A lot of Windows users dislike Internet Explorer enough that just using a different browser is not enough–they want it gone. Although there is no way to completely uninstall it, let’s take a look at how to disable Internet Explorer in Windows so you won’t have to deal with it anymore.
Before disabling Internet Explorer, you might want to follow our guide to import your bookmarks and settings from IE to Chrome and make Chrome your default browser.
RELATED: How to Migrate from Internet Explorer or Edge to Chrome (and Why You Should)
To disable Internet Explorer, click the Start menu and type “control panel” in the search box. Then, click Control Panel in the results.
(If you’re using Windows 7, you can just click the Start menu button and then click the “Control Panel” button.)
On the Control Panel screen, click the “Programs” category.
In the Programs and Features section on the Programs screen, click the “Turn Windows features on or off” link.
The Windows Features dialog box displays. Uncheck the “Internet Explorer 11” box.
In Windows 7, you may have a different version of Internet Explorer installed. But, this procedure works the same way for any version of Internet Explorer in Windows 7, 8, or 10 that is installed as part of the Windows system.
A warning dialog box displays saying that turning off Internet Explorer might affect other Windows features and programs. To continue disabling Internet Explorer, click “Yes”.
On the Windows Features dialog box, click “OK”.
A dialog box displays while the changes are applied.
You need to reboot your computer for the changes to take effect. If you’re not ready to restart, click “Don’t restart” and then restart manually when you’re ready. Otherwise, click “Restart now”.
Once your computer reboots, Internet Explorer will not be available in the Set Default Programs list (Control Panel > Default Programs > Set Default Programs).
Internet Explorer will also not be available on the Open with context menu. And, when you select “Choose another app” from the submenu…
…Internet Explorer is not available in the list of programs for opening related files, such as .htm files.
This doesn’t completely remove all traces of Internet Explorer as other programs and processes rely on its rendering engine. However, this procedure will definitely get it out of your way when working on your computer.
