Internet Explorer Downloads

The new browser recommended by Microsoft is here

The new Microsoft Edge was built to bring you the best of the web, with more control and more privacy as you browse.

You don’t need to download and install Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10 because it’s already installed. To open Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10, in the search box on the taskbar, type Internet Explorer, and then select Internet Explorer in the list of results. Learn more about how to use Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10.

Although Internet Explorer 11 comes already installed on Windows 10, if you accidentally deleted it, you can download and reinstall it by following the steps in How to reinstall or repair Internet Explorer in Windows

The new browser recommended by Microsoft is here

The new Microsoft Edge was built to bring you the best of the web, with more control and more privacy as you browse.

You don’t need to download and install Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 8.1 because it’s already installed. Find out what version of Internet Explorer you’re using or which operating system you’re running.

To find and open Internet Explorer 11, select Start , and in Search , type Internet Explorer. Select Internet Explorer (Desktop app) from the results.

If you’re running Windows 7, the latest version of Internet Explorer that you can install is Internet Explorer 11. However, Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported on Windows 7. Instead, we recommend you install the new Microsoft Edge. The new Microsoft Edge was built to bring you the best of the web, with more control and more privacy as you browse.

Still want to download Internet Explorer 11?

Though it’s no longer supported, you can download and install Internet Explorer 11.

By clicking «Download Internet Explorer 11» you agree to the Internet Explorer System requirements | Software license terms | Privacy statement

Developing with Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is a powerful resource-browsing and management application. Windows Explorer can be accessed as an integrated whole through Explorer.exe or the IExplorerBrowser interface. Windows Explorer (Explorer.exe) can be spawned as a separate process using ShellExecuteEx or a similar function.

Command-line options for Explorer.exe are documented on the Microsoft Windows Support site in the article Windows Explorer Command-Line Options.

Open explorer windows can be discovered and programmed by using IShellWindows (CLSID_ShellWindows), and new instances of Windows Explorer can be created by using IWebBrowser2 (CLSID_ShellBrowserWindow).

The following code sample demonstrates how the Windows Explorer automation model can be used to create and discover explorer windows that are running.

The Windows Explorer client area can be hosted by using the IExplorerBrowser interface. The Windows Explorer client and the namespace tree controls are standard components of WindowsВ Vista and later. Developers can reuse the interfaces as building components. One common use of these controls is to create customized explorers appropriate to the problem domain.

The controls in Windows Explorer are classified into the following functional categories:

Navigation Controls

Navigation controls assist users in determining context and navigating the associated logical domain space, called the pagespace. For example, the pagespace for Windows Explorer is the Shell namespace. Pagespaces are composed of zero or more pages.

The following table lists and describes the navigation controls available in Windows Explorer in the WindowsВ Vista and later operating systems.

Navigation control	Description
Address Bar (Breadcrumb control)	Displays the address of the current page in the pagespace. Breadcrumb buttons can be clicked to navigate to any ancestor in the pagespace. Users can also type URLs and paths to navigate.
Folder Tree	Provides a new version of a tree control, optimized for large pagespaces.
Travel	Enables relative navigation through web-style buttons such as Back and Forward.
Title	Displays the current explorer name and context.
Pagespace	Displays the current branch of the pagespace. Pages can be ordered by different criteria. Users can click a page to navigate to it.

Command Controls

Command controls advertise the features and functionality of the Windows Explorer to users. These controls perform either general actions or actions specific to one selected item or items.

Command control	Description
Toolbar	Displays buttons for commonly used commands (a new version of a command toolbar). Customization options include drop-down buttons, split buttons, optional descriptive text, and an overflow area.
Hero	Appears as a single, optional, custom control in the center of the toolbar. It represents the primary command for the current context.
Menu Bar	Presents commands through menus.
Context Menu	Lists a contextually relevant subset of available commands that are displayed as a result of right-clicking an item.

Property and Preview Controls

Property and preview controls are used to preview items, and to view and edit item properties.

Control	Description
Preview	Displays a preview of the selected item, such as a thumbnail or a Live Icon.
Properties	Displays properties of the selected item. For multiple selections, it displays a summary of properties for the selected group of items. For a null selection, it displays a summary of properties for the current page (contents of the listview).

Filtering and View Controls

Filtering and view controls are used to manipulate the set of items in the listview and to change the presentation of items in the listview.

Control	Description
Filter	Filters or arranges items in a listview based on properties listed as columns. Clicking on a column sorts by that property.
Wordwheel	Dynamically and incrementally filters the displayed items in a listview based on an input text string.
View	Enables the user to change the view mode of a listview control. A slider can be used to determine icon size.

Listview Control

The listview control is used to view a set of items in one of four view modes: details, tiles, icons, or panorama. The listview control also enables the user to select and activate one or more items.

Although some of these controls have names and/or functionality that is similar to standard Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) controls found in the System.Windows.Controls namespace, they are distinct classes.

These separate controls work together largely through events generated either by user interaction or by the controls themselves. The following table shows the three primary event categories.

Support for older versions of Internet Explorer ended

Support ended 1/12/16 for Internet Explorer (IE) 10 and older. Security updates, compatibility fixes, and technical support continues for IE 11 on Windows 7, 8.1, and 10.

What does this mean?

It’s time to act. Since 1/12/16, Microsoft no longer provides security updates or technical support for old versions of Internet Explorer. Regular security updates help protect devices so upgrading and staying current is important.

How do I upgrade Internet Explorer?

Small- to medium-sized business

Enterprise

Microsoft offers large organizations (500+ employees) in-depth technical resources, tools, and expert guidance to ease the deployment and management of Microsoft solutions. Learn more about migration and deployment by contacting your Microsoft sales representative, Microsoft Services, or your Microsoft partner. Learn how to pilot and deploy the latest version of Edge yourself by visiting the Microsoft Edge IT Center.

Browse faster and stay charged with Microsoft Edge

Potential risks of using older versions of Internet Explorer

Security risk

Without critical browser security updates, your PC may become vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software which can steal or damage your business data and information.

Compliance risk

Businesses that are governed by regulatory obligations such as HIPAA should conduct due diligence to assess whether they are still able to satisfy compliance requirements using unsupported software.

Support risk

Many Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) no longer support older versions of Internet Explorer. For example, Microsoft 365 takes advantage of modern web standards and runs best with the latest browser, Microsoft Edge.

Frequently asked questions

Microsoft Edge is our all-new browser for Windows 10 that goes beyond browsing with features like Web Note and Cortana1 integration. Edge can launch Internet Explorer 11 for sites that need better backward compatibility. Internet Explorer 11 will continue to be supported on Windows 10.

Internet Explorer is a component of the Windows operating system and the most current version will continue to follow the specific support lifecycle policy for the operating system on which it is installed. Internet Explorer 11 will be supported for the life of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. To find the support lifecycle dates for all operating systems, search the Support Lifecycle Database here.

The latest version of Internet Explorer will continue to follow the component policy, which means that it follows the support lifecycle and is supported for as long as the Windows operating system on which it is installed. Focusing support on the latest version of Internet Explorer for a supported Windows operating system is in line with industry standards.

Previous versions of Internet Explorer have ended of support. End of support means there are no more security updates, non-security updates, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical content updates.

Enterprise Mode enables the use of legacy web apps with Internet Explorer 11 and Microsoft Edge. For guidance and upgrade resources, please visit the Microsoft Edge IT Center.

Enterprise Mode for Internet Explorer 11 and Microsoft Edge offers better backward compatibility, enabling customers to run many legacy web applications designed for older versions of Internet Explorer. To help customers who have a business need for using Internet Explorer 11 with Enterprise Mode, Microsoft is committed to supporting Enterprise Mode as a feature of Internet Explorer 11. Microsoft will continue to invest in compatibility improvements, tools, and other resources to help customers upgrade and stay up to date on the latest browser.

Microsoft offers numerous free and paid support offerings for customers and partners who wish to upgrade to the latest version of Internet Explorer or to migrate to Microsoft Edge. Please visit the Microsoft Edge IT Center for more information.

How to open File Explorer and Windows Explorer: 12 ways

File Explorer is one of the most used apps in Windows 10, just like Windows Explorer is one of the most used tools in Windows 7. Whether you need to copy or move files or delete some, there is always one thing that you have to do first, and that is to open the File Explorer or the Windows Explorer. We thought it would be an excellent idea to write this roundup article, showing all the ways in which you can open File Explorer in Windows 10 and how to open Windows Explorer in Windows 7. They involve everything from search to keyboard shortcuts, to using speech, and so on. Let’s get started:

Quick Steps:

1. Press the Win + E keys on your keyboard, and watch File Explorer or Windows Explorer immediately start.
2. Click or tap the File Explorer/Windows Explorer shortcut on the taskbar.
3. Open CMD or PowerShell and run the command: explorer.

NOTE: This guide covers Windows 10 and Windows 7. If you don’t know the Windows version you have, read this tutorial: What version of Windows do I have installed? (5 methods).

1. Open (Windows) File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard

The keyboard offers fast shortcuts for launching all kinds of things, including File Explorer and Windows Explorer. Press the Win + E keys on your keyboard, and watch File Explorer or Windows Explorer immediately start.

Open (Windows) File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard

2. Use the File Explorer shortcut (or Windows Explorer shortcut) on the taskbar

By default, Windows 10 includes a File Explorer shortcut on the taskbar. The icon looks like a folder. Click or tap on it, and File Explorer is opened.

Use the File Explorer shortcut on the taskbar

Similarly, Windows 7 includes a Windows Explorer shortcut on its taskbar. The icon looks a bit different from the one in Windows 10, but it also depicts a folder.

Use the Windows Explorer shortcut on the taskbar

3. How to open File Explorer (or Windows Explorer) using search

On Windows 10’s desktop, use the search box found near the Start button on the taskbar and, inside it, write the words “file explorer.” When the search results are loaded, press Enter or click or tap on the File Explorer result.

How to open File Explorer in Windows 10 using search

In Windows 7, open the Start Menu and type the words “windows explorer” in its search box.

Then, click on the Windows Explorer shortcut.

How to open Windows Explorer in Windows 7 using search

4. Open File Explorer in Windows 10 using Cortana

In Windows 10, you can also ask Cortana to open File Explorer. On the right side of the search box from your taskbar, click or tap on Cortana’s button. Then, either type “open File Explorer” or push the microphone button and use your voice to say the “Open File Explorer!” command to Cortana.

Open File Explorer in Windows 10 using Cortana

5. How to open File Explorer in Windows 10 using its shortcut from the WinX menu

If you use Windows 10, press Windows + X on the keyboard to open the WinX menu. You can also right-click on the Start button to get the same result. This menu also includes a shortcut for File Explorer. Click or tap on it, and File Explorer opens immediately.

How to open File Explorer in Windows 10 using its shortcut from the WinX menu

6. How to open File Explorer or Windows Explorer using their shortcuts from the Start Menu

In Windows 10, open the Start Menu and scroll the list with all the apps until you reach the folder called “Windows System.” Open it, and you should find a shortcut for File Explorer inside.

How to open File Explorer using its shortcuts from the Start Menu

In Windows 7, open the Start Menu and enter the Accessories folder. You should find a shortcut for Windows Explorer.

How to open Windows Explorer using its shortcut from the Start Menu

7. Open File Explorer using its button from Windows 10’s Start Menu

Another way to open File Explorer in Windows 10 is to add a button for it in the Start Menu. You can easily do it by opening Settings, navigating to “Personalization -> Start -> Choose which folders appear on Start,” and then turning on the File Explorer switch.

Enable File Explorer in Settings -> Personalization -> Start -> Choose which folders appear on Start

Then, Windows 10 shows a new button for File Explorer on the left side of the Start Menu.

How to open File Explorer in Windows 10 using its button from the Start Menu

Click or tap on it to open File Explorer.

8. How to create a File Explorer shortcut to open it from anywhere

You can always make a shortcut to File Explorer. If you’re using Windows 10, an easy way to do it is to drag and drop the File Explorer shortcut from the Start Menu onto your desktop or in any other folder you prefer.

File Explorer shortcut pinned to the desktop of Windows 10

Another one is to create a File Explorer shortcut or Windows Explorer shortcut manually. Just make sure to enter explorer as the shortcut’s “[…] location of the item”.

Create (Windows) File Explorer shortcut

NOTE: If you need help creating shortcuts, read how to Create shortcuts for apps, files, folders, and web pages in Windows 10. Although this tutorial is written for Windows 10, the first sections from it also apply to Windows 7.

9. Open (Windows) File Explorer using Command Prompt or PowerShell

If you are working with Command Prompt or PowerShell, you can type the command explorer and press Enter. This immediately launches File Explorer in Windows 10 or Windows Explorer in Windows 7.

Open (Windows) File Explorer using Command Prompt or PowerShell

10. How to open File Explorer or Windows Explorer using Task Manager

Another way of opening File Explorer or Windows Explorer is to use the Task Manager. Launch Task Manager: a quick way to do it is to press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard. If you are using Windows 10 and the Task Manager opens up in its compact view mode, click or tap on “More details.” Then, open the File menu and click or tap on “Run new task.”

Run new task in Task Manager

In the “Create new task” window, type explorer and press Enter or OK.

How to open File Explorer or Windows Explorer using Task Manager

11. Open File Explorer or Windows Explorer from the Run window

The final method we know of for opening File Explorer is to use the good old Run window. Launch Run (a quick way to do that is to press the Win + R keys on your keyboard) and enter the word explorer in it. Then click or tap on OK, or press Enter on your keyboard.

Open File Explorer or Windows Explorer from the Run window

12. Where is File Explorer in Windows 10 (and Windows 7)? Open it by running explorer.exe

Both Windows 10 and Windows 7 store the executable file for File Explorer in the standard Windows folder. As a result, although it’s kind of redundant, you can also navigate to your Windows folder and then double-click on the explorer.exe file to open File Explorer or Windows Explorer.

Where is File Explorer in Windows 10 (and 7)? Open it by running explorer.exe

How do you open (Windows) File Explorer?

These are all the methods we know for starting File Explorer in Windows 10 and Windows Explorer in Windows 7. If you know others, don’t hesitate to share them in the comments section below, and we will update this article as soon as possible.