Why Internet Explorer is Opening in Edge: A Comprehensive Guide
In recent years, Microsoft has been pushing its users to transition from Internet Explorer (IE) to Microsoft Edge, the newer and more advanced web browser. However, many users have reported that their Internet Explorer is opening in Edge instead of the expected behavior. This article aims to explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and provide a comprehensive guide to help users understand and resolve the issue.
1. Compatibility Mode
One of the primary reasons why Internet Explorer is opening in Edge is due to the compatibility mode feature. Microsoft introduced this mode in Edge to ensure that websites that were designed for Internet Explorer would still function correctly on the new browser. When a user tries to open a website that requires Internet Explorer, the compatibility mode automatically opens Edge to display the website.
2. Default Browser Settings
Another reason for Internet Explorer opening in Edge could be the default browser settings. Users might have accidentally set Edge as their default browser, causing Internet Explorer to open Edge instead. To check and change the default browser settings, follow these steps:
1. Click on the “Start” button and type “default apps” in the search bar.
2. Select “Default apps” from the search results.
3. Scroll down to “Web browser” and click on “Internet Explorer” to set it as the default browser.
3. Edge Integration
Microsoft has been integrating Edge into various aspects of the Windows operating system, including the file explorer. When users try to open a file with a web browser, Edge might automatically open instead of Internet Explorer. To change this behavior, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on the file you want to open.
2. Select “Open with” and then choose “Choose another app.”
3. Scroll down and select “Internet Explorer” from the list of apps.
4. Check the box that says “Always use this app to open .xxx files” (where xxx is the file extension).
5. Click “OK” to save the changes.
4. Edge as a Default Program
If Edge is set as the default program for certain file types, it might open Internet Explorer in the background when trying to access those files. To change this, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on the file with the issue.
2. Select “Open with” and then choose “Choose another app.”
3. Scroll down and select “Internet Explorer” from the list of apps.
4. Check the box that says “Always use this app to open .xxx files” (where xxx is the file extension).
5. Click “OK” to save the changes.
5. System Updates
Occasionally, system updates might cause Internet Explorer to open in Edge. Microsoft has been working on improving the integration between the two browsers, which might lead to unexpected behavior. If you suspect that a recent update is causing the issue, try rolling back the update or waiting for the next update to fix the problem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several reasons why Internet Explorer might be opening in Edge. By understanding these reasons and following the steps outlined in this article, users can resolve the issue and ensure that their preferred browser is used for web browsing. Whether it’s due to compatibility mode, default browser settings, or system updates, users can take control of their browser preferences and enjoy a seamless web browsing experience.
