Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge is meant for older websites and internal business tools that still depend on legacy Internet Explorer features. If you need to open one of those sites, you can turn the mode on and manage when Edge should use it. If you no longer need it, you can also disable it to keep Edge simpler and reduce the chance of accidentally loading outdated web content.
This guide shows where the setting is, how to use Internet Explorer Mode, and what to do if the option is missing or controlled by your organization.
What Internet Explorer Mode Does
Internet Explorer Mode lets Microsoft Edge render a specific site using the Internet Explorer engine instead of the normal Edge engine. This is mainly for older web apps, forms, portals, and intranet sites that were built for Internet Explorer and may not work correctly in modern browsers.
How to Enable Internet Explorer Mode in Edge
Internet Explorer Mode is usually enabled by default as a feature in Edge, but the setting that allows you to use it may need to be turned on first.
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and choose Settings.
- Select Default browser from the left menu.
- Find Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.
- Set it to Allow.
- Restart Edge if prompted.
How to Open a Site in Internet Explorer Mode
Once the option is enabled, you can reload a specific website in Internet Explorer Mode when needed.
- Open the website in Edge.
- Click the three-dot menu.
- Choose Reload in Internet Explorer mode.
- Wait for the page to reload.
- If you want the site to keep opening this way, use the option to open it in IE mode next time if Edge offers it.
How to Disable Internet Explorer Mode in Edge
If you do not need legacy site support, you can turn off the setting that allows pages to reload in Internet Explorer Mode.
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Default browser.
- Find Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.
- Set the option to Don’t allow.
- Restart Edge if required.
If the Internet Explorer Mode Option Is Missing
In some cases, the setting is not available or cannot be changed. This usually means your PC is managed by a work or school organization, or the feature is controlled by policy.
- Your organization has disabled the setting through Group Policy or management tools
- You are signed in with a managed work or school account
- Edge is not fully updated
- The site is being forced into IE mode through an enterprise policy
If this is a work computer, contact your IT administrator. On a personal PC, updating Edge usually restores missing browser options.
Using Enterprise Mode for Specific Sites
Some businesses do not want every user to manually switch modes. Instead, administrators can configure a site list so approved pages always open in Internet Explorer Mode. This is useful for internal portals, old line-of-business apps, and sites that require ActiveX or other legacy technologies.
When You Should Leave It Disabled
If you only browse modern websites, there is little reason to keep Internet Explorer Mode enabled. Leaving it off can make Edge feel cleaner and reduces the chance of loading a site in a less secure legacy mode by mistake.
- You only use current websites and web apps
- You do not need old intranet portals
- You want to avoid accidental use of legacy rendering
- You are setting up a family or personal PC with no compatibility requirements
Choosing the Right Setting
Enable Internet Explorer Mode if you still use one or two older sites that require it. Disable it if you never need legacy compatibility. If you are unsure, keep the feature allowed but only use it for the specific site that needs it rather than browsing in that mode all the time.
