When I try to open Internet Explorer, it opens Edge
Have you ever found yourself in a frustrating situation where you attempt to launch Internet Explorer, only to be greeted by the familiar blue and white interface of Microsoft Edge? This unexpected behavior can be quite perplexing, especially if you’re accustomed to using Internet Explorer for its specific features and functionalities. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this anomaly and provide possible solutions to help you revert to your preferred web browser.
Understanding the Issue
The issue of Internet Explorer opening Edge instead of the expected browser can be attributed to a few different factors. One common cause is the installation of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, which replaced Internet Explorer with Microsoft Edge as the default web browser. Another possibility is that your system’s settings have been altered, or there might be a conflict with third-party applications.
Resolving the Issue
To resolve the problem of Internet Explorer opening Edge, you can try the following steps:
1. Check Default Browser Settings:
– Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
– Navigate to System > Default apps.
– Scroll down to the Web browser section and select Internet Explorer from the list.
– Click on “Set default” to make Internet Explorer the default web browser.
2. Reset Internet Explorer:
– Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
– Type “inetcpl.cpl” and press Enter to open Internet Properties.
– Go to the Advanced tab and click on “Reset.”
– Follow the prompts to reset Internet Explorer to its default settings.
3. Update Your System:
– Ensure that your Windows 10 is up to date by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
– Install any available updates to ensure that your system is running the latest software.
4. Remove Third-Party Applications:
– If you recently installed any new applications, they might be interfering with your default browser settings.
– Try uninstalling these applications one by one to identify the culprit.
5. Perform a System Restore:
– If none of the above steps work, you can try performing a system restore to a point before the issue occurred.
– Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
– Type “rstrui.exe” and press Enter to open System Restore.
– Follow the prompts to choose a restore point and restore your system to a previous state.
Conclusion
While it can be frustrating when Internet Explorer opens Edge instead of the intended browser, there are several methods you can try to resolve this issue. By checking your default browser settings, resetting Internet Explorer, updating your system, removing third-party applications, or performing a system restore, you should be able to revert to using Internet Explorer as your preferred web browser.
