In an era dominated by Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, it’s easy to forget about Internet Explorer (IE). However, with the introduction of Windows 10, Microsoft brought back a part of IE in the form of Internet Explorer Edge, also known as IE Mode. This feature allows users to access older websites and web applications that are not compatible with modern browsers. But how do you access Internet Explorer Edge, and what are its benefits? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of IE Edge and explore its uses, advantages, and limitations.
What is Internet Explorer Edge?
Internet Explorer Edge, also referred to as IE Mode, is a feature that allows users to access websites and web applications that are incompatible with modern browsers. It’s a built-in feature in Microsoft Edge, which is the default browser in Windows 10. IE Edge is not a separate browser, but rather a compatibility mode within Microsoft Edge that uses the Internet Explorer 11 rendering engine.
IE Edge is designed to provide compatibility with older websites and web applications that were built using older technologies, such as ActiveX controls, Silverlight, and other legacy plugins. This feature is particularly useful for enterprise environments, where older internal applications may not be compatible with modern browsers.
Why Do I Need Internet Explorer Edge?
You may need to access Internet Explorer Edge if you encounter any of the following situations:
Incompatible Websites
Some older websites may not be compatible with modern browsers, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. These websites might use older technologies, such as ActiveX controls or Silverlight, which are no longer supported in modern browsers. IE Edge allows you to access these websites without having to switch to an older browser.
Legacy Applications
Many enterprise environments have older internal applications that are not compatible with modern browsers. These applications may use older technologies, such as IE-specific plugins or APIs, which are no longer supported in modern browsers. IE Edge provides a way to access these applications without having to use an older browser or compromise on security.
Older Operating Systems
If you’re using an older operating system, such as Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you may not have access to the latest browsers. In such cases, IE Edge provides a way to access modern websites and web applications, even on older operating systems.
How to Access Internet Explorer Edge
Accessing Internet Explorer Edge is relatively straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:
Method 1: Using the Microsoft Edge Browser
- Open Microsoft Edge on your Windows 10 device.
- Click on the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner of the browser window.
- Click on “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
- Scroll down to the “System” section and toggle the switch next to “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode” to the “On” position.
- Close and reopen Microsoft Edge.
- Navigate to the website or web application you want to access in IE Edge.
- Click on the “Reload in Internet Explorer mode” button in the address bar.
Method 2: Using the Windows Search Bar
- Press the Windows key + S to open the Windows search bar.
- Type “Internet Explorer” in the search bar and select “Internet Explorer” from the search results.
- This will open Internet Explorer Edge in a separate window.
- Navigate to the website or web application you want to access in IE Edge.
Benefits of Internet Explorer Edge
IE Edge offers several benefits, including:
Backward Compatibility
IE Edge allows you to access older websites and web applications that are not compatible with modern browsers. This feature is particularly useful for enterprise environments, where older internal applications may not be compatible with modern browsers.
Security
IE Edge uses the Internet Explorer 11 rendering engine, which is more secure than older versions of Internet Explorer. This means you can access older websites and web applications without compromising on security.
Convenience
IE Edge is built into Microsoft Edge, which means you don’t need to install a separate browser or switch between browsers to access older websites and web applications.
Limitations of Internet Explorer Edge
While IE Edge offers several benefits, it also has some limitations, including:
Performance
IE Edge is not as fast as modern browsers, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. This is because it uses the older Internet Explorer 11 rendering engine, which is not optimized for modern web standards.
Compatibility Issues
IE Edge may not work with all older websites and web applications. Some websites may use older technologies that are not compatible with IE Edge, or may require specific plugins or APIs that are not supported in IE Edge.
Limited Support
Microsoft does not provide support for IE Edge, as it is a legacy feature. This means you may not be able to get help if you encounter issues while using IE Edge.
Conclusion
Internet Explorer Edge is a useful feature that allows you to access older websites and web applications that are not compatible with modern browsers. While it has its limitations, IE Edge provides a convenient and secure way to access legacy content without compromising on security. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily access Internet Explorer Edge and take advantage of its benefits.
What is Internet Explorer Edge and why should I care?
Internet Explorer Edge was a groundbreaking browser released in 2015 as the default browser for Windows 10. It was designed to replace Internet Explorer, providing a faster, more secure, and more modern browsing experience. Although it has been replaced by Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer Edge still has its uses, particularly for legacy system support and compatibility.
Despite being replaced, Internet Explorer Edge remains an important part of the Windows ecosystem. Many organizations and developers still rely on it for specific purposes, such as testing and debugging. Moreover, some older systems may not be compatible with newer browsers, making Internet Explorer Edge a necessary tool for accessing certain websites or applications.
How do I access Internet Explorer Edge on my Windows 10 device?
To access Internet Explorer Edge on your Windows 10 device, you can follow a few simple steps. First, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type ‘edge’ and press Enter to launch Internet Explorer Edge. Alternatively, you can search for ‘Internet Explorer Edge’ in the Windows search bar and select the appropriate result.
Note that if you’re running Windows 10 version 20H2 or later, you’ll need to enable Internet Explorer Edge manually. To do so, go to Settings > Apps > Optional features > Add a feature, and then select ‘Internet Explorer Edge’ from the list. Follow the prompts to enable it.
Is Internet Explorer Edge still supported by Microsoft?
Although Microsoft has officially ended support for Internet Explorer Edge, it still receives security updates and patches as part of the Windows operating system. This means that while you won’t receive new features or major updates, Microsoft will continue to address security vulnerabilities and ensure that the browser remains stable and secure.
However, don’t expect to see any significant improvements or new functionality in Internet Explorer Edge. Microsoft’s focus has shifted to its successor, Microsoft Edge, which has become the default browser for Windows 10.
Can I use Internet Explorer Edge alongside Microsoft Edge?
Yes, you can use Internet Explorer Edge alongside Microsoft Edge without any issues. Both browsers can coexist on your system, and you can switch between them seamlessly. This is particularly useful if you need to test or access specific sites or applications that require Internet Explorer Edge.
Keep in mind that Internet Explorer Edge and Microsoft Edge are two separate browsers, each with their own settings, browsing history, and extensions. You’ll need to configure and manage them independently.
Are there any benefits to using Internet Explorer Edge over Microsoft Edge?
Despite being an older browser, Internet Explorer Edge still has some advantages over Microsoft Edge. For one, it provides better support for legacy systems and older websites that may not be compatible with modern browsers. Additionally, some users may prefer Internet Explorer Edge’s interface and features, which were designed to provide a more streamlined and minimalist browsing experience.
That being said, Microsoft Edge is generally a more modern and feature-rich browser, with better performance, security, and support for newer web standards. If you’re looking for a more contemporary browsing experience, Microsoft Edge is likely the better choice.
How do I troubleshoot common issues with Internet Explorer Edge?
If you encounter issues with Internet Explorer Edge, such as slow performance, crashes, or compatibility problems, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. First, try resetting the browser to its default settings or reinstalling it altogether. You can also check for Windows updates, as newer updates may address known issues with Internet Explorer Edge.
For more complex problems, you may need to delve deeper into the browser’s settings or system logs. Microsoft provides extensive documentation and support resources for Internet Explorer Edge, which can help you diagnose and resolve common issues.
Is Internet Explorer Edge compatible with modern web standards?
Internet Explorer Edge was designed to support modern web standards, including HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. While it may not be as cutting-edge as newer browsers, it still provides a solid foundation for accessing modern websites and web applications. However, its support for newer web standards is limited, and it may not be compatible with the latest web technologies or features.
If you need to access websites or applications that rely on very latest web standards, Microsoft Edge or other modern browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox may be a better choice.