Internet Explorer Mode Help

mccnavy · Oct 16, 2021

I'm hoping someone can confirm on their system. Internet Explorer is supposed to be deleted from my system and replaced bye IE mode in Edge, correct? However, after upgrading from Windows 10 to 11, I still have a Internet Explorer folder in Program Files (x86). Is that what is used by Edge for IE mode or do I have orphan folder/files left from the upgrade I need to delete? Also, while not listed as an installed App, Internet Explorer is listed as a Default App. Can someone confirm and advise if I need to do any "repairs" to my system to clear out...if they are orphans, what other Windows 10 leftovers do I need to look for and how to delete? Thanks.

BunnyJ · Oct 16, 2021

I found IE in the same location and from my understanding MS didn't totally remove IE.. they just replaced it with Edge. Given it's relative size I wouldn't delete it.. it only take up about 1.67 MB.
OH and if it is somehow a default you can change that to the browsers you prefer to use... like Edge or say, Firefox.

mccnavy · Oct 16, 2021

Thanks. You're right that it is very small size (folders in both Program Files and x86) so I'm assuming it is for Edge IE mode. Unfortunately, with no more Internet Explorer I need to see if/when I'll be able to access S/MIME e-mails in OWA again...Internet Explorer was the only browser with a working extension that enabled it.

clam1952 · Oct 16, 2021

Have you seen this? S/MIME support for Outlook on the Web (OWA) in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge - HowTo-Outlook

The-Hive · Oct 16, 2021

There are few (very few) websites that use IE. It is in Win 11 go to settings>apps>optional features

RFS · Oct 16, 2021

If you double-click on iexplore.exe in that location it just starts Edge ...

The-Hive · Oct 16, 2021

RFS said:
If you double-click on iexplore.exe in that location it just starts Edge ...

the screenshot was just a pic of a settings for it, If it is installed it will work within edge to display websites that need it I believe. but you are correct it will open edge. I wonder why it is needed as it is so old and out of date

LeLibran · Oct 16, 2021

See: Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge

IE is not due to be 'retired' by Microsoft until 15 Jun 2022 so, presumably, that is why the support files still exist in Windows 11. As I understand it, those most likely to still need IE are likely to be organisations that have not yet completed the transition of all of their private intranet/internet site data for modern browser access.

Winuser · Oct 19, 2021

mccnavy said:
I'm hoping someone can confirm on their system. Internet Explorer is supposed to be deleted from my system and replaced bye IE mode in Edge, correct? However, after upgrading from Windows 10 to 11, I still have a Internet Explorer folder in Program Files (x86). Is that what is used by Edge for IE mode or do I have orphan folder/files left from the upgrade I need to delete? Also, while not listed as an installed App, Internet Explorer is listed as a Default App. Can someone confirm and advise if I need to do any "repairs" to my system to clear out...if they are orphans, what other Windows 10 leftovers do I need to look for and how to delete? Thanks.

I looked in Program Files and Program Files (x86) If you click on iexplore.exe it opens Edge. I would leave it.

mccnavy · Oct 20, 2021

Thanks. I'm definitely leaving it:) Workaround I found is to use an IE tab extension in Chrome/Edge. I could never get IE mode in Edge to work properly (i.e. allow me to use a smart card) and access the Outlook Web Access website I needed.

Almighty1 · Dec 8, 2021

mccnavy said:
Thanks. I'm definitely leaving it:) Workaround I found is to use an IE tab extension in Chrome/Edge. I could never get IE mode in Edge to work properly (i.e. allow me to use a smart card) and access the Outlook Web Access website I needed.

There is one site that does not work with Chrome or Edge or Brave regardless if one is using the IE tab extension and there is no way to trigger the IE mode in edge either. It's the management and payment for the Home Depot Credit Card.

What I mean is:
1) Load up Credit Center
2) Click on "Pay and Manage" under Consumer Credit Card
3) Click on "Continue to Pay & Manage" and the next page does not load up properly which works fine in IE

It works fine in FireFox but not Chromium based browsers