
Microsoft Edge's IE browser compatibility mode is a feature that allows you to run websites designed for Internet Explorer (IE) in the Edge browser. This is useful if you need to access older websites or applications that only work with IE.
To access IE browser compatibility mode in Microsoft Edge, you can use the "F12" developer tools or type "edge://flags/#enable-ie-mode" in the address bar. This will enable the feature.
IE browser compatibility mode can be enabled for specific sites or for all sites. To enable it for a specific site, you can right-click on the site's icon in the address bar and select "Open IE mode".
You might enjoy: Access S3 Bucket from Browser
What Is Internet Explorer Compatibility Mode
Internet Explorer Compatibility Mode is a feature that allows websites and applications to render as if they were running in an older version of Internet Explorer.
It's designed to emulate either Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8, which helps to avoid compatibility problems associated with web apps written and tested on older versions of Internet Explorer.
You might like: How to View Browser Console on Pc Windows 10
This feature is part of Enterprise Mode, which runs on Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7 devices.
By using Internet Explorer Compatibility Mode, you can open sites and applications that only work in Internet Explorer within the Edge Browser, making it easier to access both newer sites and legacy apps.
On a similar theme: Internet Browser Tracking
What Is?
IE Mode is a compatibility mode that runs on Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7 devices.
It lets websites render using a modified browser configuration designed to emulate either Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8.
Running in this mode helps to avoid many common compatibility problems associated with web apps written and tested on older versions of Internet Explorer.
IE Mode essentially allows you to open sites and applications that only work in Internet Explorer using the Edge Browser.
For another approach, see: Viewing Http Headers Using Browser Developer Tools Firefox
Why We Need
Internet Explorer Compatibility Mode is necessary for users who still need to access older websites that aren't compatible with modern browsers.
IE Mode provides a way to view these websites without having to download and install the full Internet Explorer application, which is set to be retired next June 15, 2022.
The desktop application will no longer exist for certain affected operating system versions, but the executable remains as it is part of the OS itself.
IE Mode will receive support through at least 2029, ensuring that users can continue to access these websites without worrying about compatibility issues.
Websites or web pages can be added to IE Mode so that they load in it automatically for the next 30 days.
This feature allows users to easily access older websites without having to manually switch to IE Mode every time.
Readers also liked: Next Js Strict Mode
Enabling Internet Explorer Compatibility Mode
You can enable Internet Explorer compatibility mode on Microsoft Edge by following a few simple steps. To start, open Microsoft Edge and click the Settings and More button in the top-right corner.
To enable IE Mode on Edge for Windows 11, use these steps: Open Microsoft Edge on Windows 11, click the Settings and More button, select the Settings option, and click on Default browser. Then, turn on the “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode” toggle switch to enable IE Mode under the “Internet Explorer compatibility” section.
Alternatively, you can enable IE Mode on Edge with Group Policy. However, you must download and install the policy template before configuring the Group Policy settings.
To enable IE Mode on Edge with Group Policy, use these steps: Open Start, search for gpedit, and click the top result to open the Group Policy Editor. Then, browse the path Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge, double-click the “Configure Internet Explorer integration” policy, and select the Enabled option to enable IE Mode for Microsoft Edge.
You can also add websites or web pages to Internet Explorer mode so that they load in it automatically. They will only do so for the next 30 days. Click the Options button, then Settings, then Default Browser, and click the Add button next to Internet Explorer mode pages.
Here are the steps to configure IE Mode:
1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser
2. Click on the Options button in the top-right corner
Explore further: Where Is the Browser Console
3. Select Settings
4. Click on Default browser
5. Turn on the “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode” toggle switch
Note that websites will render in Internet Explorer compatibility mode after you complete these steps. You’ll notice a familiar IE icon on the left side of the address bar, letting you know the website uses Internet Explorer.
Broaden your view: How to Turn off Secret Mode on Samsung Internet
Configuring Internet Explorer Compatibility Mode
To configure Internet Explorer compatibility mode, you'll first need to download the Enterprise Mode Site List Manager. This tool will help you manage the sites that load in Internet Explorer mode.
You can choose to configure Internet Explorer mode by selecting option A, which will guide you through the process.
To enable Internet Explorer mode, click on the Options button in the top-right corner of the Edge browser and select Settings. This will take you to the settings page where you can make changes.
Allowing Internet Explorer mode is a straightforward process – simply click on Default browser on the left-hand side, then click on the dropdown menu for Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.
You can also add websites or web pages to Internet Explorer mode so that they load in it automatically. This can be done by clicking the Options button, then Settings, then Default Browser, and finally clicking the Add button next to Internet Explorer mode pages.
Expand your knowledge: Webflow Variables
Switching to Internet Explorer Compatibility Mode
You can switch to Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge by clicking the Options button and selecting Reload in Internet Explorer mode. This will load the current page in Internet Explorer mode.
Only switch to Internet Explorer mode if a site or tool or its features aren’t working, as most modern websites will work better in the Edge browser’s standard mode.
To add websites or web pages to Internet Explorer mode, click the Options button then Settings then Default Browser, and then click the Add button next to Internet Explorer mode pages.
Websites added to Internet Explorer mode will only do so for the next 30 days.
To open an incompatible website with IE Mode on Edge, follow these steps:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Open the incompatible web page.
- Click the Settings and More (ellipsis) button in the top-right corner.
- Click the “Reload in Internet Explorer mode” option.
- (Optional) Right-click the tab and select the “Reload tab in Internet Explorer mode” option.
- (Optional) Click the IE Mode button from the toolbar.
Microsoft plans to support Internet Explorer mode until 2029, at which point it will be discontinued and removed.
Redirect Sites
Redirecting sites to Internet Explorer mode is a great way to ensure compatibility with older websites. Microsoft Edge offers two options for identifying which sites should open in IE mode.
You can configure sites on the Enterprise Site list, which is the recommended approach. This method allows you to specify which sites should load in IE mode, making it easier to manage compatibility issues.
Alternatively, you can configure all Intranet sites to open in IE mode. However, the Enterprise Site list is the preferred method for most users.
If you're not sure which option to choose, consider the following: if you have a large number of websites that require IE mode, configuring the Enterprise Site list may be the better choice. This approach allows you to specify which sites should load in IE mode, making it easier to manage compatibility issues.
Here are the two options for identifying which sites should open in IE mode:
- Configure sites on the Enterprise Site list (Recommended)
- Configure all Intranet sites
By choosing the right option, you can ensure that your websites load correctly and that you can access the content you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Internet Explorer compatibility mode going away?
No, Internet Explorer compatibility mode is not going away, but it will be supported through at least 2029. Instead, Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Edge with IE mode for backward compatibility.
How do I turn off IE compatibility mode?
To turn off IE compatibility mode, press F12 to open the IE Developer Tools pane, then select the Emulation tab and change the Document mode to Edge (Default).
Featured Images: pexels.com


