Internet Explorer (IE) has been a staple of the Windows operating system for decades, but with the rise of newer, more secure, and feature-rich browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, many users are wondering what would happen if they disable Internet Explorer altogether. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of IE, its dependencies, and the potential consequences of disabling it.
The Rise And Fall Of Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer was first released in 1995 as a part of the Microsoft Windows 95 package. It quickly gained popularity due to its ease of use, speed, and compatibility with various operating systems. At its peak in the early 2000s, IE dominated the browser market with over 90% market share. However, as the years went by, IE’s popularity began to decline due to various reasons, including:
- Security concerns: IE was plagued by security vulnerabilities, making it a popular target for hackers and malware.
- Lack of innovation: IE’s feature set stagnated, while competitors like Firefox and Chrome continued to innovate and add new features.
- Performance issues: IE’s performance was often slow and clunky, leading users to seek faster alternatives.
Why Disable Internet Explorer?
So, why would someone want to disable Internet Explorer? Here are a few reasons:
Security Concerns
Internet Explorer has long been a target for hackers and malware. Its outdated architecture and numerous security vulnerabilities make it a liability for many organizations and individuals. By disabling IE, you can reduce the attack surface of your system and minimize the risk of security breaches.
Resource Consumption
Internet Explorer can consume significant system resources, especially when running in the background. Disabling IE can help free up memory, CPU, and other resources, potentially improving system performance.
Compatibility Issues
As newer browsers have evolved, many websites and applications have stopped supporting Internet Explorer. By disabling IE, you can avoid compatibility issues and ensure that you can access the latest online features and services.
What Happens When You Disable Internet Explorer?
So, what happens when you disable Internet Explorer? The answer depends on your version of Windows and the dependencies on IE.
Windows 10 And Later
On Windows 10 and later, Internet Explorer is still present, but it’s not set as the default browser. If you disable IE, you won’t see any immediate effects, as Microsoft Edge (or your default browser) will take over as the default browser. However, some legacy applications and system components might still rely on IE, so you might encounter issues with those specific apps or services.
Windows 8 And Earlier
On Windows 8 and earlier, Internet Explorer is more deeply integrated into the operating system. Disabling IE on these systems can have more significant consequences, as some system components and applications might rely heavily on IE. You might experience issues with:
- Windows Update: IE is used to download and install updates, so disabling it might affect your system’s ability to receive updates.
- Windows Store: The Windows Store app relies on IE to function correctly, so disabling IE might prevent you from accessing the store.
- Legacy Applications: Some older applications, especially those built using Microsoft technologies, might rely on IE for functionality or rendering.
How To Disable Internet Explorer
If you’ve decided to disable Internet Explorer, here’s how to do it:
Windows 10 And Later
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on the “Apps” category.
- Scroll down and find “Internet Explorer” in the list of installed apps.
- Click on “Internet Explorer” and then click the “Uninstall” button.
- Confirm that you want to uninstall IE.
Windows 8 And Earlier
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type “optionalfeatures” and press Enter.
- In the “Windows Features” window, scroll down and find “Internet Explorer”.
- Uncheck the box next to “Internet Explorer” to disable it.
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
Potential Issues And Workarounds
Disabling Internet Explorer can lead to some issues, but many of these can be easily worked around:
Legacy Application Support
If you encounter issues with legacy applications, you can try the following:
- Check if the application has an alternative browser mode or compatibility setting.
- Use the ” Enterprise Mode” in Internet Explorer 11 to emulate older versions of IE for compatibility purposes.
- Consider using a third-party compatibility layer, such as IE Tab, to run IE-specific content within a different browser.
System Component Issues
If you experience issues with system components, such as Windows Update or Windows Store, you can try the following:
- Check for alternative update channels or manual update methods.
- Use the Microsoft Edge browser to access the Windows Store.
Conclusion
Disabling Internet Explorer can be a wise decision for those who want to improve system security and performance. While there might be some compatibility issues and potential workarounds, the benefits of disabling IE often outweigh the drawbacks. By understanding the potential consequences and taking steps to address them, you can confidently disable Internet Explorer and enjoy a more modern and secure browsing experience.
Remember, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of disabling Internet Explorer based on your specific situation and needs. If you’re unsure, consider consulting with an IT professional or taking a gradual approach to disable IE in a controlled environment.
Will I Still Be Able To Access The Internet After Disabling Internet Explorer?
Disabling Internet Explorer does not mean you will lose access to the internet. You can still use other web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or any other browser of your choice to access the internet. These browsers will continue to function as normal, and you can use them to browse the internet, check your email, and perform other online tasks.
In fact, disabling Internet Explorer can even improve your browsing experience by reducing clutter and potential security risks. Many users have already switched to alternative browsers, and disabling Internet Explorer can help you simplify your digital life and focus on using a single, more modern and secure browser.
What Happens To My Bookmarks And Favorites In Internet Explorer?
When you disable Internet Explorer, your bookmarks and favorites will not be deleted, but you will no longer be able to access them from within the browser. However, you can easily export your bookmarks and favorites from Internet Explorer and import them into your new browser of choice.
Most modern browsers, including Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, allow you to import bookmarks and favorites from other browsers, including Internet Explorer. This means you can transfer your saved websites and links to your new browser and continue to access them without interruption.
Can I Still Use Windows Features That Rely On Internet Explorer?
While Internet Explorer is being disabled, some Windows features that rely on it may still be accessible, but they might not function as expected. For example, the Windows XP-era Windows Update tool still uses Internet Explorer to download updates, so you may not be able to use this tool anymore.
However, most modern Windows features have moved away from relying on Internet Explorer, and many now use more modern browsers like Microsoft Edge or the new Microsoft Edge (based on Chromium) instead. Additionally, many Windows features have been updated to no longer require Internet Explorer, so you may find that you can still access and use them without any issues.
Will Disabling Internet Explorer Affect My Windows Operating System?
Disabling Internet Explorer will not have any significant impact on your Windows operating system. Internet Explorer is a separate application that runs on top of Windows, and disabling it will not affect the underlying operating system.
In fact, disabling Internet Explorer can even improve your overall Windows experience by reducing the attack surface of your system. Internet Explorer has been a popular target for hackers and malware in the past, so removing it can help protect your system from potential security risks.
Can I Still Open HTML Files And Access Local Intranet Sites?
Yes, disabling Internet Explorer will not prevent you from opening HTML files or accessing local intranet sites. You can still use other browsers to open HTML files and access local intranet sites, and many of these sites may even work better in modern browsers.
However, if you have specific intranet sites that were designed specifically for Internet Explorer, you may need to work with your IT department or site administrators to update them to work with modern browsers. In the meantime, you can still use Internet Explorer in “compatibility mode” if necessary.
Will I Still Be Able To Use Microsoft Office Applications?
Disabling Internet Explorer will not affect your ability to use Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook. These applications are separate from Internet Explorer and do not rely on it to function.
In fact, many Microsoft Office applications have moved away from relying on Internet Explorer for certain features, and now use more modern browsers like Microsoft Edge or the new Microsoft Edge instead.
Can I Re-enable Internet Explorer If I Need It Later?
Yes, if you need to use Internet Explorer again in the future, you can easily re-enable it. The process of re-enabling Internet Explorer varies depending on your version of Windows, but it typically involves going to the “Turn Windows features on or off” section in the Control Panel and checking the box next to “Internet Explorer 11”.
Keep in mind that re-enabling Internet Explorer can reintroduce potential security risks, so be sure to keep your browser and operating system up to date with the latest security patches and updates.