Internet Explorer has long been a staple browser for many Windows users. However, with the introduction of Windows 10, Microsoft has shifted its focus to their new browser, Microsoft Edge. As a result, many users are looking for ways to get rid of Internet Explorer on their Windows 10 machines. In this blog post, we will explore several methods to help you remove Internet Explorer from your Windows 10 system. Whether you want to free up disk space or just prefer using a different browser, we’ve got you covered.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the methods of removing Internet Explorer, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure you have another browser installed on your Windows 10 system. It’s important to have an alternative browser in case you need to access the internet while performing these removal methods. Additionally, you will need administrative privileges on your computer to uninstall Internet Explorer as it is a component of the Windows operating system.
What Requires Your Focus?
Removing Internet Explorer from your Windows 10 system requires your attention to detail and following the steps precisely. While the process itself is not overly complex, it’s important to follow each step carefully to avoid any potential issues or unintended consequences. Furthermore, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential implications of removing Internet Explorer, as some applications or websites may still rely on its components for compatibility or functionality.
Method 1: Uninstalling via Control Panel
Uninstalling Internet Explorer through the Control Panel is a straightforward method that should work for most Windows 10 users. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "appwiz.cpl" into the Run dialog box and press Enter.
Step 3: In the Programs and Features window, click on "Turn Windows features on or off" in the left-hand sidebar.
Step 4: Scroll down the list and locate Internet Explorer. Uncheck the box next to it.
Step 5: Click OK and wait for Windows to make the necessary changes.
Step 6: Restart your computer to complete the uninstallation process.
Pros:
1. Simple and easy to follow process for uninstalling Internet Explorer.
2. Can be done directly through the Control Panel, a familiar interface for many users.
3. Allows you to free up disk space by removing unnecessary components.
Cons:
1. May require a system restart for the changes to take effect.
2. Some applications or websites may still rely on Internet Explorer’s components, potentially affecting compatibility or functionality.
3. Reinstalling Internet Explorer in the future may require additional steps.
Method 2: Using PowerShell
If the Control Panel method didn’t work for you or you prefer using the command line, you can use PowerShell to uninstall Internet Explorer. Here’s how:
Step 1: Right-click on the Start menu and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" to open PowerShell with administrative privileges.
Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter: Get-WindowsPackage -Online | Where-Object {$_.PackageName -like "*internet-explorer-optional-amd64*"} | Remove-WindowsPackage -Online -NoRestart
Step 3: Wait for PowerShell to uninstall Internet Explorer. This might take a few moments.
Step 4: Once the process is complete, restart your computer.
Pros:
1. Provides an alternative method for uninstalling Internet Explorer using the command line.
2. Allows advanced users to have more control and flexibility in the removal process.
3. Does not require navigating through the Control Panel, making it faster for those comfortable with PowerShell.
Cons:
1. Requires administrative privileges to execute PowerShell commands.
2. May not be suitable for users unfamiliar with the command line interface.
3. Can lead to unforeseen issues if PowerShell commands are entered incorrectly.
Method 3: Disabling via Windows Features
If you’re not ready to completely remove Internet Explorer from your system but want to disable it instead, you can do so through Windows Features. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "appwiz.cpl" into the Run dialog box and press Enter.
Step 3: In the Programs and Features window, click on "Turn Windows features on or off" in the left-hand sidebar.
Step 4: Scroll down until you find Internet Explorer. Uncheck the box next to it.
Step 5: Click OK and wait for Windows to make the necessary changes.
Step 6: Restart your computer.
Pros:
1. Allows you to disable Internet Explorer without completely removing it from your system.
2. Provides the option to easily re-enable Internet Explorer if needed in the future.
3. Can be done through the familiar Control Panel interface.
Cons:
1. Disabling Internet Explorer may not free up as much disk space as uninstalling it entirely.
2. Some applications or websites may still rely on Internet Explorer’s components, potentially affecting compatibility or functionality.
3. Re-enabling Internet Explorer may require the original Windows installation media or additional steps.
Method 4: Via Command Prompt
For users who prefer using the Command Prompt, you can also remove Internet Explorer using specific commands. Here’s how:
Step 1: Right-click on the Start menu and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter: FORFILES /P %WINDIR%\servicing\Packages /M Microsoft-Windows-InternetExplorer-\*.mum /c "cmd /c echo Uninstalling package @fname && start /w pkgmgr /up:@fname /quiet /norestart"
Step 3: Wait for the Command Prompt to uninstall Internet Explorer. This might take some time.
Step 4: Once the process is complete, restart your computer.
Pros:
1. Provides an alternative method for removing Internet Explorer using the Command Prompt.
2. Offers flexibility to users who prefer the command line interface.
3. Can be easily executed with a few commands in the Command Prompt.
Cons:
1. Requires administrative privileges to execute Command Prompt commands.
2. May not be suitable for users unfamiliar with the command line interface.
3. Potential risks if commands are entered incorrectly, leading to unintended consequences or system instability.
Why Can’t I Uninstall Internet Explorer?
There are several reasons why you may encounter difficulties when trying to uninstall Internet Explorer from your Windows 10 system. Here are some common issues and their fixes:
1. Internet Explorer is a critical component of the Windows operating system: Since Internet Explorer is deeply integrated into Windows, some system functionalities, applications, or websites may rely on its components for compatibility or functionality. In such cases, it may not be possible to uninstall Internet Explorer without causing issues with these dependencies. Consider disabling Internet Explorer instead.
2. User account permissions: To uninstall Internet Explorer, you need administrative privileges on your computer. Ensure you are logged in with an administrator account or contact your system administrator for assistance.
3. Corrupted installation files: If your Internet Explorer installation files are corrupted, the uninstallation process might fail. Running a system file checker utility like the System File Checker (SFC) or using DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) commands may help repair any corrupted files and allow the uninstallation to proceed.
Implications and Recommendations
Before removing or disabling Internet Explorer on your Windows 10 system, consider the following implications and recommendations:
1. Compatibility with certain websites and applications: Some websites and applications may still rely on Internet Explorer’s components for proper functionality. Disabling or uninstalling Internet Explorer might result in the loss of access to certain features, poor website compatibility, or broken functionality. Make sure you test any critical websites or applications before proceeding.
2. Security and updates: While Microsoft has shifted focus to Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer still receives security updates as part of Windows updates. Removing Internet Explorer might result in potential security vulnerabilities if you don’t install updates promptly or switch to a supported browser.
3. Alternative browsers: Be sure to have an alternative browser installed on your Windows 10 system to ensure you can browse the internet and access websites without relying solely on Internet Explorer.
5 FAQs about Removing Internet Explorer on Windows 10
Q1: Is it safe to uninstall Internet Explorer on Windows 10?
A1: Uninstalling Internet Explorer might have implications on compatibility with certain websites and applications. Ensure you don’t rely on any IE-dependent functionality before proceeding.
Q2: Can I reinstall Internet Explorer after uninstalling it?
A2: Yes, you can reinstall Internet Explorer in the future if needed. However, reinstallation might require additional steps or the original Windows installation media.
Q3: Why is Internet Explorer still included in Windows 10?
A3: Internet Explorer is still included in Windows 10 for backward compatibility and to support certain enterprise applications or legacy systems that require its components.
Q4: Can I remove Internet Explorer without affecting Microsoft Edge?
A4: Yes, removing or disabling Internet Explorer should not affect Microsoft Edge or any other web browser installed on your Windows 10 system.
Q5: Will uninstalling Internet Explorer free up disk space?
A5: Uninstalling or disabling Internet Explorer can free up some disk space, but the amount may vary depending on your system and usage. It’s unlikely to significantly impact overall disk space.
Final Words
Removing Internet Explorer from your Windows 10 system can help free up disk space and streamline your browsing experience. Whether you choose to uninstall it entirely or just disable it, it’s essential to consider the implications and potential compatibility issues with certain websites or applications. Make sure to test your critical applications and ensure you have an alternative browser installed before proceeding.