How to Disable Internet Explorer
Test an alternative browser first, such as Edge, Chrome, or Firefox, then follow the steps below to disable Internet Explorer. See which version of Windows you have to know which set of these directions to use.
In Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista
In Windows 10 through Windows Vista, disable Internet Explorer by turning it off through the Windows Features screen. Here’s how to get there:
Disable Internet Explorer in Windows XP
One way to disable Internet Explorer in Windows XP is to use the Set Program Access and Defaults utility, available as part of all XP installations with at least the SP2 service pack installed. For other versions of Windows, open Control Panel. Choose Programs and Features if you’re in Control Panel.
Why You Can’t Uninstall Internet Explorer
When IE was the primary Windows browser, there were several reasons why people wanted to remove it from a Windows computer. They likely wanted faster, more secure, and more feature-rich browsers. However, there was no safe method to remove Internet Explorer. IE was more than just a browser. It worked as an underlying technology for a number of internal processes, including updating the operating system and apps, basic Windows functions, and more. Disabling IE gave users the benefits of removing it without the possibility of creating serious system problems. You can always change your Windows default browser and run two browsers simultaneously on a single PC.
