How to remove
Uninstall Internet Explorer
from Windows

Hello. I was wondering if there is any way I can remove or at least disable Internet Explorer?

Internet Explorer has always been an inseparable part of almost all Windows versions. For a long time, this web engine was the most popular gateway for computer users to access the Internet. However, through the years, technological advancement has led the computer engineers to come up with new types of browsers which have quickly become a strong competition to IE and, eventually, bypassed it. The 2009-2016 statistics show a dramatic decline in Explorer’s usage while Chrome displays a steady growth. User express different reasons for abandoning IE. Though Microsoft has been putting a lot of effort in improving this application and patching up its vulnerabilities, it is quite common to hear users complaining about the poor level of program’s security. Sure, the software has some issues, especially if it is used on the outdated Windows versions such as XP, Vista or Windows 7. Generally, unsupported operating systems are only asking for trouble, so if you are still using one, you should upgrade it ASAP and enable automatic updates. In the latest Windows version, Internet Explorer is backed up by another Microsoft Creation -- Microsoft Edge which has been deemed much more advanced than its predecessor. So, you can always switch to Edge if you feel like IE does not satisfy your needs in any way.

Nevertheless, sometimes users don’t find it is enough just to start using another browser, and they want Internet Explorer out of their computers. Here is where people usually run into a problem. IE is not on the Programs and Features list from which it could be uninstalled like any other regular program. This means that you will have to look for this application elsewhere. In the following tutorial, we will explain the step-by-step procedure of disabling Internet Explorer on Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.

How to disable Internet Explorer? A step-by-step guide:

The first thing you should do before your start the IE elimination procedure is close all the running browser windows. When you are done, continue with these steps:

1. Open Windows Control Panel and from the list of features select Programs.
2. Then go to the Programs and Features section and click "Turn Windows features on or off" option to the left of the list of installed programs.
3. Windows Features window will display a number of folders among which you should locate Internet Explorer, untick the box next to it and click OK.
4. When you do that, a pop-up will show up saying that "Turning off Internet Explorer might affect other Windows features and programs installed on your computer, including default settings." Click Yes to confirm.
5. When you are brought back to the Windows Features window, click OK again.
6. Restart your PC if required.

After completing the steps above, you should stop seeing the Internet Explorer icon on your homepage or Windows menu. Instead of opening links with IE, the PC will load Microsoft Edge instead. Nevertheless, application files will remain on your computer, and you will be able to restore at any time.