Microsoft Edge IE Mode for Legacy Internet Explorer Users

Microsoft Edge IE Mode is a game-changer for users who still rely on Internet Explorer for certain tasks.

Microsoft Edge IE Mode allows users to run Internet Explorer in a tab within Microsoft Edge, so they can still access sites that only work with IE.

This feature is especially useful for users who need to access legacy sites that haven't been updated to work with modern browsers.

Microsoft Edge IE Mode preserves the look and feel of Internet Explorer, so users will feel right at home.

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Internet Explorer mode, also known as IE mode, is a feature in Microsoft Edge that allows you to view websites that were built to work with Internet Explorer.

Support for Internet Explorer ended on June 15, 2022, but organizations can still configure IE mode for their users through an Enterprise Site List.

IE mode supports all document modes and enterprise modes, as well as ActiveX controls like Java and Silverlight (although Silverlight reached end of support on October 12, 2021).

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To turn on IE mode in Microsoft Edge, you need to navigate to edge://settings/defaultbrowser, slide the Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer toggle to ON, and restart the browser.

IE mode also supports browser helper objects, Internet Explorer settings and group policies that affect security zone settings and Protected Mode, and F12 developer tools for IE when launched with IEChooser.

To view a website in IE mode, you can navigate to the site, click the three dots in the upper right corner of the browser window, and select Reload in Internet Explorer Mode.

If you're on a device managed by your organization with the latest Windows updates, you may see the option to Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer under edge://settings/defaultbrowser, but the setting might be greyed out.

To return to browsing without IE mode, you can click Leave on the information bar at the top of the screen or close your current tab and open a new tab in Microsoft Edge.

Enabling Internet Explorer Mode on Microsoft Edge is a straightforward process, but it requires some specific steps. To turn on Internet Explorer mode, use the following steps: type edge://settings/defaultbrowser in the address bar, click Enter, slide the Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer toggle to ON, and restart Microsoft Edge.

The toggle switch may be greyed out on a managed device, but you can still enable it through an Enterprise Site List. Note that support for Internet Explorer ended on June 15, 2022.

To view a website using Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge, navigate to the website, click the three dots in the upper right corner, and select Reload in Internet Explorer Mode. If you're on Microsoft Edge version 92 or earlier, select More tools > Reload in Internet Explorer Mode instead.

If you're having trouble finding the toggle switch, check your Microsoft Edge version. If you're on version 91.0.864.54, you might need to configure your Internet Options and Trusted Sites settings. Additionally, ensure that any necessary ActiveX controls are enabled.

Here are the steps to enable IE mode on Microsoft Edge:

If you encounter an "unsupported browser" error, make sure that Open this page in Compatibility View is enabled. You can also enable Open this page in Internet Explorer mode next time if needed.

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Microsoft Edge IE mode has its limitations, and it's essential to understand what you can and can't do with it. Internet Explorer mode doesn't support Internet Explorer toolbars, which means you won't be able to use them in IE mode.

IE mode also doesn't support Internet Explorer settings and group policies that control the navigation menu, so you'll need to adjust your settings accordingly. Additionally, IE11 or Microsoft Edge F12 developer tools are not supported in IE mode, which may impact your development workflow.

Here are some of the unsupported Internet Explorer functionalities in IE mode:

IE mode supports a wide range of Internet Explorer functionality, making it a great option for users who need to access older websites.

All document modes and enterprise modes are supported in IE mode, which means you can access websites that use these features without any issues.

ActiveX controls, such as Java or Silverlight, are also supported in IE mode. However, it's worth noting that Silverlight reaches end of support on October 12, 2021.

Browser Helper Objects are another feature that's supported in IE mode, allowing you to use extensions that interact with the IE page content directly.

IE mode also supports Internet Explorer settings and group policies that affect security zone settings and Protected Mode, giving you more control over your browsing experience.

F12 developer tools for IE are supported when launched with IEChooser, making it easier to debug and test your websites.

Here's a list of the supported Internet Explorer functionality in IE mode:

Internet Explorer (IE) mode in Microsoft Edge is a handy feature for viewing websites that were built for older browsers. However, there are some limitations to keep in mind.

IE mode doesn't support Internet Explorer toolbars, so you won't be able to use them even when you're in IE mode. This is a key thing to remember if you're used to relying on those toolbars.

Some websites may rely on Internet Explorer settings and group policies that control the navigation menu, and these won't work in IE mode either. This could impact how certain websites function or look.

IE mode also doesn't support IE11 or Microsoft Edge F12 developer tools, which are useful for debugging and testing websites. If you're a developer, you may need to use a different tool to work with these websites.

Here's a summary of what's not supported in IE mode: