Internet Explorer 11 (IE 11) is the default web browser in Windows 8. It offers improved security features, better support for modern web standards, and enhanced performance. However, there may be situations where you need to downgrade IE 11 to IE 9. This could be due to compatibility issues with certain websites or specific software requirements. In this blog post, we will explore the challenges of downgrading IE 11 to 9 and provide step-by-step methods to achieve this.
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The Challenge of Downgrading IE 11 to 9
Downgrading IE 11 to 9 can be a challenging task because Microsoft does not officially support downgrading their web browser. As a result, there is no direct method available within the Windows operating system to achieve this. However, with some manual effort, it is possible to downgrade IE 11 to 9 by using alternate methods.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before attempting to downgrade IE 11 to 9, there are a few things you should prepare for:
1. Backup: It is always recommended to backup your important data before making any changes to your system. This includes bookmarks, saved passwords, and other important website data.
2. System Compatibility: Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for running IE 9. Check the official documentation provided by Microsoft to confirm compatibility.
3. Alternative Browser: In case you encounter any issues during the downgrade process, it is essential to have an alternative web browser installed on your system. This will ensure uninterrupted internet access even if IE 9 is not fully functional.
Now let’s explore step-by-step methods to downgrade IE 11 to 9.
Method 1: Using Internet Explorer 9 Release Candidate
Before proceeding with this method, please note that Internet Explorer 9 Release Candidate is a pre-release version of IE 9 and may contain bugs or stability issues. If possible, it is recommended to use the official stable release.
1. Download IE 9 Release Candidate: Visit the Microsoft website and search for "Internet Explorer 9 Release Candidate download." Click on the official Microsoft link to download the installer.
2. Run the Installer: Once the download is complete, locate the installer file and double-click on it to run the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
3. Disable Automatic Updates: After installing IE 9 Release Candidate, it is crucial to disable automatic updates for Internet Explorer. This will prevent the browser from automatically updating to the latest version available.
4. Set IE 9 as Default Browser: Open the Control Panel on your Windows 8 system and navigate to "Default Programs." Select "Set your default programs" and choose Internet Explorer 9 from the list of available programs. Click on "Set this program as default" to set IE 9 as your default browser.
5. Test Compatibility: Once the downgrade process is complete, it is essential to test the compatibility of websites and web applications that you frequently use. If any issues arise, try alternative methods mentioned below.
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Method 2: Via Compatibility View Settings
This method leverages the built-in Compatibility View feature in Internet Explorer to emulate the behavior of older versions of the browser.
1. Launch Internet Explorer 11: Open IE 11 by searching for it in the Windows Start Menu or by clicking on the IE icon in the taskbar.
2. Access Compatibility View Settings: Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner of the IE window to open the Tools menu. From the dropdown list, select "Compatibility View settings."
3. Add Websites: In the Compatibility View Settings window, enter the URLs of the websites that you want to view in IE 9 mode. Click on "Add" and then "Close" to save the changes.
4. Test Compatibility: Visit the websites added in the previous step to ensure they are now rendered using the compatibility mode of IE 9. If any issues persist, consider alternative methods.
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Method 3: Via Virtual Machine (VM)
Using a virtual machine is a more complex but reliable method to downgrade IE 11 to 9. It involves running an older version of Windows, such as Windows 7 or Windows XP, inside a virtual machine.
1. Install Virtual Machine Software: Download and install virtual machine software like Oracle VM VirtualBox or VMWare Player on your Windows 8 system.
2. Create a Virtual Machine: Using the virtual machine software, create a new virtual machine with the desired Windows version (e.g., Windows 7 or Windows XP). Follow the instructions provided by the virtualization software to complete the process.
3. Install IE 9 in the Virtual Machine: Once the virtual machine is set up, install Internet Explorer 9 inside the virtual machine. This will ensure that you have a separate instance of IE 9 running within the virtual environment.
4. Test Compatibility: Launch the virtual machine and test the compatibility of websites or web applications that require IE 9. If everything works as expected, you can use the virtual machine as a dedicated IE 9 environment.
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Method 4: Using Browser Emulation Mode
This method utilizes the built-in browser emulation mode in Internet Explorer to simulate different versions of the browser. This method is effective for testing purposes, but it may not provide a complete IE 9 experience.
1. Launch Internet Explorer 11: Open IE 11 by searching for it in the Windows Start Menu or by clicking on the IE icon in the taskbar.
2. Enable Browser Emulation Mode: Press F12 on your keyboard to open the Developer Tools window. Alternatively, you can right-click anywhere on the IE window and select "F12 Developer Tools" from the context menu. In the Developer Tools window, locate the "Emulation" tab and select "Internet Explorer 9" from the "Document mode" dropdown list.
3. Test Compatibility: Visit websites or web applications that require IE 9 to ensure they are rendered correctly in emulation mode. Keep in mind that this method does not provide the exact IE 9 functionality but can be sufficient for most compatibility testing scenarios.
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Why Can’t I Downgrade IE 11 to 9?
There are several reasons why you may encounter difficulties while trying to downgrade IE 11 to 9. Here are some common reasons and their potential fixes:
Q1: Why can’t I find the option to uninstall IE 11?
A: Microsoft does not provide an official uninstallation option for IE 11 in Windows 8. The only way to uninstall IE 11 is by selecting the "Turn Windows features on or off" option in the Control Panel, which will remove all Internet Explorer versions from your system.
Q2: Why can’t I install IE 9 on Windows 8?
A: Windows 8 comes with IE 10 as the default browser, and Microsoft does not support installing an older IE version on a newer Windows version. However, alternative methods mentioned earlier in this blog post can help you achieve a similar functionality.
Q3: Why can’t I access certain websites after downgrading to IE 9?
A: IE 9 is an older browser version that may not fully support all modern web standards. Some websites may require features or functionality that are only available in newer browsers. In such cases, you may need to use an alternative browser or consider other downgrade methods.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to optimize your experience while downgrading IE 11 to 9:
1. Clear Temporary Internet Files: Before downgrading, ensure that you clear your browser’s temporary internet files. This will prevent any potential conflicts or performance issues during the downgrade process.
2. Disable Automatic Updates: To prevent IE 11 from upgrading to the latest version automatically, disable automatic updates for Internet Explorer in the Control Panel.
3. Enable Enhanced Protected Mode (EPM): If you choose to continue using IE 9, enabling EPM can provide enhanced security features. You can find this setting in the IE settings under the "Advanced" tab.
5 FAQs about Downgrading IE 11 to 9
Q1: Can I install IE 9 alongside IE 11 on Windows 8?
A: No, Windows 8 does not support installing multiple versions of Internet Explorer simultaneously. You will need to downgrade or uninstall IE 11 to use IE 9.
Q2: Can I downgrade Internet Explorer on Windows 10?
A: The same downgrade methods mentioned in this blog post may not be applicable to Windows 10. Windows 10 comes with Microsoft Edge as the default browser, and Microsoft does not officially support downgrading to older IE versions on Windows 10.
Q3: Is it safe to use a pre-release version of IE 9 for downgrading?
A: Pre-release versions may have stability or security issues, so it is not recommended to use them in a production environment. Whenever possible, use the official stable release.
Q4: Will downgrading IE 11 to 9 impact the security of my system?
A: Downgrading IE 11 to 9 will impact the security of your system to some extent because newer browser versions include security enhancements and bug fixes. However, if you take other precautionary measures and only use IE 9 for specific compatibility purposes, the impact should be minimal.
Q5: Are there any third-party tools available to simplify the downgrade process?
A: There are some third-party tools available that claim to simplify the downgrade process. However, it is crucial to exercise caution while using such tools as they may carry potential risks, including malware or compatibility issues.
In Conclusion
While downgrading IE 11 to 9 can be a challenging task, it is possible to achieve using alternate methods. By following the step-by-step procedures outlined in this blog post, you can successfully downgrade IE 11 to 9 on your Windows 8 system. Remember to back up your data, test compatibility, and take necessary precautions to ensure a smooth transition.
