[Guide] Stop Internet Explorer From Opening Edge Browser

Are you tired of your Internet Explorer automatically launching Microsoft Edge whenever you open a web link? If so, this guide will show you how to undo the changes and stop Microsoft Edge from opening by default. Using the steps outlined in this article, you can configure Internet Explorer settings and get back to browsing the internet without interruption.

Prevent Internet Explorer From Redirecting to Microsoft Edge

Windows 10 has two pre-installed web browsers: Internet Explorer, which is set to lose support in June 2022, and the Chromium-based Edge browser, which is Microsoft’s preferred browser. However, Internet Explorer may face difficulties displaying content from websites that utilize the latest web technologies.

To combat this, Microsoft has curated a list of incompatible sites, and Internet Explorer checks if it can render the content before displaying it. If it can’t, the browser will redirect the user to Microsoft Edge, which has led some users to seek methods to prevent this automatic redirection.

How Do I Stop Internet Explorer From Redirecting to Edge?

To disable the option of reloading sites in Internet Explorer mode (IE mode), first, open Microsoft Edge and access the Settings menu. Within the Default browser section, locate the option Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode, and select Don’t allow. After making this change, restart the browser to apply the new setting.

Since Edge supports current web standards better than IE, it is generally considered the preferable option. Microsoft has included a prompt within the redirection window that appears when a site cannot be rendered in IE, encouraging users to transfer their browsing data and preferences from IE to Edge.

How to Stop Internet Explorer From Opening Microsoft Edge Browser?

Enable and Use IE Mode in Edge

In Windows 11, Edge Internet Explorer is set as the default browser, but Internet Explorer 11 still exists for retro-compatibility. This allows legacy apps and websites to be rendered properly. If Internet Explorer redirects to Edge, adjusting the IE mode is a good starting point to resolve any issues with MS Edge redirects.

However, some users have reported problems with the Open with Internet Explorer option not functioning correctly in Edge. In other cases, the setting is completely missing, causing frustration for users who rely on this feature.

1. Launch Microsoft Edge and click the three dots in the top-right corner button.

2. Click on Settings.

3. Click Default browser from the list and enable all IE-related options as follows:

a. Under Internet Explorer compatibility, click the Let Internet Explorer open sites in Microsoft Edge menu.

b. Select Never.

c. Remain on the Internet Explorer compatibility section and click Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.

d. Select Allow and press the Restart button.

4. Under Internet Explorer mode pages, click the Add button.

5. Paste the desired website and click Add again (this will provide the option to Reload in Internet Explorer mode from now on).

Change the Default Browser in Windows 11

One potential solution when opening Internet Explorer redirects to Edge in Windows 11 is to disable Microsoft Edge by adjusting the file associations with the default browser.

1. Open the old Internet Explorer browser and click Tools.

2. From the list, select Internet Options.

3. Next, go to the Programs tab.

4. Click Make default and confirm by pressing OK.

5. Open Settings and go to Apps.

6. In the right pane, click Default apps.

7. Here, select Microsoft Edge, open the first file type, and choose Switch anyway.

8. Select IE, Opera, or any other browser from the results list and press OK.

9. Repeat the process for all desired instances.

Use the Registry to Disable Edge

Preventing Microsoft Edge from running in the background can be done by disabling its automatic launch in the Registry Editor. This modification can also help if Internet Explorer opens Edge automatically.

1. To open the Run menu, use the Windows key + R shortcut.

2. In the typing field, enter regedit and press OK to open the Registry Editor.

3. Navigate to the following path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\MicrosoftEdge\Main or paste the path directly into the Registry Editor’s address bar.

4. In the Main folder, right-click the empty area on the right side.

5. Select New and choose DWORD (32-bit) Value.

6. Name the new value AllowPrelaunch.

7. Double-click on the new key and set its value to 0.

8. If applicable, remember to delete Edge from the Startup folder as well.

Rename the Microsoft Edge Installation Directory

Renaming the file directory of Microsoft Edge to something like MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe_OLD can prevent the browser from accessing its installation files and launching opening instructions. This technique is useful for disabling Edge on Windows 10 and Windows 11. By renaming the directory, you can effectively prevent Edge from running without completely uninstalling the browser from your system.

1. Open File Explorer and paste the following path into the address bar: C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe

2. Right-click on the directory and select Properties.

3. In the Properties window, click the Rename button by right-clicking the directory again.

4. Change the directory’s name to MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe_OLD and press Enter to save the new name.

5. Restart your PC to ensure that the changes take effect.

Empty the MS Edge Active Folder From Your C Drive

1. If renaming the directory did not work, use File Explorer again.

2. Navigate the following path: C:\Users%Username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe\AC\MicrosoftEdge\User\Default\Recovery\Active

3. Open the folder.

4. Use the Ctrl + A shortcut on your keyboard to select everything in the folder.

5. Press the Delete key on your keyboard to delete all the files.

Disable Edge Tasks in the Task Scheduler/Task Manager

1. Use the search area on your taskbar to locate and open the Task Scheduler app.

2. In the left pane, open the Task Scheduler Library.

3. Identify MicrosoftEdgeUpdateTaskMachineCore and all MS Edge-related tasks in the main area.

4. Right-click them one by one and choose Disable.

5. For the Task Manager, identify all MS Edge-related processes and select End task.

How Do I Stop Microsoft Edge From Opening Automatically?

This feature is designed to remember and reopen any open apps and documents from your previous session. Still, it can be inconvenient if you do not want Microsoft Edge to open automatically. Once disabled, you must manually open Microsoft Edge if you wish to use it.

1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

2. Select Accounts.

3. Click the Sign-in options in the left pane.

4. Toggle the switch to Automatically save my restartable apps when you sign out and restart them when I sign in backward to disable it.

Keep Your Operating System Updated

Keeping your PC updated is an important step in protecting it from malicious software and viruses. Most updates will include bug fixes and security patches that can help prevent problems like your internet explorer automatically opening Microsoft Edge. When you update your computer, the installed programs, web browsers, and operating system are all upgraded to the latest version available.

This helps close any potential security holes that malicious actors may have exploited. Additionally, updating your PC ensures access to the latest features and performance improvements for better browsing experiences.

Take Control of Your Browsing Experience: Stop Internet Explorer From Opening Edge Browser

In conclusion, preventing Internet Explorer from automatically opening Microsoft Edge can be a frustrating issue for users. However, there are several solutions available, ranging from simple settings changes to more advanced techniques like editing the registry or renaming files. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take control of your browser preferences and ensure a smoother browsing experience.