How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 7: A Comprehensive Guide

Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) comes pre-installed on Windows 7 and, while it once reigned supreme in the browser world, many users now prefer modern alternatives like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. If you’re looking to uninstall Internet Explorer 11 on your Windows 7 system, perhaps to reclaim some disk space, simplify your browser selection, or troubleshoot browser-related issues, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. It’s important to note that while you can uninstall IE11, it’s deeply integrated into the Windows 7 operating system, and removing it completely might not be possible or recommended in some cases. This guide will focus on disabling or reverting to an earlier version.

Understanding Internet Explorer’s Role in Windows 7

Before we dive into the uninstallation process, it’s crucial to understand Internet Explorer’s role in Windows 7. IE isn’t just a web browser; it’s also used by some Windows components for displaying online help, rendering certain file formats, and other system-level tasks. Uninstalling IE11 might affect the functionality of these components, though usually, the older version that reverts will handle these tasks. Consider the potential consequences before proceeding.

Methods to “Uninstall” Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 7

Since completely removing Internet Explorer 11 is generally not possible, and potentially harmful, the process usually involves reverting to a previous version (typically Internet Explorer 8 or 9) or disabling it. Here are the methods you can use:

1. Using the Windows Features Control Panel: This is the recommended and most straightforward method. It effectively “uninstalls” IE11 by reverting your system to the last installed version of Internet Explorer.
2. System Restore: If you have a System Restore point created before the IE11 installation, you can revert your system to that point.
3. Manually Removing IE11 (Advanced – Not Recommended): This involves deleting IE11 files and registry keys. This method is highly discouraged unless you are an advanced user and fully understand the risks. It can lead to system instability and is not covered in detail in this guide.

We will focus on the first two methods as they are safer and more reliable.

Method 1: Using the Windows Features Control Panel (Recommended)

This is the safest and easiest way to “uninstall” Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 7. It essentially reverts your system to the previous version of Internet Explorer that was installed before the IE11 update.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Close Internet Explorer and any other open programs. This ensures a clean uninstallation process.
2. Open the Control Panel. Click the Start button, then click “Control Panel” in the Start menu.
3. Navigate to “Programs and Features”. In the Control Panel, you may need to change the “View by” option (located in the upper right corner) to “Category” to see the “Programs” link. Then click “Programs”. Alternatively, if the view is set to “Large icons” or “Small icons”, you can directly find “Programs and Features”.
4. Click “Turn Windows features on or off”. In the “Programs and Features” window, look for the link “Turn Windows features on or off” in the left-hand pane and click it. A new window titled “Windows Features” will appear. You might be prompted for administrator permissions at this point. If so, click “Continue” or enter your administrator password.
5. Locate “Internet Explorer 11”. In the “Windows Features” window, scroll down the list of features until you find “Internet Explorer 11”.
6. Uncheck the box next to “Internet Explorer 11”. This is the key step that initiates the uninstallation process.
7. A warning message will appear. A message box will pop up, warning you that turning off Internet Explorer 11 might affect other Windows features and programs. Click “Yes” to proceed.
8. Click “OK” in the “Windows Features” window. This confirms your choice to uninstall Internet Explorer 11.
9. Windows will now remove the Internet Explorer 11 features. This process might take a few minutes. You’ll see a progress bar indicating the status of the uninstallation.
10. Restart your computer. Once the uninstallation is complete, Windows will prompt you to restart your computer. It is crucial to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Click “Restart now”. If you are not prompted to restart, it is still highly recommended to do so manually.
11. Verify the uninstallation. After your computer restarts, Internet Explorer 11 should be gone. You’ll likely see an older version of Internet Explorer (e.g., IE 8 or IE 9) in its place. You can confirm this by opening Internet Explorer and checking its “About” section (usually found under the Help menu – press Alt if you don’t see the menu).

Troubleshooting Tips for Method 1:

* “Turn Windows features on or off” is missing: This might indicate a problem with your Windows installation or user account permissions. Ensure you are logged in with an administrator account. You can also try running the System File Checker (SFC) to repair corrupted system files. To do this, open a command prompt as an administrator (search for “cmd”, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”) and type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter. Let the scan complete and restart your computer.
* The uninstallation process gets stuck: Try restarting your computer and repeating the steps. You can also try running the Windows Update troubleshooter to fix any update-related issues. To do this, go to Control Panel > Troubleshooting > System and Security > Windows Update.
* Internet Explorer 11 reappears after restarting: This could be due to Windows Update automatically reinstalling it. You might need to adjust your Windows Update settings to prevent this (see the section on preventing automatic reinstallation below).

Method 2: Using System Restore

System Restore is a Windows feature that allows you to revert your computer’s system files, program files, and registry settings to a previous point in time, called a restore point. If you have a restore point created *before* you installed Internet Explorer 11, you can use System Restore to effectively uninstall IE11.

Important Considerations Before Using System Restore:

* Data Loss: While System Restore primarily affects system files and programs, it *can* potentially affect data created *after* the restore point. It’s highly recommended to back up any important files you’ve created or modified since the restore point was created to prevent data loss. This includes documents, photos, music, and any other important files.
* Program Reinstallation: Any programs you installed *after* the restore point was created will likely need to be reinstalled. Make a list of these programs so you can easily reinstall them after the System Restore is complete.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Close all open programs. This is crucial to ensure a smooth System Restore process.
2. Open System Restore. Click the Start button, type “System Restore” in the search box, and press Enter. Alternatively, you can navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection. In the System Protection tab, click the “System Restore…” button.
3. Choose a restore point. The “System Restore” window will open. Click “Next”. You’ll see a list of available restore points. Select a restore point that was created *before* you installed Internet Explorer 11. If you’re not sure when IE11 was installed, choose the oldest restore point available. If you don’t see the restore point you want, check the box that says “Show more restore points”.
4. Scan for affected programs (Optional but Recommended). Before proceeding with the restore, it’s a good idea to scan for programs that will be affected by the restore. Select the restore point you want to use and click the “Scan for affected programs” button. This will show you a list of programs and drivers that might not work correctly after the restore. This information can help you decide whether to proceed with the selected restore point or choose a different one.
5. Confirm your restore point. After selecting your restore point, review the details and click “Next”. You’ll see a summary of the restore point you’ve chosen.
6. Start the System Restore process. Click “Finish” to begin the System Restore process. You’ll be prompted with a warning that System Restore cannot be undone after it has started. Be absolutely sure you’ve backed up your important data before proceeding. Click “Yes” to confirm and start the restore.
7. Your computer will restart and System Restore will begin. The System Restore process will take some time to complete. Your computer will restart several times during the process. Do not interrupt the process or turn off your computer.
8. Log in to your computer. After System Restore is complete, your computer will restart and you’ll be able to log in. You’ll see a message indicating whether the System Restore was successful.
9. Verify the uninstallation of Internet Explorer 11. Open Internet Explorer. You should see an older version (e.g., IE 8 or IE 9). Check the “About” section (usually under the Help menu – press Alt if you don’t see the menu) to confirm the version number.

Troubleshooting Tips for Method 2:

* System Restore fails: Sometimes, System Restore can fail due to various reasons. You can try running System Restore again, selecting a different restore point. You can also try running System Restore in Safe Mode. To enter Safe Mode, restart your computer and press the F8 key repeatedly as it starts up. Choose “Safe Mode” from the Advanced Boot Options menu. If System Restore continues to fail, there might be underlying issues with your Windows installation that need to be addressed.
* Blue screen errors after System Restore: If you encounter blue screen errors after System Restore, it could indicate a driver incompatibility. Try booting into Safe Mode and uninstalling any recently installed drivers. You might also need to update your drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
* Programs not working after System Restore: As mentioned earlier, programs installed *after* the restore point will likely need to be reinstalled. Refer to the list you made earlier and reinstall those programs.

Preventing Automatic Reinstallation of Internet Explorer 11

After uninstalling Internet Explorer 11 using either method, Windows Update might automatically try to reinstall it. To prevent this, you can hide the Internet Explorer 11 update in Windows Update.

Steps to Hide the Internet Explorer 11 Update:

1. Open Windows Update. Click the Start button, type “Windows Update” in the search box, and press Enter.
2. Check for updates. Click “Check for updates” in the left-hand pane.
3. Locate the Internet Explorer 11 update. After the update check is complete, if Internet Explorer 11 is listed as an available update, right-click on the update.
4. Hide the update. Select “Hide update” from the context menu.
5. Confirm the hidden update. Windows Update will now hide the Internet Explorer 11 update. It will no longer be offered as an available update unless you choose to unhide it.

Alternatives to Uninstalling: Disabling Internet Explorer 11

Instead of uninstalling Internet Explorer 11, you can simply disable it. This prevents it from being used as a web browser, but it leaves the necessary system files in place, potentially avoiding any compatibility issues. The steps to disable IE11 are the same as the steps to “uninstall” it using the Windows Features Control Panel (Method 1). Just uncheck the box next to “Internet Explorer 11” and restart your computer.

Conclusion

While completely removing Internet Explorer 11 from Windows 7 is generally not possible or recommended, you can effectively uninstall it by reverting to a previous version or disabling it. The Windows Features Control Panel method is the safest and easiest approach. System Restore can be used if you have a restore point from before the IE11 installation, but be mindful of potential data loss. Remember to hide the IE11 update in Windows Update to prevent it from being automatically reinstalled. By following these steps, you can manage Internet Explorer 11 on your Windows 7 system and choose the web browser that best suits your needs.

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for informational purposes only. The information provided is believed to be accurate, but we cannot guarantee that it will work in all situations. Uninstalling or modifying system files can potentially lead to system instability. Proceed at your own risk. Always back up your important data before making any significant changes to your system.