The compatibility “IE Mode” has been designed for organizations to load internal sites without using a different browser or redesigning the legacy pages. The feature loads the pages within Microsoft Edge like a regular website without using and managing multiple browsers. If you have to use this compatibility mode, the version of Microsoft Edge available in the stable channel includes the “Internet Explorer compatibilities” settings to quickly enable IE Mode and a separate option to open Edge when browsing an incompatible website with Internet Explorer. Alongside the settings, it is also possible to use the Group Policy Editor to configure the compatibility mode. This guide will teach you how to enable IE Mode to load legacy websites using the Internet Explorer rendering engine on Microsoft Edge for Windows 10 on Windows 11.
Enable IE Mode on Microsoft Edge Enable IE Mode with Group Policy on Microsoft Edge
Enable IE Mode on Microsoft Edge
To enable IE Mode on Edge for Windows 11 (or 10), use these steps: Once you complete the steps, when sites require Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge will reload the page using IE Mode.
If you use the “Internet Explorer mode pages” setting, the sites will open in IE Mode for 30 days. Then the page will load normally again.
Open website with IE Mode on Edge
To open an incompatible website with IE Mode on Edge, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the website should reload in compatibility mode. The option won’t be available in the menu if the feature is not enabled.
If you want to exit IE Mode, use the same instructions, but in step 3, select the “Exit Internet Explorer mode” option.
Open Internet Explorer sites on Microsoft Edge
On Windows 11, Microsoft Edge also lets you configure the browser so that when someone uses Internet Explorer, all sites will load within Edge. To allow IE open websites with Edge, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, websites will open on Microsoft Edge, according to your configuration when surfing the web with Internet Explorer.
Never – IE will never switch to Edge to load the site. Incompatible sites only – IE will still load sites, but websites designed for a modern browser will load in Edge. Always – IE will always switch to Edge to load websites.
Enable IE Mode with Group Policy on Microsoft Edge
Alternatively, you can enable IE Mode on Edge with Group Policy. However, you will need to download and install the policy template before configuring the Group Policy settings.
1. Install Microsoft Edge policy template
To install the policy template to enable IE Mode on Edge, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the new policies to enable or disable IE Mode on Edge Chromium will install in the Group Policy Editor.
In the command, change en-US for the folder that matches your local language.
2. Enable IE Mode on Microsoft Edge from Group Policy
To enable IE Mode on Chromium Edge with Group Policy, use these steps: After you complete the steps, websites will render in the Internet Explorer compatibility mode. And you’ll notice a familiar IE icon on the left side of the address bar, letting you know the website uses Internet Explorer.
These steps enable IE Mode for intranet websites. If you want to load external websites with Microsoft Edge, you will have to enable and set up the “Configure the Enterprise Mode Site List” policy, which includes creating an XML file with the list of domains you want to load automatically with the Internet Explorer mode. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
