This article explains how to set Internet Explorer as your computer's default internet browser in Windows. Since Internet Explorer is a program intended solely for use on Windows systems, it is not available for Mac.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows 10
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu
Click on the button featuring the Windows logo located in the lower left corner of the desktop or press the ⊞ Win key on the keyboard.
Step 2. Click the Settings icon
It is located in the lower left of the Start menu and is characterized by a cog. The Windows "Settings" window will appear.
Step 3. Click the App icon
It is visible in the upper left of the main screen of the "Settings" menu.
If a tab other than the main one appears when you start the Settings app, click on the "Back" button located in the upper left corner of the window
Step 4. Click on the Default Apps item
It is one of the options listed in the left pane of the window.
Step 5. Scroll down the list and click on the icon displayed in the "Web Browser" section
Most likely there will be the Microsoft Edge app characterized by the white letter "e" placed on a dark blue background.
Step 6. Click on the Internet Explorer option
It features a light blue icon depicting the letter "e". This will set Internet Explorer as your computer's default browser.
If prompted, click the button Change anyway to confirm your action.
Method 2 of 2: Windows 7 and Windows 8
Step 1. Launch Internet Explorer
It features a blue icon with the letter "e" surrounded by a gold band.
Step 2. Click on the ⚙️ icon
It is located in the upper right corner of the Internet Explorer window.
Step 3. Click on Internet Options
It is located at the bottom of the drop-down menu that appeared.
Step 4. Click on the Programs tab
It is listed at the top of the "Internet Options" window.
Step 5. Click on the Default link
It is located at the top of the "Internet Options" window within the "Default Browser" section.
If the indicated button is gray and not clickable, it means that Internet Explorer is already set as the default browser
Step 6. Click the OK button
It is located at the bottom of the "Internet Options" window. From now on, Internet Explorer is the computer's default browser.
You may need to restart Internet Explorer before the changes take effect
Advice
If you haven't installed the latest version of Internet Explorer and are trying to set it as your computer's default browser, you may need to upgrade first in order to complete the procedure
Warnings
- Using Internet Explorer as a browser brings with it data and system security risks, as it is not as up-to-date as other browsers, such as Edge and Chrome.
- Microsoft has discontinued support for Internet Explorer after releasing the new Microsoft Edge internet browser.
