Hey guys! So, you're looking to download Internet Explorer for your Windows 10 64-bit system? That's an interesting quest! While Microsoft Edge is now the default browser, there are still valid reasons why you might need IE. Let's dive into how you can get it.

Why Bother with Internet Explorer on Windows 10?

Before we get started, let's address the elephant in the room. Why would you even want Internet Explorer when Edge is right there? Well, there are a few common scenarios:

• Legacy Websites and Applications: Many older websites and web applications were built specifically for Internet Explorer and its rendering engine. They might not function correctly (or at all) in modern browsers. Think of internal company tools or government websites that haven't been updated in ages. This is the most common reason, and it's a totally valid one.
• Compatibility Testing: Web developers often need to test their websites in different browsers, including older versions like Internet Explorer, to ensure broad compatibility. It’s crucial to make sure your site works for everyone, even those using older systems.
• Specific ActiveX Controls: Some websites or applications rely on ActiveX controls, which are only supported by Internet Explorer. While these are less common these days due to security concerns, they still exist in certain environments.

So, if you fall into one of these categories, you're not alone! Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to get IE on your Windows 10 machine.

Accessing Internet Explorer on Windows 10

Okay, here's the deal. Internet Explorer is actually still included in Windows 10, even though it's not the default browser. Microsoft hasn't completely removed it, knowing that some users still need it for compatibility reasons. The trick is knowing where to find it and how to launch it.

Method 1: Searching for Internet Explorer

This is the easiest and most straightforward method. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on the Windows Start button. You know, the little Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Type "Internet Explorer" into the search bar. As you type, Windows will start displaying search results.
3. Look for "Internet Explorer" in the search results. It should appear as a desktop app. If you see it, congrats, you're halfway there!
4. Click on "Internet Explorer" to launch it. And that's it! IE should open up, ready for you to use.

If you can't find it this way, don't panic! There are a couple of other methods we can try.

Method 2: Using the Run Command

The Run command is a quick way to launch programs if you know their executable name. Here’s how to use it to open Internet Explorer:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This will open the Run dialog box. It’s a little window that lets you type in commands.
2. Type "iexplore" into the Run dialog box. This is the command to launch Internet Explorer.
3. Press Enter or click on the "OK" button. This will execute the command and, voila, Internet Explorer should open.

Still no luck? Alright, let's move on to the next method.

Method 3: Finding the Executable File

If the search and Run command aren't working, you can try locating the Internet Explorer executable file directly. This involves digging around in your system files, but don't worry, it's not too complicated.

1. Open File Explorer. You can do this by clicking on the File Explorer icon on your taskbar or by searching for "File Explorer" in the Start menu.
2. Navigate to the Program Files directory. This is usually located on your C: drive. The path is typically C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86). The (x86) version is for 32-bit programs on a 64-bit system, but Internet Explorer might be in either location.
3. Look for the "Internet Explorer" folder. Once you're in the Program Files directory, scroll through the folders until you find one named "Internet Explorer".
4. Find the iexplore.exe file. Inside the Internet Explorer folder, you should see a file named iexplore.exe. This is the executable file that launches the browser.
5. Double-click iexplore.exe to launch Internet Explorer. You can also right-click on the file and choose "Run as administrator" if you need elevated privileges.

If you've made it this far and still can't find Internet Explorer, it's possible that it's been disabled or removed from your system. But don't lose hope! There's still one more trick we can try.

Enabling Internet Explorer in Windows Features

Windows 10 allows you to enable or disable certain features, and it's possible that Internet Explorer has been disabled. Here’s how to check and enable it:

1. Open the Control Panel. You can search for "Control Panel" in the Start menu.
2. Click on "Programs". In the Control Panel, look for the "Programs" option and click on it.
3. Click on "Turn Windows features on or off". Under the "Programs and Features" section, you'll find a link that says "Turn Windows features on or off". Click on that.
4. Look for "Internet Explorer 11" in the list. A new window will open with a list of Windows features. Scroll through the list until you find "Internet Explorer 11".
5. Make sure the checkbox next to "Internet Explorer 11" is checked. If it's not checked, click on the checkbox to enable it. If it is already checked, you can try unchecking it, restarting your computer, and then re-checking it.
6. Click "OK". After you've checked (or unchecked and re-checked) the box, click the "OK" button to save your changes.
7. Restart your computer. Windows may prompt you to restart your computer to apply the changes. It's important to restart so that the changes take effect.

After your computer restarts, try searching for Internet Explorer again using the methods described above. It should now be available.

Setting Internet Explorer as Your Default Browser (If You Really Want To)

Okay, so you've got Internet Explorer up and running. Now, if you really want to make it your default browser (though I'm not sure why you would!), here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app. You can do this by clicking on the Start button and then clicking on the gear icon.
2. Click on "Apps". In the Settings app, look for the "Apps" option and click on it.
3. Click on "Default apps". On the left-hand side of the Apps screen, you'll see a list of options. Click on "Default apps".
4. Scroll down to "Web browser". Under the "Web browser" section, you'll see your current default browser (likely Microsoft Edge).
5. Click on your current default browser. A list of available browsers will appear.
6. Choose "Internet Explorer" from the list. Select "Internet Explorer" to set it as your default browser.

Keep in mind that setting Internet Explorer as your default browser is generally not recommended, as it is an outdated and less secure browser. However, if you have a specific need for it, the option is there.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

• Internet Explorer won't open: Make sure Internet Explorer is enabled in Windows Features (as described above). Also, check for any conflicting software or browser extensions that might be interfering with IE.
• Websites don't display correctly: This is a common issue with older websites that were designed for older versions of Internet Explorer. Try using Compatibility View (Tools > Compatibility View settings) to force IE to render the page in an older compatibility mode.
• ActiveX controls don't work: Make sure ActiveX controls are enabled in Internet Explorer's security settings (Tools > Internet Options > Security > Custom Level). However, be cautious when enabling ActiveX controls, as they can pose a security risk.

A Word of Caution

While it's possible to download and use Internet Explorer on Windows 10, it's important to be aware of the security risks associated with using an outdated browser. Microsoft no longer provides security updates for Internet Explorer, which means it's more vulnerable to malware and other threats. Be extra careful when browsing the web with IE, and avoid visiting untrusted websites or downloading suspicious files.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide on how to download and access Internet Explorer on Windows 10 (64-bit). While it's not the most modern or secure browser, it's still a useful tool for accessing legacy websites and applications. Just remember to exercise caution and be aware of the security risks involved. Happy browsing, and stay safe out there!