Deactivating Internet Explorer on Windows 10: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are looking to deactivate or remove Internet Explorer from your Windows 10 system, this guide will provide you with a step-by-step process for doing so. Whether you want to remove the majority of Internet Explorer, uncheck it entirely, or even remove it altogether, this comprehensive guide will help you achieve your desired result.

Deactivating Internet Explorer: Step-by-Step Guide

To deactivate Internet Explorer on Windows 10, you can follow these steps:

Click on the Start menu and open Settings. Go to the Apps section. Select Optional features. In the list of installed features, locate Internet Explorer 11. Click on the entry, then click Uninstall. Wait until the Latest Actions section indicates that a reboot is required. Restart your computer.

Note: This process will remove the majority of Internet Explorer, but it will not completely uninstall all its components. Some applications that rely on Internet Explorer for legacy purposes may still use it, even if it is disabled. However, the vast majority of functionality will be removed.

Removing Internet Explorer on Windows 10

Although Internet Explorer is not installed and enabled by default in Windows 10, if you ever need to remove it entirely, you can follow these steps:

Open your search bar and type “turn Windows features on or off.” Select the Control Panel result. Scroll down and find the Internet Explorer 11 checkbox. Uncheck it to uninstall/disable Internet Explorer. Click OK when you are done.

Note: By removing Internet Explorer, you may encounter compatibility issues with certain applications. However, many modern applications have moved away from relying on Internet Explorer, so you might not notice much difference in your day-to-day usage.

Alternative Approaches

If the mere presence of Internet Explorer is so offensive that you want to remove all traces of it, you might want to consider a different operating system. Although this is a more drastic measure, it is a viable option if you really want to eliminate Internet Explorer entirely.

Another Method

You can also right-click on This PC on the desktop, then click on Properties to launch the Control Panel. Once inside the Control Panel, navigate to Control Panel Home and then to Programs and select Turn Windows features on or off.

Scroll down to find Internet Explorer 11 and uncheck the corresponding checkbox. Click OK.

Note: This method will also lead to the removal of Internet Explorer from your system, and it is mandatory to restart your computer.

Consider Upgrading to Windows 11

With the removal of Internet Explorer in Windows 11, you might want to consider an upgrade to this newer operating system. Upgrading can provide you with a cleaner and more modern environment, free from the legacy components of Internet Explorer.

Remember, while deactivating or removing Internet Explorer is a viable option, it is essential to consider the implications for any applications that might rely on it. Always ensure that you have a backup of important data and follow best practices when making any system changes.