How to Make Internet Explorer Your Default Internet Browser

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to change your default Windows browser to Internet Explorer. Since Internet Explorer is a Windows-exclusive program, you can't use Internet Explorer on a Mac.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Windows 10

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To do so, either click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen, or press the ⊞ Win key.
This icon is in the lower-left corner of the screen. Doing so will open the Settings window.

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3
Click System. It's in the top-right side of the Settings home page.
- If Settings opens to a subfolder, first click the Back button in the top-left corner of the window.
It's a tab on the left side of the window.
This will likely be Microsoft Edge, which resembles a white "e" on a dark-blue background.
6
Click Internet Explorer. It's the light-blue "e" icon. Doing so will set Internet Explorer as your computer's default browser.
- If prompted, click Switch anyway to confirm your decision.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Windows 7 and 8

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This app resembles a blue "e" with a gold band around it.
It's in the upper-right corner of the Internet Explorer window.
This option is near the bottom of the drop-down menu.
It's at the top of the Internet Options window.
5
Click Make default. It's near the top of the Internet Options window, beneath the "Default web browser" heading.
- If this button is greyed out, Internet Explorer is already your default browser.
6
Click OK. This button is at the bottom of the Internet Options window. Internet Explorer is now your default browser.
- You may have to close and re-open Internet Explorer before these changes take full effect.

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How do I do this in Windows 10?

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Go to Settings. Click the Laptop Icon labeled "System." On the left, there is a tab labeled "Default Apps." At the bottom there is a subtitle named "Web Browser." Click the current browser icon that is shown and set it to Internet Explorer.

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What browser is the most like Internet Explorer?

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Microsoft has a new browser to replace Internet Explorer called Microsoft Edge. Other similar browsers include Firefox, Google Chrome, and Opera.

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How do I find Internet Explorer in Windows 10?

Community Answer

Click on the Windows button. Then click "ALL APPS" and under the folder labeled "Windows Accessories" Internet Explorer should be found.

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Tips

If you haven't downloaded the latest version of Internet Explorer and you're trying to set it as your default, you may first need to update.

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Warnings

Using Internet Explorer carries a degree of risk since it isn't as secure as other up-to-date browsers like Edge and Chrome.

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Microsoft has ceased support for Internet Explorer, meaning that Microsoft Edge will likely be the only Microsoft-sponsored browser choice in the future.

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