Hey guys! So, you're looking to download Internet Explorer for Windows 10 64-bit? That's an interesting quest, considering Microsoft is really pushing Edge these days. But don't worry, I get it. Sometimes you need IE for compatibility reasons, old websites, or specific web apps that just don't play nice with modern browsers. Let’s dive into how you can get IE running on your Windows 10 64-bit system.

Why Bother with Internet Explorer?

Before we get started, let's quickly address the elephant in the room: Why even bother with Internet Explorer when we have modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and, of course, Microsoft Edge? The primary reason is compatibility. Many older websites and internal web applications were designed specifically for Internet Explorer and use technologies that aren't supported by modern browsers. Think of things like ActiveX controls, Browser Helper Objects (BHOs), and specific versions of JavaScript that were common in the early days of the web. Businesses, in particular, often have legacy systems that rely on these older technologies, making IE a necessity for certain tasks. Another reason is the need for testing. Web developers sometimes need to test their websites in older browsers to ensure they still work for users who haven't upgraded. IE provides a convenient way to do this without having to set up virtual machines or use online emulators. Lastly, some users simply prefer the interface or features of Internet Explorer, even if it's no longer the most secure or feature-rich browser available. Whatever your reason, it's perfectly valid to want to run IE on your Windows 10 64-bit system.

The "Official" Way: It's Still There!

Okay, so here's the deal. Internet Explorer is still technically part of Windows 10, even though it's not the default browser and Microsoft really wants you to use Edge. It's hidden away, but it's there! You don't actually need to download anything extra in most cases. Instead, you just need to enable it. Here’s how:

1. Search for Internet Options: Click on the Windows search bar (usually next to the Start button) and type "Internet Options". You should see "Internet Options" appear in the search results. Click on it.
2. Navigate to the Programs Tab: In the Internet Options window, click on the "Programs" tab.
3. Manage Add-ons: Under the "Programs" tab, look for the "Manage add-ons" button and click it. This is a good place to check if any add-ons are causing issues with IE.
4. Find Internet Explorer: Now, here's the trick. Internet Explorer is often disabled by default. To enable it, go back to the Windows search bar and type "Turn Windows features on or off".
5. Enable Internet Explorer: In the "Windows Features" window, scroll down until you find "Internet Explorer 11". Make sure the box next to it is checked. If it's not, check it and click "OK".
6. Restart Your Computer: Windows will likely ask you to restart your computer to apply the changes. Do it! This is important to ensure that Internet Explorer is properly enabled.

After the restart, you should be able to find Internet Explorer in your Start menu under "Windows Accessories". If you still don't see it, try searching for "Internet Explorer" in the search bar. Voilà! You should now have Internet Explorer up and running on your Windows 10 64-bit system.

Dealing with Compatibility View

One of the most common issues you'll encounter when using Internet Explorer for compatibility is websites not displaying correctly. This is often because the website is using outdated code that IE doesn't know how to handle. Fortunately, IE has a feature called "Compatibility View" that can help. Compatibility View essentially tells IE to emulate an older version of the browser, which can often fix display issues.

To enable Compatibility View for a specific website:

1. Open Internet Explorer: Launch Internet Explorer from your Start menu or search bar.
2. Go to the Website: Navigate to the website that is not displaying correctly.
3. Open the Tools Menu: Click on the "Tools" menu. If you don't see the Tools menu, press the "Alt" key on your keyboard to make it appear.
4. Compatibility View Settings: In the "Tools" menu, click on "Compatibility View settings".
5. Add the Website: In the "Compatibility View settings" window, enter the URL of the website in the "Add this website" field and click "Add".
6. Close and Refresh: Close the "Compatibility View settings" window and refresh the website. It should now display correctly.

You can also choose to display all websites in Compatibility View by checking the "Display all websites in Compatibility View" box in the "Compatibility View settings" window. However, this is generally not recommended, as it can cause issues with modern websites. It's best to only enable Compatibility View for websites that specifically require it.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even after enabling Internet Explorer and using Compatibility View, you might still run into some issues. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Internet Explorer Won't Open: If Internet Explorer won't open at all, the first thing to check is whether it's actually enabled. Go back to "Turn Windows features on or off" and make sure "Internet Explorer 11" is checked. If it is, try restarting your computer. If that doesn't work, you might need to run the System File Checker to repair any corrupted system files. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator (search for "cmd", right-click, and select "Run as administrator") and type sfc /scannow. Press Enter and wait for the process to complete.
• Websites Still Don't Display Correctly: If a website still doesn't display correctly even with Compatibility View enabled, try clearing your browser cache and cookies. Go to "Internet Options", click on the "General" tab, and click on the "Delete" button under "Browsing history". Make sure "Temporary Internet files and website files" and "Cookies and website data" are checked, and then click "Delete". Restart Internet Explorer and try the website again.
• ActiveX Controls Not Working: ActiveX controls are a common cause of compatibility issues in Internet Explorer. If a website requires ActiveX controls and they're not working, you might need to adjust your security settings. Go to "Internet Options", click on the "Security" tab, select the "Internet" zone, and click on "Custom level". Scroll down to the "ActiveX controls and plug-ins" section and make sure "Download signed ActiveX controls" and "Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins" are enabled. Be careful when enabling these settings, as they can pose a security risk. Only enable them if you trust the website you're visiting.
• Script Errors: Script errors can occur when a website uses JavaScript code that is not compatible with Internet Explorer. To disable script debugging, go to "Internet Options", click on the "Advanced" tab, and check the box next to "Disable script debugging (Internet Explorer)". This will prevent script error messages from appearing, but it might not fix the underlying problem. If a website relies heavily on JavaScript, it might simply not work correctly in Internet Explorer.

Alternatives to Downloading: Emulation and Virtual Machines

If you're having trouble getting Internet Explorer to work correctly on your Windows 10 64-bit system, or if you need to test websites in multiple versions of IE, you might want to consider using emulation or virtual machines. Emulation allows you to run older versions of Internet Explorer within a modern browser, while virtual machines allow you to run entire operating systems, including older versions of Windows, on your computer.

• Browser Emulators: There are several browser emulators available that can mimic the behavior of older versions of Internet Explorer. These emulators typically work as browser extensions or online tools. Some popular options include BrowserStack, CrossBrowserTesting, and Sauce Labs. These tools allow you to test your websites in a variety of browsers and operating systems without having to install them on your computer.
• Virtual Machines: Virtual machines are a more powerful option for running older versions of Internet Explorer. A virtual machine is essentially a software-based computer that runs within your existing operating system. You can install an older version of Windows on the virtual machine and then run Internet Explorer within that environment. This gives you a completely isolated environment for testing websites and applications. Popular virtualization software includes VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, and Parallels Desktop.

Staying Safe While Using IE

Okay, last but not least, a big word of caution. Because IE is older and no longer gets the same security updates as modern browsers, it can be more vulnerable to security threats. So, if you absolutely have to use IE, please be extra careful. Here are a few tips:

• Don't use it for everyday browsing: Stick to Edge, Chrome, or Firefox for your regular internet activities. Only use IE for those specific sites or apps that require it.
• Keep your antivirus software up-to-date: A good antivirus program can help protect you from malware and other threats.
• Be careful about what you click: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources.
• Enable Protected Mode: IE has a feature called Protected Mode that can help limit the damage that malware can do. To enable Protected Mode, go to "Internet Options", click on the "Security" tab, select the "Internet" zone, and make sure the "Enable Protected Mode" box is checked.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! Downloading and using Internet Explorer on Windows 10 64-bit isn't as straightforward as it used to be, but it's definitely still possible. Just remember to be careful and only use IE when you absolutely need to. And who knows, maybe someday those old websites will finally get updated and you can ditch IE for good!