third-party extensions that may interfere with browser behavior. |
| Reset Internet Explorer | Restores Internet Explorer to its default settings. |
| Uninstall and Reinstall Internet Explorer | Removes and reinstalls Internet Explorer as a last resort. |
Conclusion
There you have it, readers! By implementing the solutions outlined above, you should be able to effectively “stop Internet Explorer from opening Edge.” Remember to follow the steps carefully and troubleshoot any additional issues as needed. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other articles for more tech tips and tricks to enhance your digital experience.
FAQ about Stopping Internet Explorer from Opening Edge
1. Why does Internet Explorer open Edge?
Microsoft has integrated Edge into Windows 10, making it the default browser for certain tasks.
2. How do I prevent IE from opening Edge?
- Untick “Open links in Internet Explorer” in Edge: Go to Settings > Edge Options > General and uncheck the box.
- Set a different default browser: Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Web browser and select your preferred browser.
- Edit the Registry: Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft, create a new key named “Internet Explorer,” and add a DWORD value named “DisableEdgeSharing” with a value of 1.
3. Can I still use Internet Explorer?
Yes, but Microsoft recommends using Edge instead for better security and performance.
4. What if I need to use IE for specific websites?
You can add those websites as “Compatibility View” sites in Edge. Go to Settings > Appearance > Customize toolbars and add the website URL to the Compatibility View list.
5. Why am I still seeing IE-related messages in Edge?
Edge sometimes displays messages or prompts related to IE to ensure a smooth transition. You can ignore these messages or opt out of them in Edge settings.
6. What is the difference between IE and Edge?
Edge is a faster, more secure, and more feature-rich browser built on Chromium.
7. Can I uninstall Internet Explorer?
No, Internet Explorer cannot be uninstalled as it is an integral part of Windows 10.
8. How do I make Edge open the same tabs as IE?
In Edge, go to Settings > Start, home, and new tabs > Import items from another browser and select Internet Explorer.
9. Can I set Edge to use IE compatibility mode?
Yes, Edge supports IE compatibility mode. Go to Settings > Appearance > Customize toolbars and enable “Internet Explorer mode.”
10. Where can I find more information on this issue?
Refer to Microsoft’s documentation or search online forums for more detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips.