iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Microsoft Edge can display an Internet Explorer mode button on its toolbar for sites that still depend on Internet Explorer features. The button is available on Windows in Microsoft Edge 96 or later. It is not supported on macOS, Android, or iOS.
Adding the button is a two-part process: first allow Edge to reload sites in IE mode, then enable the button in Edge’s Appearance settings. If you skip the first step, the button may not appear or may not work.
Before you start
Check these requirements:
- You are using Microsoft Edge on Windows.
- Your Edge version is 96 or later.
- IE-mode reloading is allowed by your Edge setting or by an administrator policy.
To check your Edge version, open edge://settings/help. Edge will check for updates automatically.
Allow sites to reload in IE mode
Enable this setting before adding the toolbar button.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
- Open Edge.
- Enter
edge://settings/defaultbrowserin the address bar and press Enter. - Find Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.
- Set it to Allow.
- Restart Edge when prompted, or close and reopen the browser manually.
You can also reach the same setting through the interface: select Settings and more (…) in the upper-right corner, choose Settings, select Default browser, and set Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode to Allow.
Add the IE mode button to Edge’s toolbar
- In Edge, open
edge://settings/appearance. - Scroll to the toolbar customization options.
- Turn on Show Internet Explorer mode button.
The button now appears on the toolbar. Its functional label is Reload in Internet Explorer mode.
For the equivalent menu path, select Settings and more (…) > Settings > Appearance, then enable Show Internet Explorer mode button.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Reload a website using the button
- Open the legacy website in Edge.
- Select the Reload in Internet Explorer mode button on the toolbar.
- Wait for the page to reload.
Depending on the site and Edge version, an IE-mode indicator may appear near the address bar. You can also use the menu command Settings and more (…) > Reload in Internet Explorer mode.
When manual IE-mode reloading is allowed, two context-menu alternatives are available:
Rank #2
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
- Right-click the tab and select Reload tab in Internet Explorer mode.
- Right-click a link and select Open link in new Internet Explorer mode tab.
Why the button is missing
The toolbar option is conditional. Edge shows the button only when one of these is true:
- You enabled Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.
- An administrator enabled the
InternetExplorerIntegrationReloadInIEModeAllowedpolicy.
If neither condition applies, enabling or looking for the toolbar button will not help. Complete the Default browser step first.
The setting is greyed out
On a work or school computer, Edge may be managed by your organization. In that case, Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode can be unavailable or greyed out. An administrator must enable the relevant policy or add the website to an Enterprise Mode Site List.
The command is visible but disabled
If the website is already controlled by an organization’s Enterprise Mode Site List, Reload in Internet Explorer mode or Exit Internet Explorer mode can appear greyed out. The site-list configuration has priority over the local control.
You are using a Mac, phone, or tablet
The IE-mode toolbar-button policy is supported on Windows only. The button is not supported on macOS, Android, or iOS.
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
You are following an older guide
Some older instructions put the command under More tools. In current Edge documentation, the command is directly under Settings and more (…) as Reload in Internet Explorer mode. The older More tools path should not be treated as the current menu location.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What happens after a manual IE-mode reload?
Navigation within the page generally stays in IE mode. For example, clicking an in-page link, submitting a form, following a script-driven navigation, or being redirected by the site can keep the tab in IE mode.
However, using the address bar, the Back button, or a favorite link can automatically take the tab out of IE mode. To leave manually, select Exit Internet Explorer mode when that option is available.
How long does a manually added site stay in IE mode?
When you choose to keep an unconfigured site in IE mode, Edge adds it to a local site list for a default of 30 days. An administrator can change the expiration period with the InternetExplorerIntegrationLocalSiteListExpirationDays policy. The permitted policy value is from 0 through 90 days.
This local site list does not sync across devices. If you use Edge on another Windows computer, you may need to enable IE mode for the site again.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #4
- 【Dreamy Rainbow Gaming Keyboard】K521 Gaming Keyboard Adopts a Different LED Backlight Design, Upgraded on the Traditional LED Backlight Effect, Making the Light More Penetrating, Giving You a More Dazzling Visual Effect, Making Your Gaming Process More Enjoyable
- 【One Touch Opens & Visual Feast】The K521 Red Dragon Keyboard has a One-Touch on/off Lighting Button for Added Convenience. It also has a Three-Position Adjustable Breathing Mode and a Four-Position Adjustable Brightness Lighting Mode
- 【Mechanical Feeling & Fast Tapping】The PC Keyboard Keys are Designed for Mechanical Feeling, Giving You a Better Feel During Use and the Ability to Trigger Keys Quickly, Allowing You to Win All Your Games
- 【19 Keys Anti-Ghosting Keyboard】Anti-Ghosting Ensures Every Button Can Be Triggered. This Allows You to Trigger Key Combinations In The Game Accurately, And Each Skill Can Be Accurately Released to Increase Your Winning Rate. Redragon K521 Will Be Your Perfect Partner
- 【12 Multimedia Combination Keys】The K521 Wired Gaming Keyboard is Equipped with 12 Multimedia Keys That Can Greatly Enhance Your Gaming/Office Efficiency and Make It More Convenient to Use
Configure the button with Group Policy
On managed Windows computers, an administrator can control the button with Group Policy.
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Policy name | Show the Reload in Internet Explorer mode button in the toolbar |
| Policy identifier | InternetExplorerModeToolbarButtonEnabled |
| Group Policy path | Administrative Templates/Microsoft Edge |
| ADMX file | MSEdge.admx |
The policy controls whether the button is shown, but IE-mode reloading must also be allowed through the user setting or the InternetExplorerIntegrationReloadInIEModeAllowed policy.
Configure the button through the Windows Registry
Administrators can configure the toolbar button at:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftEdgeCreate or edit this value:
| Registry item | Value |
|---|---|
| Value name | InternetExplorerModeToolbarButtonEnabled |
| Type | REG_DWORD |
| Enabled data | 1 (hexadecimal 0x00000001) |
After applying a policy or Registry change, restart Edge. On a managed device, local changes may be overwritten by the organization’s policy.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteImportant Edge 142 availability note
Microsoft external staff reported that manual IE-mode reload options were removed for consumer devices beginning with Microsoft Edge 142 Stable. Enterprise administrators can still provide IE mode through policy or an Enterprise Mode Site List. If you are on a consumer installation and the options are absent even after checking edge://settings/defaultbrowser, this change may be the reason.
Best Value
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
For supported Windows installations where the option is available, the recovery path remains:
- Open
edge://settings/defaultbrowser. - Set Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode to Allow.
- Restart Edge.
- Open
edge://settings/appearanceand enable Show Internet Explorer mode button.
FAQ
Why can’t I see the Internet Explorer mode button in Edge?
The button is conditional. First enable Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode at edge://settings/defaultbrowser, restart Edge, and then enable Show Internet Explorer mode button at edge://settings/appearance. On managed computers, an administrator may control both settings.
Does the IE mode button work on Mac or mobile devices?
No. The IE-mode toolbar-button policy is supported on Windows only in Edge 96 or later. It is not supported on macOS, Android, or iOS.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Is the IE mode button the same as installing Internet Explorer?
No. The button makes Edge reload a compatible site using Internet Explorer mode. It does not install the retired Internet Explorer desktop application.
Can I use IE mode without adding the toolbar button?
Yes, if manual IE-mode reloading is allowed. Open the menu with … and choose Reload in Internet Explorer mode, or use the tab and link right-click commands.
Why is Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode greyed out?
Edge is probably managed by your organization. An administrator must enable the reload policy or configure an Enterprise Mode Site List.
How long does a site remain in manually enabled IE mode?
A manually added unconfigured site is normally kept in Edge’s local IE-mode site list for 30 days. Administrators can set the expiration from 0 to 90 days, and the list does not sync between devices.
The Bottom Line
On supported Windows versions of Edge, open edge://settings/defaultbrowser, allow sites to reload in Internet Explorer mode, restart Edge, and enable Show Internet Explorer mode button under edge://settings/appearance. If the setting is missing or controlled, the computer’s Edge policies—or the newer consumer availability changes in Edge 142—determine whether the button can be used.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
