How do I stop Internet Explorer from opening in Microsoft Edge: A Quick Guide

Are you tired of Internet Explorer automatically opening in Microsoft Edge and want to find a way to stop this from happening? Look no further! In this quick guide, we will provide you with simple and effective solutions to prevent Internet Explorer from launching in Microsoft Edge, allowing you to use the browser you prefer without any interruptions.

Understanding The New Default Browser: Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is the latest default web browser introduced by Microsoft. It comes pre-installed with Windows 10 and offers a variety of features designed to enhance your browsing experience. Understanding the basic concepts of Microsoft Edge is essential to stop Internet Explorer from opening and make Edge your default browser.

Microsoft Edge is built on a new engine called Chromium, which improves performance and provides better compatibility with modern websites. It also introduces features like tracking prevention, extensions, and a more user-friendly interface. By default, Windows 10 sets Edge as the default browser, but some users may still find Internet Explorer opening instead.

To change this, you need to navigate to the default browser settings in Windows 10 and make Microsoft Edge your preferred choice. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of disabling Internet Explorer as the default browser and ensuring Microsoft Edge opens every time you click on a URL or search for something on your computer.

1. Understanding the new default browser: Microsoft Edge
2. How to disable Internet Explorer as the default browser (h2)
3. Changing default browser settings in Windows 10
4. Disabling Internet Explorer automatic launch in Windows 10
5. Removing Internet Explorer shortcuts and associations
6. Setting a different browser as the default choice in Windows 10
7. Troubleshooting common issues with browser defaults
8. Tips to optimize your browsing experience with Microsoft Edge

– How to disable Internet Explorer as the default browser:

Disabling Internet Explorer as the default browser in Windows 10 is a relatively simple process. First, open the Start Menu and click on the “Settings” option. From there, select “Apps” and then click on “Default apps” in the left-hand menu.

Scroll down until you find the “Web browser” section and click on the current default browser displayed under it (which is likely Microsoft Edge). A list of available browsers will appear. Choose the browser you want to set as the default, such as Chrome or Firefox.

After selecting the desired browser, close the Settings window. From now on, whenever you open links or launch a web browser, Windows will use your chosen default browser instead of Internet Explorer.

By following these simple steps, you can easily disable Internet Explorer as the default browser in Windows 10 and make your preferred browser the default choice for all your browsing needs.

Changing Default Browser Settings In Windows 10

In Windows 10, changing the default browser settings is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to set a different browser as your default choice:

1. Click on the Start menu and select “Settings.”

2. In the Settings window, click on “Apps.”

3. On the left-hand side, click on “Default apps.”

4. Scroll down until you find the “Web browser” option and click on the current default browser.

5. A list of available browsers will appear. Choose the browser you want to set as the default.

6. If your preferred browser is not listed, click on “Look for an app in the Microsoft Store” to find and install your desired browser.

7. Once you have selected your preferred browser, it will be set as the default choice for all web-related tasks on your Windows 10 computer.

By changing the default browser settings in Windows 10, you can easily ensure that Internet Explorer no longer opens in Microsoft Edge. Enjoy a seamless browsing experience with your preferred web browser.

Disabling Internet Explorer Automatic Launch In Windows 10

Disabling the automatic launch of Internet Explorer in Windows 10 can help ensure that Microsoft Edge opens as the default browser. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you disable the automatic launch:

1. Open the Start menu and click on “Settings.”
2. In the Settings menu, click on “Apps.”
3. On the left-hand side, click on “Default apps.”
4. Scroll down and click on “Web browser.”
5. A list of browsers will appear. Click on “Internet Explorer.”
6. In the options that appear, click on “None” to remove Internet Explorer as the default browser.
7. Close the Settings menu.

Once you have disabled the automatic launch of Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge will open as the default browser whenever you click on a web link or launch a web-based application.

By following these steps, you can take control of your browsing experience and ensure that Microsoft Edge remains your default browser, providing you with a fast, secure, and optimized online experience.

Removing Internet Explorer Shortcuts And Associations

Removing Internet Explorer shortcuts and associations is an essential step in preventing it from automatically opening in Microsoft Edge. Even if you have set Microsoft Edge as your default browser, Internet Explorer shortcuts may still exist in various locations, leading to unexpectedly launching IE.

To remove Internet Explorer shortcuts and associations, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the Internet Explorer icon on your desktop (if available) and select “Delete” to remove the shortcut.
2. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, then type “shell:sendto” (without the quotes) and hit Enter.
3. In the SendTo folder, look for any Internet Explorer shortcuts and delete them.
4. Next, press the Windows key + R again, type “shell:AppDataRoamingMicrosoftInternet ExplorerQuick Launch” (without the quotes), and click OK.
5. Delete any Internet Explorer shortcuts present in the Quick Launch folder.
6. Repeat the above steps for the following directories: “shell:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgramsAccessoriesInternet Explorer” and “shell:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgramsSystem Tools”.

By removing these shortcuts and associations, you can ensure that Internet Explorer no longer opens in Microsoft Edge, allowing for a smoother browsing experience using your preferred default browser.

Setting A Different Browser As The Default Choice In Windows 10

If you prefer using a different browser as your default choice instead of Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge, it’s an easy process to set it up. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it in Windows 10:

1. Open the Settings menu by clicking on the Start button and selecting the gear icon.
2. Click on “Apps” and then select “Default apps” from the left sidebar.
3. Scroll down and click on the “Web browser” option under the “Default apps” section.
4. A list of available browsers will appear. Choose the browser you want to set as the default. If it’s not listed, you may need to install it first.
5. Windows will confirm the change and set the selected browser as the default choice for opening links and web pages.

Once you’ve completed these steps, any links or web pages you open will automatically launch in your selected browser. This provides a seamless browsing experience without having to manually switch browsers every time you come across an external link.

Troubleshooting Common Issues With Browser Defaults

Troubleshooting common issues with browser defaults can help resolve any problems you may encounter when trying to stop Internet Explorer from opening in Microsoft Edge. There are a few common issues that users often face, such as the changes not being saved, the default browser reverting back to Internet Explorer, or links still opening in Internet Explorer despite setting Microsoft Edge as the default.

One possible solution is to check if any third-party software or settings are interfering with the default browser settings. Sometimes, certain applications or even malware can change the default browser without your knowledge. In such cases, running a thorough antivirus scan and removing any potentially harmful software can resolve the issue.

Another troubleshooting step is to ensure that you have the latest updates installed for both Windows and Microsoft Edge. Outdated software can sometimes cause conflicts and prevent changes to default browser settings from being applied.

If the issue persists, you can try resetting the default browser settings to their default values and then reconfigure them according to your preference. This can often resolve any conflicts or inconsistencies in the settings.

By addressing these common problems, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve any issues you may encounter while attempting to stop Internet Explorer from opening in Microsoft Edge, ensuring a seamless browsing experience with your preferred browser.

Tips To Optimize Your Browsing Experience With Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is the default browser in Windows 10, offering a range of features and options to enhance your browsing experience. Here are some tips to optimize your experience with Microsoft Edge:

1. Customize the Start page: Personalize your Start page by choosing a background image and adding quick links to frequently visited websites. You can also customize the news feed to get relevant content.

2. Use the reading mode: When viewing articles or blogs, you can switch to the reading mode, which removes distracting elements and presents the content in a clean and easy-to-read format.

3. Take advantage of the built-in tools: Microsoft Edge offers various built-in tools like a PDF reader, screenshot capture, and web notes that allow you to highlight, annotate, and share web pages.

4. Manage extensions: Explore the wide range of extensions available in the Microsoft Edge store and add the ones that enhance your browsing experience. However, be cautious while installing extensions from third-party sources to ensure your online security.

5. Sync across devices: Sign in with your Microsoft account to sync your bookmarks, browsing history, and settings across multiple devices, making it easier to access your favorites wherever you go.

6. Enable dark mode: To reduce eye strain during nighttime browsing, you can enable the dark mode in Microsoft Edge, which changes the color scheme to a darker theme.

By following these tips, you can optimize your browsing experience with Microsoft Edge and make the most out of the default browser in Windows 10.

FAQs

FAQ 1: Why does Internet Explorer keep opening in Microsoft Edge?

Internet Explorer opens in Microsoft Edge because both browsers are deeply integrated into Windows. Microsoft Edge is the default web browser in newer versions of Windows, so whenever you click on a link or open a web page, it automatically opens in Microsoft Edge. However, this can be changed to open in any other browser of your choice.

FAQ 2: How can I stop Internet Explorer from opening in Microsoft Edge?

To stop Internet Explorer from opening in Microsoft Edge, you can follow these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click on the three-dot menu icon at the top-right corner of the browser window.
  3. Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
  4. Scroll down to the “Default browser” section.
  5. Click on the dropdown menu and select the browser you want as your default (e.g., Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox).
  6. Close the settings tab, and now your default browser will open instead of Microsoft Edge.

FAQ 3: Can I completely uninstall Internet Explorer from Windows?

No, you cannot uninstall Internet Explorer from Windows as it is an integral part of the operating system. However, you can disable it or prevent it from opening by setting a different default browser as explained in FAQ 2. Disabling Internet Explorer can help improve security and avoid accidental usage, but it is important to note that some Windows components and applications might still rely on certain features of Internet Explorer to function properly.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, if you want to prevent Internet Explorer from opening in Microsoft Edge, there are a few simple steps you can follow. By adjusting your default browser settings and making use of the SetDefaultBrowser tool, you can ensure that Internet Explorer remains your default browser and avoids automatically opening in Microsoft Edge. These steps provide a quick and effective solution to the issue, allowing you to continue using Internet Explorer without unwanted interruptions.

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