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How to Uninstall IE: Full Removal Guide

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you how to completely remove Internet Explorer (IE) from your Windows computer. Whether you’re cleaning up after a browser switch or fixing issues caused by an outdated IE, these steps will help you disable and uninstall it from Windows 10 and Windows 11. You’ll need administrator access to your PC.

What You’ll Need

  • Administrator account on your Windows PC
  • Windows 10 or Windows 11 (the steps differ slightly)
  • Backup of any IE favorites or saved passwords you want to keep (optional)

Step-by-Step

For Windows 10

  1. Open Control Panel. Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
  2. Go to Programs and Features. Click Programs then Programs and Features.
  3. Turn Windows features on or off. In the left sidebar, click Turn Windows features on or off. A new window will open.
  4. Find Internet Explorer 11. Scroll down the list until you see Internet Explorer 11. The checkbox next to it will be filled (not empty).
  5. Uncheck the box. Click the checkbox to remove the checkmark. A warning dialog will appear asking if you’re sure. Click Yes.
  6. Restart your PC. Click OK and then Restart now when prompted. Windows will apply the change and IE will be removed.

For Windows 11

Windows 11 does not include Internet Explorer as a separate feature. IE is disabled by default, and the browser is replaced by Microsoft Edge. If you see an IE icon, it’s likely a shortcut or a legacy feature. Here’s how to remove it:

  1. Check if IE is installed. Press Windows + R, type iexplore, and press Enter. If it opens, IE is still present. If you get an error, it’s already removed.
  2. If IE opens: Go to Settings > Apps > Optional features.
  3. Find Internet Explorer 11. Scroll the list. If you see it, click it and select Uninstall.
  4. Restart. Restart your PC to complete the removal.

Common Mistakes

  • Not restarting: The removal only takes effect after a restart. Skipping it leaves IE files behind.
  • Deleting the shortcut only: Removing the desktop icon does not uninstall the browser. You must use the Windows Features method.
  • Using third-party uninstallers: Some tools claim to remove IE but can break Windows components that depend on it.
  • Assuming Windows 11 has IE: Most Windows 11 installs don’t include IE at all, so trying to remove it can cause confusion.

Tips

  • Back up before uninstalling: Export your IE favorites to an HTML file first, just in case you need them later.
  • Use Microsoft Edge: Edge is the recommended replacement and includes an IE mode for legacy sites that need IE.
  • Check for dependencies: Some older apps may rely on IE components. Test your critical applications after removal.
  • Keep Windows updated: After uninstalling, run Windows Update to ensure no leftover files cause issues.

Troubleshooting

IE still appears after restart

If the IE icon is still there, it might be a cached shortcut. Right-click the icon and select Delete. If IE still opens, repeat the steps and make sure you clicked OK and restarted properly.

Cannot uncheck the box

If the checkbox is grayed out, you may not have administrator rights. Log in with an admin account and try again. You can also open the Command Prompt as administrator and run dism /online /disable-feature /featurename:Internet-Explorer-Optional-amd64 (for 64-bit systems) and then restart.

Error message during removal

If you see an error like “Windows could not complete the change,” run the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Then try again.

IE mode in Edge still works

That’s normal. IE mode is a feature within Edge that emulates IE for compatibility. It doesn’t mean IE is installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I uninstall Internet Explorer completely?

Yes, on Windows 10 you can disable it via Windows Features. On Windows 11, it’s already removed or can be uninstalled via Optional Features.

Will uninstalling IE break my computer?

No, Windows does not require IE to run. Some legacy apps might need IE mode in Edge, but the browser itself is not essential.

How do I reinstall IE after uninstalling?

Go back to Windows Features, check the box for Internet Explorer 11, and restart. On Windows 11, add it via Optional Features.

Is IE still supported by Microsoft?

No, IE 11 reached end of support on June 15, 2022. Microsoft recommends using Edge with IE mode.

Why can’t I find Internet Explorer in Windows Features?

On Windows 11, it may not be listed because it’s not preinstalled. On Windows 10, make sure you’re looking in the correct list and that you have admin rights.

Does uninstalling IE affect my favorites or history?

It may remove them. Export your favorites to a file before uninstalling if you want to keep them.

Related

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.