To disable Internet Explorer on Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Apps > Optional features, select Internet Explorer 11, and select Uninstall. Restart your PC when asked. You can also clear Internet Explorer 11 in Turn Windows features on or off.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Learn on September 27, 2026.
Internet Explorer 11 is retired, and Microsoft has already permanently disabled the app on most versions of Windows 10. Opening it takes you to Microsoft Edge instead. Removing it cleans up the leftover feature.
Before you remove it: Removing Internet Explorer 11 also turns off Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge. If you still need an old site that only works in Internet Explorer, keep it. See how to use Internet Explorer mode in Windows 10.
Method 1: Optional features
- Select Start > Settings > Apps.
- Select Optional features.
- Select Internet Explorer 11, then Uninstall.
- Restart the PC when asked.
If Internet Explorer 11 isn’t in the list, it’s already removed.
Method 2: Windows Features
- Select Start, type Windows Features, and open Turn Windows features on or off.
- Clear the Internet Explorer 11 check box and select Yes if Windows warns you.
- Select OK and restart the PC.
Method 3: A command
In an admin Command Prompt, run:
dism /online /Remove-Capability /CapabilityName:Browser.InternetExplorer~~~~0.0.11.0
Restart when asked. See how to open Command Prompt in Windows 10.
Turn it back on
Go back to Optional features, select Add a feature, choose Internet Explorer 11, and select Install. Microsoft recommends using the same method you used to turn it off.
Frequently asked questions
Will removing it delete my favorites?
No. To use them in Edge, import them from Edge’s settings. To make another browser your default, see how to change the default browser in Windows 10.
Should I keep installing updates for it?
Yes. Some parts of Internet Explorer stay in Windows even after you remove it, so keep installing Windows updates.
On Windows 11, see how to open Internet Explorer sites in Windows 11 with IE mode.
Microsoft’s references are Disable and enable Internet Explorer on Windows and Lifecycle FAQ – Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.