Getting rid of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 used to be a bit of a headache, but now that Microsoft has made it pretty straightforward, it’s actually kinda doable without messing up the rest of your system. If IE’s just lingering and you’re tired of it taking up space or just wanna get rid of that old browser clutter, this guide’s got your back. Keep in mind, it’s more about disabling than fully deleting, because of how integrated it is with Windows. And yeah, sometimes restarting isn’t optional—Windows likes to make sure all the changes stick.
How to Uninstall Internet Explorer in Windows 10
Method 1: Disable IE via Windows Features
This is the main way to turn off Internet Explorer without any heavy technical steps. When you disable it here, it’s not totally gone, but it’s kinda like ‘turned off’ — in case you wanna bring it back later. The reason? IE is baked into Windows, so it’s more like hiding it instead of deleting it completely. That said, it works pretty well for most folks trying to keep their systems lean.
Go into Windows Features
- First off, press Win + R to open the Run dialog. Type
optionalfeatures.exeand hit Enter. Yep, that’s the quick shortcut to jump directly into Windows Features. - Another way: click on the Start menu, then go to Settings > Apps & Features and scroll down or search for “Optional Features” (sometimes it’s hidden, but that’s where the good stuff is).
Disable Internet Explorer
- In the Windows Features list, scroll down to find Internet Explorer 11.
- Uncheck the box next to it. Yes, just uncheck—it’s like turning it off, not deleting it. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
- Click OK. Windows will probably ask you to wait a bit as it applies changes.
Reboot to Finish
Once you’ve unchecked IE, restart your PC. This is a must — Windows needs a reboot to make sure IE is disabled properly. On some setups, it might fail at first, and you’ll need to do it again; this is normal. After reboot, IE really won’t be available in the taskbar or start menu anymore.
Why does this matter? It’s mainly to free up a little space, reduce clutter, and maybe avoid accidental opening of an outdated browser. Also, some find it makes their system feel leaner, especially if they plan to stick with Edge or another modern browser. Just a little cleanup that’s not really damaging, even if IE still exists ‘under the hood.’
Tips for Uninstalling Internet Explorer in Windows 10
- Before waving goodbye to IE, make sure you’ve got Chrome, Firefox, or Edge set up and ready to go. You don’t want to be stuck without a browser.
- If you’re nervous about totally removing it, just disable it first and see if everything runs smoothly afterward.
- Disabling isn’t the same as deleting, so if you wanna bring IE back, just check the box again and restart.
- Keep Windows updated. Sometimes, updates can mess with these features, and you might find IE pops back or gets re-enabled.
- If things go sideways, a system restore or using the Windows Reset feature might be needed. Or just re-enable IE if you need it temporarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fully delete Internet Explorer from Windows 10?
Not really — it’s built into Windows. You can disable it, which is usually enough, but completely removing it isn’t officially supported and might cause system issues.
What if something breaks after disabling IE?
Most of the time, nothing. But if you run into quirky bugs, you can re-enable it from the same menu, or run dism /online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:"Internet-Explorer-Optional-x86" in PowerShell for more control.
Is it safe to disable Internet Explorer?
Yes, especially if you’re not using older web apps that depend on IE. Microsoft recommends using Edge or Chrome for better security. Disabling IE won’t affect your main system functions much, but some older enterprise setups might rely on it.
How do I re-enable IE if I change my mind?
Just go back into Windows Features, check the box for Internet Explorer 11, and restart. Easy as that. Comes in handy if some old site only works in IE.
Summary
- Open Run with Win + R and type
optionalfeatures.exe - Find Internet Explorer 11 and uncheck the box
- Hit OK, then restart the system
- Optional: set up another browser if not already done
Wrap-up
Removing or disabling Internet Explorer on Windows 10 is usually as simple as toggling a feature. It’s not a complete delete, but for most folks, that’s more than enough. Just keep in mind — if you ever need IE back, it’s pretty easy to restore. Overall, it’s a small step towards a cleaner, faster system, especially if you’re used to modern browsers like Edge or Chrome. Hope this helps someone feel a little less stuck with old tech!