How to Prevent Internet Explorer from Automatically Switching to Microsoft Edge

How to Keep Internet Explorer from Switching to Edge

Internet Explorer has been a staple in the web browsing world for many years, but with the rise of Microsoft Edge, some users may find themselves automatically redirected to the newer browser. If you prefer to stick with Internet Explorer for its compatibility with certain websites or features, you might be wondering how to keep it from switching to Edge. In this article, we will explore some methods to prevent this unwanted switch and ensure that you can continue using Internet Explorer as you wish.

1. Set Default Browser

One of the simplest ways to keep Internet Explorer from switching to Edge is by setting it as your default browser. This can be done by following these steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner to access the settings menu.
3. Select “Internet options” from the dropdown menu.
4. Go to the “Programs” tab.
5. Under the “Default web browser” section, click on “Set this program as default.”
6. Choose “Internet Explorer” from the list of installed programs and click “OK.”

By setting Internet Explorer as your default browser, it will open links and web pages in Internet Explorer instead of Edge.

2. Modify Registry Settings

If you are comfortable with editing the Windows registry, you can modify the settings to prevent Internet Explorer from switching to Edge. Please note that making changes to the registry can be risky, so proceed with caution:

1. Press “Win + R” to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Associations\UrlAssociations\http\UserChoice
4. In the right pane, find the DWORD value named “Proxy” and double-click on it.
5. Set the value data to “1” and click “OK.”
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

This modification will ensure that Internet Explorer is used as the default browser for HTTP links.

3. Disable Edge from Opening Links

Another way to prevent Internet Explorer from switching to Edge is by disabling Edge from opening links altogether. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing “Win + R.”
2. Type “control” and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
3. Click on “Programs” and then “Default Programs.”
4. Select “Set your default programs” from the left pane.
5. Scroll down and find “Microsoft Edge” in the list of programs.
6. Click on “Choose defaults for this program” and uncheck all the options.
7. Click “OK” and then “Close.”

By disabling Edge from opening links, you will force Internet Explorer to handle web pages and links.

Conclusion

While Microsoft Edge offers improved performance and features, some users may still prefer Internet Explorer for specific reasons. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can keep Internet Explorer from switching to Edge and continue using it as your default browser. Whether you’re a long-time Internet Explorer user or simply prefer its interface, these steps will help you maintain your browsing preferences.