How to Enable Legacy Microsoft Edge in Windows 10/11: A Step-by-Step Guide
While Microsoft has moved on to the Chromium-based Edge browser, some users may still need or prefer the legacy (original) version of Microsoft Edge. This might be due to compatibility issues with specific websites or web applications, a preference for the older interface, or simply a desire to maintain access to features not yet fully implemented in the new Edge. Officially, Microsoft has deprecated and removed the original Edge from Windows updates. However, if you have a valid reason and understand the security implications (as the legacy Edge no longer receives security updates), there are ways to potentially re-enable it. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to attempt to enable the legacy Microsoft Edge browser on Windows 10 and, in some cases, on Windows 11.
Important Considerations Before Proceeding:
* Security Risks: The legacy Microsoft Edge is no longer supported and does not receive security updates. This means it’s vulnerable to known and future exploits, making your system more susceptible to malware and other security threats. Use it at your own risk and only for specific, isolated purposes.
* Compatibility Issues: Modern websites are designed for modern browsers. The legacy Edge may not render them correctly or support their features fully.
* Alternative Solutions: Before attempting to re-enable legacy Edge, consider alternative solutions like using compatibility modes in the new Edge, using virtual machines with older Windows versions, or exploring other legacy browser options.
* Windows 11 Limitations: Enabling legacy Edge on Windows 11 is significantly more challenging and may not be possible depending on the specific version and updates installed. Microsoft has actively removed components needed for its function.
* This is NOT officially supported: These methods rely on remnants of the old Edge that might still exist on your system after an upgrade. Future Windows updates may completely remove these remnants, making this method ineffective. This guide is based on the best available information at the time of writing and may become outdated.
Methods to Attempt Enabling Legacy Microsoft Edge:
We will explore several methods, starting with the least invasive and progressing to more complex options. Remember to back up your system before making significant changes to the registry.
Method 1: Checking for the ‘Microsoft Edge Legacy’ App Package
Sometimes, the legacy Edge application package is still present on your system, even if it’s not visible in the Start menu or taskbar. We’ll check for its existence and try to launch it directly.
1. Open File Explorer: Press the Windows key + E.
2. Navigate to the SystemApps Folder: In the address bar, type or paste the following path and press Enter:
`C:\Windows\SystemApps`
3. Look for a Folder Named ‘Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx’: The ‘xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx’ part is a placeholder for a unique string of characters. The folder name will vary from system to system.
4. Inside the Folder, Look for ‘MicrosoftEdge.exe’: Double-click this file to attempt to launch the legacy Edge.
5. Create a Shortcut (If it Works): If the executable launches the legacy Edge, right-click `MicrosoftEdge.exe`, select “Create shortcut”. Move this shortcut to your desktop for easy access.
Potential Outcomes:
* Success: The legacy Edge launches, and you can create a shortcut for future use.
* Failure: The executable doesn’t launch, produces an error, or the folder is missing. In this case, proceed to the next method.
Method 2: Using the Command Prompt to Launch Legacy Edge
This method attempts to use the command prompt to directly launch the legacy Edge browser.
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-click “Command Prompt”, and select “Run as administrator”.
2. Type the Following Command and Press Enter:
`start msedge`
Potential Outcomes:
* Success: The legacy Edge launches.
* Failure: The command prompt returns an error, or the new Edge launches instead. This indicates that the system is configured to prioritize the new Edge.
Method 3: Modifying the Registry (Advanced – Back Up Your Registry First!)
WARNING: This method involves modifying the Windows Registry. Incorrectly modifying the registry can cause serious system instability or even render your computer unusable. Back up your registry before proceeding. To back up your registry, in the Registry Editor, go to File -> Export, and save the file to a safe location. If anything goes wrong, you can double-click the saved file to restore the registry to its previous state.
1. Open the Registry Editor: Press the Windows key + R, type “regedit”, and press Enter. Click “Yes” if prompted by User Account Control.
2. Navigate to the Following Registry Key:
`HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft`
3. Check for an Edge Key: Look for a key named “Edge” under the “Microsoft” key. If it doesn’t exist, you’ll need to create it.
* To Create the Edge Key (If it Doesn’t Exist): Right-click the “Microsoft” key, select “New” -> “Key”, and name the new key “Edge”.
4. Inside the Edge Key, Create a DWORD (32-bit) Value: Right-click in the right pane (the area showing the values), select “New” -> “DWORD (32-bit) Value”.
5. Name the DWORD Value: Name the new DWORD value “AllowEdgeHTML”.
6. Modify the Value Data: Double-click the “AllowEdgeHTML” DWORD value. In the “Value data” field, enter “1” and click “OK”.
* Explanation: This registry key tells Windows to allow the use of the EdgeHTML engine (the rendering engine used by legacy Edge).
7. (Potentially Required) Create Another DWORD (32-bit) Value: If the above doesn’t work, you might need to create another DWORD value. Right-click in the right pane, select “New” -> “DWORD (32-bit) Value”.
8. Name the DWORD Value: Name the new DWORD value “HideNewEdgeHTML”.
9. Modify the Value Data: Double-click the “HideNewEdgeHTML” DWORD value. In the “Value data” field, enter “1” and click “OK”.
* Explanation: This key may hide the new Edge, forcing the system to use the old one, if available.
10. Close the Registry Editor.
11. Restart Your Computer: This is crucial for the changes to take effect.
12. After Restart, Try Launching Legacy Edge Again: Use Method 1 or Method 2 to attempt to launch the legacy Edge.
Potential Outcomes:
* Success: The legacy Edge launches.
* Failure: The registry changes have no effect, and the new Edge still launches. This likely indicates that the legacy Edge components are no longer fully present on your system.
* System Instability: If you experience issues after modifying the registry, restore your registry from the backup you created earlier.
Method 4: Attempting to Install an Older Version of Edge (Highly Unlikely to Work)
This method is highly unlikely to work and is generally not recommended. It involves finding an old installation file for legacy Edge and attempting to install it over the new Edge. Modern Windows versions are designed to prevent downgrading core system components, and the installer will likely fail or cause instability.
Why This is Problematic:
* Security Risks: Installing an old, outdated browser installer is inherently dangerous. It could contain malware or be tampered with.
* Compatibility Issues: Even if you manage to install an older version, it will likely be incompatible with the current Windows system files and updates, leading to crashes and errors.
* Overwriting System Components: Attempting to overwrite newer system components with older ones can lead to serious system instability.
If You Choose to Proceed (Against Recommendation):
1. Find a Reputable Source (Extremely Difficult): Finding a legitimate and safe source for an old legacy Edge installer is extremely difficult and risky. Be very cautious and only download from sources you absolutely trust (which are unlikely to exist).
2. Disable Windows Updates (Not Recommended): To prevent Windows from automatically updating the browser back to the new version, you would need to disable Windows Updates, which is strongly discouraged due to security implications.
3. Run the Installer: Run the installer as administrator and follow the on-screen instructions. Be prepared for errors and potential system crashes.
4. (If Successful) Prevent Automatic Updates: If the installation succeeds, you’ll need to find ways to prevent the browser from automatically updating. This may involve modifying registry settings or using third-party tools.
Potential Outcomes:
* Failure: The installer fails to run, produces errors, or is blocked by Windows.
* Partial Success: The installer appears to succeed, but the browser is unstable, crashes frequently, or doesn’t function correctly.
* System Instability: The installation causes serious system instability or renders your computer unusable.
Conclusion:
Enabling legacy Microsoft Edge on modern Windows 10/11 systems is a challenging and often unsuccessful endeavor. Microsoft has actively deprecated and removed the browser, and attempting to re-enable it carries significant security risks and potential compatibility issues. The most effective methods rely on remnants of the old Edge engine and may not work reliably or consistently. Furthermore, future Windows updates may completely remove these remnants. Before proceeding, carefully consider the risks and explore alternative solutions like compatibility modes in the new Edge or using virtual machines with older Windows versions. If you choose to attempt these methods, proceed with caution, back up your system, and understand that success is not guaranteed. Remember that using an unsupported browser exposes your system to security vulnerabilities, so use it at your own risk and only for specific, isolated tasks where absolutely necessary.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. The author is not responsible for any damage or data loss that may occur as a result of following these instructions. Use these methods at your own risk.