Overview
Microsoft has retired Internet Explorer and no longer supports it, so it should not be used for everyday browsing or security-sensitive tasks. Fortunately, modern browsers are faster and safer, and Microsoft Edge includes a built-in IE Mode for the rare legacy sites and internal applications that still require the old engine.
Key Takeaways
- Internet Explorer is end-of-life and receives no security updates — stop using it for general browsing.
- Microsoft Edge is the official successor and includes IE Mode for legacy compatibility.
- Chrome, Firefox, and Brave are strong cross-platform alternatives.
- Only fall back to IE-style rendering for specific sites that genuinely require it.
WARNING: Because Internet Explorer no longer receives security patches, using it to browse the open web exposes you to unpatched vulnerabilities. Reserve IE-based rendering for trusted internal or legacy sites only.
Best Overall: Microsoft Edge
Edge is built on the same Chromium engine as Chrome, so it is fast, supports modern extensions, and is the officially supported replacement for Internet Explorer on Windows. It also carries forward IE-specific features through IE Mode.
Using IE Mode in Microsoft Edge
1. Open Edge and go to Settings > Default browser.
2. Set "Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode" to Allow and restart Edge.
3. Open the legacy site, then click the three-dot menu and choose "Reload in Internet Explorer mode".
4. To make it persistent, add the site under "Internet Explorer mode pages".
Reloading a legacy site in Internet Explorer mode within Microsoft Edge.
Other Strong Alternatives
- Google Chrome — the most widely used browser, with a huge extension library and cross-device sync.
- Mozilla Firefox — an independent, privacy-focused browser with strong customisation.
- Brave — a Chromium browser with built-in ad and tracker blocking.
When You Must Run a Legacy IE-Only App
1. First try Edge IE Mode, which covers the majority of legacy intranet and ActiveX sites.
2. If a full IE environment is unavoidable, run it inside an isolated virtual machine rather than on your main system.
3. Keep the VM offline or restricted to the specific legacy application to limit exposure.
NOTE: Avoid browser add-ons that merely spoof the IE user agent for security-sensitive sites; they do not provide the real IE engine and can behave unpredictably.
Troubleshooting
Problem: A site still says it requires Internet Explorer even in a modern browser.
Solution: Open it in Microsoft Edge and reload the page in Internet Explorer mode, which provides the genuine IE engine.
Problem: IE Mode option is missing in Edge.
Solution: Enable "Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode" under Settings > Default browser, then restart Edge.
Problem: Old favourites and passwords need to move off Internet Explorer.
Solution: In Edge, use Settings > Profiles > Import browser data and select Internet Explorer as the source.
Problem: A legacy web app relies on ActiveX controls.
Solution: Use Edge IE Mode, which supports ActiveX for approved sites, or run the app in a dedicated, isolated virtual machine.
Conclusion
There is no reason to keep browsing with Internet Explorer. Make Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Firefox your daily browser, and rely on Edge IE Mode for the shrinking number of legacy sites that still need the old engine.
About TechHub
This guide is part of the TechHub Knowledge Base. For more step-by-step IT guides and support, visit techhub.com.lk.
