Remove Internet Explorer from Windows - does it work?
Many Windows users do not use Internet Explorer that is already installed. We'll show you how to remove the browser.
Can Internet Explorer be completely removed from Windows?
Unfortunately, Internet Explorer cannot be removed completely because some components are permanently connected to the system. However, you can partially uninstall it and deactivate the associated services:
- A certain version of Internet Explorer is preinstalled under each version of Windows. If you have updated to a newer version, you must first uninstall it before the IE can be completely deactivated.
- In Windows 8, you cannot uninstall Internet Explorer. However, you can deactivate the browser as with older versions of Windows.
Step 1: Uninstall Internet Explorer
Note: If you are unable to continue with step 3 of the instructions, you will only find the pre-installed version of IE on your computer. In this case, continue with the next paragraph.
- Open the Control Panel and click on the "Programs" category below.
- Under "Programs and Features, " select "Show installed updates."
- Look for "Internet Explorer" in the list of updates.
- Right-click on the entry and select the "Uninstall" option.
- Then click "Yes" and "Restart now". Internet Explorer is now available in the original version.
Step 2: disable Internet Explorer
- Follow the first two steps as above and click the "Enable or Disable Windows Features" option on the left.
- Search for Internet Explorer in the small window.
- Remove the check mark and click on the "OK" button. The IE is now deactivated and can no longer be opened.
Step 3: prevent reinstallation
To prevent Internet Explorer from being installed again with the next update by Windows Update, you have to run a Microsoft tool once. Download the appropriate tool and start it. You need the program for the respective version of IE that was last installed:
- Internet Explorer 11
- Internet Explorer 10
- Internet Explorer 9
- Internet Explorer 8
After uninstalling Internet Explorer, you should choose a new browser. You can find out in this comparison whether Chrome or Firefox suits your needs better.