Should I Delete Internet Explorer?

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Should I Delete Internet Explorer? The Ultimate Guide

The answer is a resounding yes. Deleting Internet Explorer (or, more accurately, disabling it) is highly recommended for security reasons and to streamline your system, as it is a legacy browser that is no longer supported and poses significant security risks.

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The End of an Era: Internet Explorer’s Demise

Internet Explorer (IE), once the dominant force in the web browser landscape, has reached its end-of-life. Microsoft officially retired Internet Explorer 11, the last version, on June 15, 2022. While it might still linger on some systems, continuing to use it is akin to driving a car with outdated safety features and no available maintenance. The inherent security vulnerabilities and lack of modern web compatibility make it a serious liability.

Why You Really Should Delete Internet Explorer

The risks associated with keeping Internet Explorer installed far outweigh any perceived benefits. Here’s a breakdown:

Security Vulnerabilities: IE is no longer receiving security updates, making it a prime target for malicious actors. Exploits targeting IE can compromise your system and data.
Compatibility Issues: Modern websites are designed for contemporary browsers. IE struggles to render these sites correctly, leading to broken layouts, missing features, and a frustrating user experience.
Redundancy: Modern browsers like Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari offer superior performance, security, and features. There’s simply no compelling reason to keep IE around.
Performance Impact: Even when not actively used, IE can consume system resources, potentially slowing down your computer.
Phishing Attacks: IE’s outdated security measures make it easier for phishing attacks to succeed. Malicious websites disguised as legitimate ones can trick you into revealing sensitive information.

The “Delete” Process: Actually, Disabling is Key

While you might think you can outright delete Internet Explorer from your Windows system, it’s deeply integrated into the operating system. The recommended approach is to disable it. This effectively removes it from view and prevents it from being used.

Here’s how to disable Internet Explorer:

Open Control Panel: Search for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar and open the application.
Go to Programs: Click on “Programs” or “Programs and Features.”
Turn Windows Features On or Off: Click on “Turn Windows features on or off.”
Uncheck Internet Explorer: Find “Internet Explorer 11” (or the specific version installed) in the list and uncheck the box next to it.
Confirm and Restart: A warning message will appear. Click “Yes” to confirm, and then click “OK.” Windows will then apply the changes. Restart your computer when prompted.

After restarting, Internet Explorer should no longer be accessible.

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What to Do If You Need IE for Legacy Apps

Some older applications might still rely on Internet Explorer’s engine (Trident) for certain functions. In this case, Microsoft Edge offers an IE mode.

Open Microsoft Edge: Launch the Edge browser.
Go to Settings: Click the three dots (…) in the top-right corner and select “Settings.”
Navigate to Default Browser: In the left-hand menu, click on “Default browser.”
Enable “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode”: Set the dropdown to “Allow.”
Restart Edge: Restart the Edge browser.
Reload in IE Mode: When you need to use a website that requires IE, click the three dots (…) in the top-right corner, go to “More tools,” and select “Reload in Internet Explorer mode.”

This will load the webpage using the Trident engine, allowing you to use older applications while still benefiting from the security and features of a modern browser. You can exit IE mode when you’re finished with the legacy application.

Common Misconceptions About Internet Explorer

“It’s not hurting anything just sitting there.” This is incorrect. An outdated, unpatched browser is a security risk, even if you don’t actively use it.
“I need it for old websites.” Microsoft Edge’s IE mode is the solution for this.
“I’m not a target for hackers.” Everyone is a potential target. Hackers often target vulnerabilities indiscriminately.
“Deleting IE will break my computer.” Disabling IE is a safe and supported process that won’t harm your system.

Choosing a Modern Browser After You Should Delete Internet Explorer

Once you’ve disabled Internet Explorer, you’ll want to make sure you have a good alternative. Consider these popular and secure options:

Microsoft Edge: Microsoft’s modern browser, offering excellent performance, security, and compatibility with Windows.
Google Chrome: The most popular browser worldwide, known for its speed, extensive extensions, and cross-platform compatibility.
Mozilla Firefox: An open-source browser with a strong focus on privacy and customization.
Safari: Apple’s browser, optimized for macOS and iOS devices, offering excellent performance and integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Browser	Pros	Cons
Microsoft Edge	Excellent performance, built-in security features, IE mode for legacy apps, integration with Windows.	Can be resource-intensive.
Google Chrome	Fast, extensive extensions, cross-platform compatibility.	Privacy concerns due to Google’s data collection. Resource-intensive.
Mozilla Firefox	Strong focus on privacy, customizable, open-source.	Can be slower than Chrome in some cases.
Safari	Optimized for macOS and iOS, excellent performance, power efficient.	Limited extension support, only available on Apple devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will disabling Internet Explorer affect other programs?

No, disabling Internet Explorer should not affect other programs, unless they specifically rely on the Internet Explorer engine (Trident) for web rendering. In such cases, use Microsoft Edge’s IE mode as a solution.

What if I can’t find “Internet Explorer 11” in the Windows Features list?

This is unusual. Ensure you’re looking in the correct location (Control Panel -> Programs -> Turn Windows Features on or off). If it’s truly missing, it might indicate a corrupted Windows installation. Consider running a system file checker (sfc /scannow) from an elevated command prompt.

Can I re-enable Internet Explorer after disabling it?

Yes, you can. Simply go back to the “Turn Windows features on or off” screen and check the box next to “Internet Explorer 11.” After restarting your computer, IE will be re-enabled. However, this is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.

Is it safe to download Internet Explorer from third-party websites?

Absolutely not. Never download Internet Explorer from third-party websites. It’s a major security risk, as these downloads could contain malware. Only rely on official Microsoft channels if you absolutely must reinstall it (which, again, is not recommended).

Does disabling Internet Explorer protect me from all online threats?

No, disabling Internet Explorer only protects you from threats that specifically target IE vulnerabilities. You still need to practice safe browsing habits, use a reputable antivirus program, and keep your other software up to date.

I use Internet Explorer for a specific online banking website. What should I do?

Contact your bank and inquire about their compatibility with modern browsers like Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Firefox. In the meantime, you can use Microsoft Edge’s IE mode to access the website, but it’s crucial to switch to a modern browser as soon as possible.

Will disabling Internet Explorer improve my computer’s performance?

Potentially. While the performance impact might not be dramatic, disabling an unused browser can free up system resources, especially if IE is running in the background. Every little bit helps.

What is the difference between “disabling” and “uninstalling” Internet Explorer?

As previously explained, uninstalling Internet Explorer is not possible through the standard Windows interface. Disabling it effectively hides it from view and prevents it from being used. It remains on the system but is no longer active.

If I use a Mac, do I need to worry about Internet Explorer?

No. Internet Explorer is a Windows-specific browser. If you use a Mac, you don’t need to worry about it. Apple’s Safari is your primary browser.

What about older versions of Windows, like Windows XP or Windows 7?

Microsoft no longer supports Windows XP or Windows 7. If you’re still using these operating systems, your system is highly vulnerable to security threats, regardless of whether you use Internet Explorer. You should upgrade to a modern operating system as soon as possible.

Are there any situations where keeping Internet Explorer enabled is justifiable?

Virtually none. The risks far outweigh any potential benefits. The only remotely justifiable scenario is using IE mode in Microsoft Edge to run critical legacy applications, but even then, disabling IE itself and relying solely on IE mode is safer.

How often should I check for updates on my new browser?

You should enable automatic updates for your chosen browser. This ensures that you always have the latest security patches and features. Check your browser’s settings for the “Updates” or “About” section to configure automatic updates.