To open this page in internet explorer mode reinstall microsoft edge with administrator privileges

The error message “To open this page in Internet Explorer mode, reinstall Microsoft Edge with administrator privileges” can be frustrating, especially for users who rely on Microsoft Edge’s Internet Explorer (IE) mode for compatibility with older websites and applications. This issue manifests when users attempt to open a webpage in IE mode within Microsoft Edge, only to encounter a prompt requiring them to reinstall the browser with administrator rights.

Let’s delve into why this issue occurs, how it affects users, and how to resolve it.

Why Internet Explorer Mode Matters

Microsoft has phased out Internet Explorer as a standalone browser, pushing users toward Microsoft Edge, which integrates IE mode. IE mode is crucial for businesses or users who need to access legacy websites and applications that are only compatible with Internet Explorer. This feature allows users to run these older sites within Edge, ensuring they can still access critical information without needing a separate browser.

When IE mode isn’t working as expected, and users see the error “To open this page in Internet Explorer mode, reinstall Microsoft Edge with administrator privileges,” it often signals that something is wrong with the browser installation or its permissions.

Possible Causes of the Error

1. Insufficient Administrative Privileges: The error can arise when Microsoft Edge was not installed with the correct permissions. Without administrator privileges, certain features like IE mode may fail to operate as expected.
2. Corrupted Installation: If the installation of Microsoft Edge is incomplete or corrupted, IE mode may not function properly. In this case, reinstalling the browser with administrative privileges is necessary.
3. Outdated or Conflicting Settings: Sometimes, outdated group policies, registry settings, or conflicts with other software can prevent IE mode from launching correctly.
4. Disabled IE Mode: If the browser settings or group policies have disabled IE mode, it will lead to this error when trying to access certain legacy sites.

Real-World Examples and User Experiences

On various forums, users have shared their frustrations with this error. For instance, some report that the error appeared after a Windows update, while others noted that changing group policies in an enterprise environment led to the malfunction of IE mode. A common thread among these experiences is that reinstalling Microsoft Edge with administrative privileges often resolved the issue, but not without confusion over how to properly execute the solution.

How to Fix the Error: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

1. Check If IE Mode is Enabled

Before attempting more complex fixes, ensure that Internet Explorer mode is enabled in your browser.

• Open Microsoft Edge.
• Click on the three dots (menu) in the upper right corner.
• Go to Settings > Default Browser.
• Under “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode,” make sure this option is enabled.

If IE mode is disabled, the browser will not attempt to load pages in IE mode, leading to this error.

2. Run Microsoft Edge as Administrator

One of the simplest ways to resolve the error is to run Microsoft Edge with administrator privileges temporarily.

• Right-click the Microsoft Edge shortcut on your desktop or Start menu.
• Select Run as administrator.

By running Edge with elevated privileges, you can see if the issue persists. If this resolves the error, it suggests a permissions problem with your Edge installation.

3. Reinstall Microsoft Edge with Administrator Privileges

If running Edge as an administrator temporarily fixes the problem, you may need to reinstall Microsoft Edge with proper privileges to make the fix permanent.

• First, uninstall Microsoft Edge:
  • Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
  • Scroll down to Microsoft Edge, select it, and click Uninstall.
• Download the latest version of Microsoft Edge from the official website.
• Install Microsoft Edge with administrative privileges:
  • Right-click the installer file and select Run as administrator.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Reinstalling Edge with administrative privileges ensures that all necessary features, including IE mode, are correctly configured and can function without further permission issues.

4. Modify Group Policy Settings (Enterprise Users)

For users in an enterprise environment, group policy settings could be blocking IE mode. Here’s how to check and modify these settings:

• Press Windows + R and type gpedit.msc to open the Group Policy Editor.
• Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge.
• Check the settings related to IE mode. Ensure that IE mode is allowed and enabled for the necessary websites.

Changes to group policies require administrative privileges, so be sure you have the necessary permissions to modify these settings.

5. Reset or Repair Microsoft Edge

If reinstalling Edge doesn’t work, you may need to repair or reset the browser.

• Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
• Scroll to Microsoft Edge and click on it.
• Select Modify > Repair. This will attempt to fix any corrupted files without deleting your browser data.

Alternatively, you can reset Microsoft Edge:

• In the same menu, select Reset. This will restore the browser to its default state, which may resolve any issues related to IE mode.

Preventing Similar Issues in the Future

To avoid encountering the “To open this page in Internet Explorer mode, reinstall Microsoft Edge with administrator privileges” error again, follow these best practices:

1. Always Install Software with Administrative Privileges: When installing critical software like browsers, it’s important to use administrator privileges to ensure all components are properly configured. This prevents issues with permissions and features like IE mode.
2. Regularly Update Microsoft Edge: Keeping your browser up to date ensures that you’re using the latest version with all bug fixes and security patches. Microsoft regularly updates Edge, and staying current helps avoid compatibility problems.
3. Monitor Group Policies: In enterprise environments, changes to group policies can inadvertently disable key features like IE mode. Ensure that the IT department communicates any changes, and verify settings if features suddenly stop working.
4. Backup Browser Settings: If you frequently use features like IE mode, consider backing up your browser settings or creating a system restore point. This allows you to quickly revert to a previous configuration if something goes wrong.

Conclusion

The error “To open this page in Internet Explorer mode, reinstall Microsoft Edge with administrator privileges” can be frustrating, but it’s usually a straightforward issue to resolve with the right steps. Whether it’s running the browser as an administrator, reinstalling it with the correct permissions, or modifying group policies, you can restore full functionality to Microsoft Edge’s IE mode.