Disabling Internet Explorer on Windows 10 isn’t as complicated as it used to be, but it still catches some folks off guard. Maybe you’re trying to tidy up your system, switch completely to another browser, or just want to keep it from accidentally launching. Whatever the reason, turning it off means it stops sneaking around in the background and your system won’t treat it as a default anymore. Be warned, though—some really old apps or enterprise setups still rely on IE, so do a quick check before ditching it completely. After the process, you’ll likely notice your system is cleaner, and browsing with modern browsers like Edge or Chrome feels snappier and safer.
How to Disable Internet Explorer on Windows 10
Open the Windows Features menu
Here’s the fun part—getting to the Windows Features. Sounds fancy, but really, it’s just a little toggle menu where Windows keeps some of its built-in tools. You’ll want to head to Start, type “Windows Features”, and click on “Turn Windows features on or off”. On some setups, this might be hidden behind a quick search, or if your Windows menu is tiny, you might need to scroll around a bit in the Settings app, but it’s still an easy find.
On one machine this failed the first time, then suddenly worked after a restart—because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Uncheck Internet Explorer 11
- Once you’re in the Windows Features window, scroll down until you see Internet Explorer 11.
- Uncheck the box next to it—yep, just untick it. This tells Windows to deactivate IE from the system. It’s kind of funny how Windows still ships with it even if we don’t want it in our faces anymore.
After unchecking, click OK. A quick note: Windows might ask you to wait or even prompt a restart. That’s normal. When it asks if you want to restart now, go ahead and do it. This refreshes the system and applies the changes all at once.
If IE was your default, expect that to change. Sometimes, Windows will automatically pick Edge as the new default, but you might want to double-check under Settings > Default Apps. It’s not just about hiding IE; it’s about making sure your browser game is up to date and secure.
What to Expect After Doing This
Once rebooted, Internet Explorer should be gone from your taskbar, start menu, and system interface. You won’t be able to launch it unless you go back into Windows Features and re-enable it—so it’s pretty much gone for good unless you decide to turn it back on.
Note: Some legacy apps might still try to call IE, but generally, this disables it completely. And surprisingly, on some setups, removing IE can free up a tiny bit of space and reduce background clutter. Not sure why it works, but it just does.
Tips for When Things Don’t Go Smoothly
- Back up first: Even if it sounds overkill, backing up your system or at least your important settings can save some headaches if something weird pops up.
- Have a backup browser installed: Chrome, Firefox, or whatever you prefer, because you’ll still need to browse the web after uninstalling IE.
- Check for compatibility issues: Especially if you’re running some old enterprise apps. Some of them *still* rely on IE. Better to verify before pulling the plug completely.
- Consider Microsoft Edge: It’s now the default for Windows 10, and it’s way better, more secure, and faster. Just switch your default browser in Settings > Apps > Default Apps.
- Revert back as needed: If some app starts acting weird, go back into Windows Features and re-check the box for IE. Sometimes Windows is weird about fully removing it, and restoring is just turning the switch back on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to disable Internet Explorer on Windows 10?
Yeah, generally. Especially if you don’t use it anymore, and you’ve got a more modern browser lined up. Just make sure any old apps that depend on IE are taken care of first, or they might break.
Can IE be reinstalled later?
Definitely. Just go back into Turn Windows features on or off and recheck Internet Explorer 11. It’s a toggle, so no biggie if you change your mind later.
Will it make my PC run faster or better?
Honestly, not really. But removing components you don’t need might clean things up a bit. Mostly, it’s about reducing clutter and reducing the attack surface.
What if something breaks after disabling IE?
Re-enable it temporarily and see if that fixes the issue. Sometimes Windows or apps stubbornly stick to IE, so having it available isn’t a bad idea. Usually, once you switch to a better browser, you won’t need IE at all.
Summary
- Open the Start menu and search for “Turn Windows features on or off”
- Scroll down and uncheck Internet Explorer 11
- Click OK and restart your PC
- Switch your default browser if needed
Wrap-up
Disabling IE on Windows 10 is pretty straightforward, and it’s a good move if you want a cleaner, safer, more modern browsing environment. Just watch out for any legacy apps that might rely on it, and make sure you’ve got a good fallback browser ready to go. Generally, this helps keep your system lighter and more secure, which is never a bad thing in today’s security climate. Fingers crossed this helps someone avoid some frustration and make their setup just a little simpler. Good luck!