With each new version of Internet Explorer (IE) and each new version of Windows, the procedure for removing this web browser has changed. For example, when Internet Explorer 9 was launched, it was distributed as an update for Windows, and you could remove it from the list of installed updates. Today, we have Internet Explorer 11 and removing it involves a different process. That is why, in this guide, we share how to "delete" Internet Explorer from Windows 10, Windows 7, and Windows 8.1:
Step 1: Open the Control Panel and the Programs and Features window
First, you should open the Control Panel. Then, look for the Programs section, and click or tap the link that says "Uninstall a program." This opens the Programs and Features window.
The same result can be achieved by going to "Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs and Features."
Step 2: Access the list of Windows features that can be added or removed
Internet Explorer is now classified by Microsoft as a Windows feature. To access all the Windows features that are available for installation (or removal), click or tap the link on the left, that says "Turn Windows features on or off."
Step 3: Remove Internet Explorer from Windows
In the Windows Features window, scroll down until you find the entry for Internet Explorer 11.
Uncheck it and press OK.
You are warned that: "Turning off Internet Explorer 11 might affect other Windows features and programs installed on your computer, including default settings." Click or tap Yes, to continue.
NOTE: If you are curious to see what happens when you remove Internet Explorer, read this article: What happens when you remove Internet Explorer from Windows?
You are back to the Windows Features window, where the entry for Internet Explorer 11 is unchecked. Press OK to continue with the uninstallation.
Windows takes some time to make the necessary changes and remove Internet Explorer.
Step 4: Restart Windows
When done, you are informed that Windows needs to reboot your PC. Close any unsaved work and open apps, and click or tap Restart now.
When you log back into Windows, Internet Explorer is removed.
Why did you remove Internet Explorer?
By the end of this tutorial, you should have removed the old Internet Explorer web browser from Windows. We are curious to know why you did that. Did you stop using it a long time ago? Do you want to save on storage space? What are your reasons for "deleting" Internet Explorer? Comment below and let's discuss.
