Are you tired of Microsoft Edge hijacking your browsing experience and opening instead of Internet Explorer? You’re not alone! Many users have reported this frustrating issue, and it’s time to take back control of your browser preferences. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this behavior and provide you with step-by-step solutions to stop Microsoft Edge from opening instead of Internet Explorer.
The Reason Behind the Annoyance
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why Microsoft Edge is opening instead of Internet Explorer in the first place. The answer lies in Microsoft’s strategy to promote its newer browser, Edge, as the default browser on Windows 10 devices.
When you upgraded to Windows 10 or installed it on a new device, Microsoft Edge became the default browser, replacing Internet Explorer. This change aimed to encourage users to adopt Edge, which offers a more modern and secure browsing experience. However, this shift didn’t consider the preferences of users who still rely on Internet Explorer for various reasons, such as compatibility with older websites or specific business applications.
Solutions to Stop Microsoft Edge from Opening Instead of Internet Explorer
Now that we’ve understood the reason behind the issue, let’s explore the solutions to regain control over your browser preferences.
Solution 1: Change the Default Browser Settings
One of the simplest ways to stop Microsoft Edge from opening instead of Internet Explorer is to change the default browser settings in Windows 10.
To do this:
- Click on the Start button and search for Settings.
- Open the Settings app and navigate to the System section.
- Click on Default apps from the left menu.
- Scroll down to the Web browser section and click on the current default browser (Microsoft Edge).
- Click on Internet Explorer from the list of available browsers to set it as the default browser.
Alternative Method: Change Default Browser from Internet Explorer
If you prefer to change the default browser from within Internet Explorer, you can do so by following these steps:
- Open Internet Explorer and click on the Tools icon (gear icon) in the top-right corner.
- Select Internet Options from the drop-down menu.
- In the Internet Options window, navigate to the Programs tab.
- Under the Default web browser section, select Make default to set Internet Explorer as the default browser.
Solution 2: Disable Microsoft Edge as the Default Browser
Another approach to stop Microsoft Edge from opening instead of Internet Explorer is to disable Edge as the default browser. This method involves editing the Windows Registry, which requires caution and attention to detail.
Warning: Editing the Windows Registry can be risky and may cause system instability if not done correctly. Proceed with caution and create a system restore point before making any changes.
To disable Microsoft Edge as the default browser:
- Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
- Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Edge
- Right-click on the Edge key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new value AllowMicrosoftEdge and set its value to 0.
- Restart your system to apply the changes.
Solution 3: Use the Open with Option
If you still want to use Microsoft Edge as your default browser but occasionally need to open Internet Explorer, you can use the Open with option to override the default browser setting for a specific link or file.
To use the Open with option:
- Right-click on the link or file you want to open with Internet Explorer.
- Select Open with from the context menu.
- Choose Internet Explorer from the list of available applications.
Additional Tips and Considerations
While the above solutions will help you stop Microsoft Edge from opening instead of Internet Explorer, it’s essential to keep the following tips and considerations in mind:
Tip 1: Update Internet Explorer
Ensure that Internet Explorer is up-to-date, as newer versions may offer improved compatibility and security features.
Tip 2: Compatibility Mode
If you’re experiencing issues with a specific website or application in Internet Explorer, try enabling Compatibility Mode to see if it resolves the problem.
Consideration 1: Microsoft Edge Capabilities
Remember that Microsoft Edge offers advanced features, such as better security, faster performance, and integration with Windows 10 features like Cortana and Windows Hello. If you’re using Internet Explorer for a specific reason, consider exploring Edge’s capabilities to see if they can meet your needs.
Consideration 2: Legacy Application Support
If you’re relying on Internet Explorer for legacy application support, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits of using Edge against the potential compatibility issues. You may need to explore alternative solutions or workarounds to ensure seamless functionality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stopping Microsoft Edge from opening instead of Internet Explorer requires a deeper understanding of the reasons behind this behavior and exploration of the available solutions. By changing the default browser settings, disabling Microsoft Edge as the default browser, or using the Open with option, you can regain control over your browser preferences. Remember to keep your browser up-to-date, explore compatibility options, and weigh the benefits of using Edge against your specific needs. With these solutions and considerations in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a more streamlined and efficient browsing experience.
Why does Microsoft Edge keep opening instead of Internet Explorer?
Microsoft Edge is the default web browser in Windows 10, and it’s designed to be the primary browser for the operating system. This means that when you click on a link or open a web page, Edge is set to launch by default. This can be frustrating if you prefer to use Internet Explorer for specific tasks or websites.
However, there are ways to change this default behavior and configure your system to open Internet Explorer instead of Edge. You can do this by adjusting the default browser settings in Windows 10 or by configuring your system to open specific file types with Internet Explorer.
How do I change the default browser in Windows 10?
To change the default browser in Windows 10, you can go to the Start menu and type “default browser” in the search bar. This will take you to the “Default apps” settings page, where you can select the browser you want to use as the default. Click on the “Make default” button to set Internet Explorer as the default browser.
Alternatively, you can also go to the “Settings” app, click on “System”, and then select “Default apps” from the left-hand menu. From here, you can select the browser you want to use as the default and click “Set as default” to apply the change. Once you’ve made this change, Internet Explorer will become the default browser and will open instead of Edge.
What if I only want to open specific file types with Internet Explorer?
If you only want to open specific file types with Internet Explorer, you can configure your system to do so. For example, you might want to open .htm or .html files with Internet Explorer instead of Edge. To do this, you can go to the “Settings” app, click on “System”, and then select “Default apps” from the left-hand menu.
From here, you can click on the “Choose default apps by file type” option and select the file type you want to open with Internet Explorer. Click on the “Change” button and select Internet Explorer from the list of available browsers. This will set Internet Explorer as the default browser for that specific file type, and it will open instead of Edge when you click on a file with that extension.
Will changing the default browser affect other programs that use Edge?
Changing the default browser in Windows 10 won’t affect other programs that use Edge as their default browser. Many modern Windows apps are designed to use Edge as their default browser, and changing the default browser to Internet Explorer won’t affect their behavior.
However, if you have specific programs that rely on Edge for certain features or functionality, you might need to adjust their settings to use Internet Explorer instead. You can usually do this by going to the program’s settings or preferences and selecting the browser you want to use.
Can I still use Edge if I set Internet Explorer as the default browser?
Yes, you can still use Edge even if you set Internet Explorer as the default browser. Edge will still be available on your system, and you can launch it manually by searching for it in the Start menu or by pinning it to the taskbar.
In fact, you can have multiple browsers installed on your system and use them for different tasks or purposes. For example, you might use Internet Explorer for certain websites or tasks, and Edge for others. The choice is yours, and you can configure your system to work the way you want.
Will Microsoft still support Internet Explorer in the future?
Microsoft has announced that it will continue to support Internet Explorer for the foreseeable future, despite introducing Edge as the default browser in Windows 10. In fact, Internet Explorer is still an important part of the Windows ecosystem, and many enterprise customers and developers rely on it for their daily work.
However, it’s worth noting that Microsoft’s focus is shifting towards Edge, and it’s likely that Internet Explorer will eventually be phased out in favor of Edge. Nevertheless, for now, Internet Explorer remains a viable option, and you can continue to use it as your default browser if you prefer.
Are there any other alternatives to Edge and Internet Explorer?
Yes, there are many other alternatives to Edge and Internet Explorer that you can use. In fact, there are many third-party browsers available that offer unique features, functionality, and performance. Some popular alternatives include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera.
Each of these browsers has its own strengths and weaknesses, and you might find that one of them suits your needs better than Edge or Internet Explorer. For example, Chrome is known for its speed and extensive library of extensions, while Firefox is lauded for its security and customization options. You can try out different browsers to see which one works best for you.