Removing or Disabling Internet Explorer from Windows 10

Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported by Microsoft as of June 15, 2022, and it is recommended to remove or disable it from your Windows 10 system to ensure better security and performance. Below are detailed steps to remove or disable Internet Explorer from Windows 10 using different methods.

Method 1: Using the Settings App

1. Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Apps: Click on “Apps” and then select “Apps and Features”.
3. Access Optional Features: On the right panel, click on the “Optional Features” link.
4. Find Internet Explorer 11: In the list of optional features, locate “Internet Explorer 11”.
5. Uninstall Internet Explorer 11: Click on “Internet Explorer 11” and then click the “Uninstall” button.
6. Restart Your Computer: After uninstalling, restart your computer to complete the process.

Method 2: Using Control Panel

1. Open Control Panel: Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter.
2. Access Programs and Features: In Control Panel, click on “Programs” and then “Programs and Features”.
3. Turn Windows Features On or Off: Click on the “Turn Windows features on or off” link in the left sidebar.
4. Uncheck Internet Explorer 11: Scroll down and uncheck the box next to “Internet Explorer 11”.
5. Confirm and Restart: Click “OK” when prompted, and then click “Restart Now” to reboot your computer.

Method 3: Using PowerShell

1. Open PowerShell: Press Win + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
2. Run the Command: In the PowerShell window, run the following command:

   Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -FeatureName Internet-Explorer-Optional-amd64 –Online

This command will disable and uninstall Internet Explorer 11.

3. Restart Your Computer: After running the command, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Type Y and press Enter to reboot.

Method 4: Using Group Policy (For Disabling IE)

If you prefer to disable Internet Explorer rather than uninstall it, you can use Group Policy:

1. Open Group Policy Editor: Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Internet Explorer Policy: Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer.
3. Disable Internet Explorer 11: Find the “Disable Internet Explorer 11 as a standalone browser” policy, enable it, and choose how you want to notify users.
4. Update Group Policy Settings: Restart your computer or run gpupdate /force to apply the changes.

Tips for Uninstalling Internet Explorer

• Backup Important Data: Before making any changes, ensure you have a full backup of your system.
• Check for Dependencies: Ensure no other applications rely on Internet Explorer before uninstalling.
• Use a Modern Browser: Consider using a modern browser like Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Firefox as your default.

Removing or disabling Internet Explorer from Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can enhance your system’s security and performance. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily remove or disable Internet Explorer and switch to a more modern and secure browser. If you ever need Internet Explorer again, you can reinstall it through the same methods.