How to Make Internet Explorer Your Default Internet Browser

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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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  1. To do so, either click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen, or press the ⊞ Win key.
  2. This icon is in the lower-left corner of the screen. Doing so will open the Settings window.
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  3. 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.
  4. It's a tab on the left side of the window.
  5. This will likely be Microsoft Edge, which resembles a white "e" on a dark-blue background.
  6. 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.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Windows 7 and 8

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  1. This app resembles a blue "e" with a gold band around it.
  2. It's in the upper-right corner of the Internet Explorer window.
  3. This option is near the bottom of the drop-down menu.
  4. It's at the top of the Internet Options window.
  5. 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. 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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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I do this in Windows 10?
    Community Answer
    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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  • Question
    What browser is the most like Internet Explorer?
    77Ecrivan
    Community Answer
    Microsoft has a new browser to replace Internet Explorer called Microsoft Edge. Other similar browsers include Firefox, Google Chrome, and Opera.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    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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    Thank you for your feedback.
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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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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Click the Start button.
      2. Click the settings gear.
      3. Click Apps (or System if Apps isn't there).
      4. Click Default apps .
      5. Click the current browser listed below the Web browser heading.
      6. Click Internet Explorer .

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