When Microsoft unveiled Windows 10, they took the opportunity to sweep Internet Explorer under the rug in favor of Edge. The newer browser has a different look and feel, and while Microsoft reports that Edge is faster and more secure, a lot of users still prefer the old, familiar browser they have been using for decades.
If you prefer to use Internet Explorer 11, that’s still an option. In fact, Internet Explorer 11 is actually included with Windows 10 by default, so you don’t even need to install anything extra. You only need to know where to look.
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How to Open Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10
Edge is the default browser in Windows 10, so if you want to use Internet Explorer 11 instead, you need to locate and open it.
Here’s the easiest way to launch Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10:
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Move your mouse to the taskbar and click where it says Type here to search.
You can also press the Windows key instead.
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Select Internet Explorer when it appears.
Opening Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10 is really that easy.
How to Open Internet Explorer 11 with Cortana
If you have Cortana enabled, there’s an even easier way to launch Internet Explorer in Windows 10.
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Say Open Internet Explorer.
That’s literally all it takes. As long as Cortana is set up correctly, and can understand the command, Internet Explorer will launch as soon as you ask.
Pinning Internet Explorer to the Taskbar for Easy Access
While opening Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10 isn’t difficult, pinning it to the taskbar is a good idea if you plan on using it regularly. This will allow you to launch the program any time you want just by clicking an icon on the taskbar.
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Move your mouse to the taskbar and click where it says Type here to search.
You can also press the Windows key instead.
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Right click on Internet Explorer when it appears.
You can click on Pin to Start as well if you would like to have an Internet Explorer icon in your Start menu.
Since you don’t need to uninstall Edge to use Internet Explorer, you can always go back to Edge if you change your mind. In fact, there’s actually no way to uninstall either Edge or Internet Explorer 11.
It is possible, however, to change the default browser from Edge to something else.
If you do want to change the default browser, you can go with Internet Explorer, but installing an alternate browser, like Firefox or Chrome, is also an option. However, unlike Internet Explorer 11 and Edge, these other browsers aren’t included with Windows 10 by default.
