Internet Explorer has been a longstanding web browser that has come pre-installed on Windows operating systems for many years. However, with the release of Windows Server 2019, Microsoft has decided to remove Internet Explorer as a default application. This decision has been made in order to promote the use of Microsoft Edge, the latest web browser developed by Microsoft.
In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind the removal of Internet Explorer from Windows Server 2019, and provide you with step-by-step methods on how to remove Internet Explorer from your Windows Server 2019 installation. Whether you are an IT administrator or simply a user who prefers alternative web browsers, this guide will help you navigate through the process.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before you begin the process of removing Internet Explorer from your Windows Server 2019, there are a few things you should have:
1. Administrator access: You will need to have administrator access to your Windows Server 2019 in order to make changes to the system.
2. Alternative web browser: It is recommended to have an alternative web browser installed on your system before removing Internet Explorer. This will ensure that you can still browse the web after the removal.
What Requires Your Focus?
Removing Internet Explorer from your Windows Server 2019 requires your focus to ensure that the process is executed correctly and smoothly. Here are a few aspects that you should pay attention to:
1. System stability: Removing Internet Explorer should not cause any stability issues with your Windows Server 2019. However, it is always important to have a backup of your system in case any unexpected issues arise.
2. User impact: If your server is used by multiple users, it is important to communicate the removal of Internet Explorer and provide them with alternative web browsers to use.
3. Compatibility: Some legacy web applications may still require Internet Explorer to function properly. Before removing Internet Explorer, ensure that your server does not have any such applications that depend on it.
Now, let’s dive into the methods on how to remove Internet Explorer from Windows Server 2019.
Method 1. Via Control Panel
Removing Internet Explorer from Windows Server 2019 can be done through the Control Panel. Follow the steps below to complete the process:
Step 1: Open the Control Panel by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting "Control Panel" from the menu.
Step 2: In the Control Panel window, click on "Programs" followed by "Programs and Features".
Step 3: On the left side of the window, click on "Turn Windows features on or off".
Step 4: In the Windows Features window, locate the "Internet Explorer 11" option and uncheck the box next to it.
Step 5: Click on "OK" to proceed with the removal.
Step 6: Wait for the removal process to complete. Once finished, click on "Restart Now" to restart your Windows Server 2019.
Pros Cons
1. Easy to access and use. 1. Some legacy applications may still require Internet Explorer.
2. Can be done through the Control Panel without the need for additional tools or software.
3. Removes Internet Explorer without affecting the stability of the system.
Method 2. Via PowerShell
Alternatively, you can remove Internet Explorer from Windows Server 2019 using PowerShell, a powerful command-line shell and scripting language. Follow the steps below to remove Internet Explorer using PowerShell:
Step 1: Open PowerShell as an administrator. You can do this by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".
Step 2: In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
"`
Get-WindowsPackage -Online | where { $_.PackageName -like "*Internet-Explorer-Optional-amd64*" } | Remove-WindowsPackage -Online -NoRestart
"`
Step 3: Wait for the removal process to complete. Once finished, you may choose to restart your server to apply the changes or continue without restarting.
Pros Cons
1. Removes Internet Explorer using a 1. Requires familiarity with PowerShell and command-line operations.
straightforward command. 2. Risk of making unintended changes to the system if commands are not executed correctly.
2. Provides control and flexibility over 3. May not be suitable for users who are not comfortable with using command-line interfaces.
the removal process.
Method 3. Via DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)
DISM is a command-line tool that is used to repair and prepare Windows images. In this method, we will use DISM to remove Internet Explorer from Windows Server 2019. Follow the steps below to remove Internet Explorer using DISM:
Step 1: Open PowerShell as an administrator.
Step 2: In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
"`
dism /online /norestart /disable-feature /featurename:Internet-Explorer-Optional-amd64
"`
Step 3: Wait for the removal process to complete. Once finished, you may choose to restart your server to apply the changes or continue without restarting.
Pros Cons
1. Removes Internet Explorer using DISM, 1. Requires familiarity with DISM and command-line operations.
a powerful tool for Windows image management. 2. Risk of making unintended changes to the system if commands are not executed correctly.
2. Provides control and flexibility over the 3. May not be suitable for users who are not comfortable with using command-line interfaces.
removal process.
Method 4. Via Group Policy
If you are managing multiple Windows Server 2019 installations and want to remove Internet Explorer from all of them, you can utilize Group Policy. Follow the steps below to remove Internet Explorer using Group Policy:
Step 1: Open the Group Policy Management Editor by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "gpedit.msc" and pressing Enter.
Step 2: In the Group Policy Management Editor window, navigate to "Computer Configuration" > "Policies" > "Administrative Templates" > "Windows Components" > "Internet Explorer".
Step 3: In the right-side pane, double-click on the "Turn off Internet Explorer" policy.
Step 4: In the policy settings window, select "Enabled" and click on "Apply" followed by "OK".
Step 5: Close the Group Policy Management Editor.
Pros Cons
1. Allows for the removal of Internet 1. Requires access to the Group Policy Management Editor, which may not be available in all Windows Server 2019 installations.
Explorer on multiple Windows Server 2019 2. Changes made via Group Policy apply to all affected systems, which may not be desired in certain cases.
installations simultaneously.
2. Provides centralized control and 3. Requires familiarity with the Group Policy Management Editor and Group Policy settings.
management over the removal process.
Why Can’t I Remove Internet Explorer? (Issues and Fixes)
Q1: Why can’t I remove Internet Explorer via Control Panel?
A: If the "Turn Windows features on or off" option is grayed out or missing in the Control Panel, it may be due to the Group Policy settings on your Windows Server 2019. In this case, you will need to use an alternative method such as PowerShell or DISM to remove Internet Explorer.
Q2: Why is PowerShell not working to remove Internet Explorer?
A: PowerShell may not work to remove Internet Explorer if the necessary PowerShell execution policy is not set. To fix this, open PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command:
"`
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope CurrentUser
"`
This will set the execution policy to allow running scripts and commands from within PowerShell.
Q3: Why is DISM not removing Internet Explorer?
A: DISM may fail to remove Internet Explorer if the necessary dependencies or components are not present. To fix this, try running the following command in an elevated PowerShell window before using DISM:
"`
\Windows\System32\dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
"`
This command will attempt to repair any corrupted system files that may be preventing the removal of Internet Explorer.
Implications and Recommendations
The removal of Internet Explorer from Windows Server 2019 comes with a few implications and recommendations:
1. Compatibility: Before removing Internet Explorer, ensure that your server does not have any legacy web applications that depend on it. If necessary, consider virtualizing or isolating such applications to ensure they can still function properly.
2. User training: If your server is used by multiple users, communicate the removal of Internet Explorer and provide them with alternative web browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox.
3. Security updates: As Internet Explorer is no longer supported by Microsoft on Windows Server 2019, it is important to keep your alternative web browser (such as Microsoft Edge) up to date to ensure you receive regular security updates.
5 FAQs about Removing Internet Explorer from Windows Server 2019
Q1: Can I reinstall Internet Explorer after removing it?
A: Yes, you can reinstall Internet Explorer on Windows Server 2019 if you require it. You can do this through the Control Panel by following similar steps to the removal process.
Q2: Will removing Internet Explorer affect other applications on my server?
A: Removing Internet Explorer should not affect other applications on your server. However, it is always recommended to have a backup of your system before making any major changes.
Q3: Can I remove Internet Explorer on older versions of Windows Server?
A: Yes, you can remove Internet Explorer on older versions of Windows Server using similar methods. However, please note that the steps may vary slightly depending on the specific version of Windows Server.
Q4: What are the benefits of removing Internet Explorer?
A: Removing Internet Explorer can help streamline your server’s web browsing capabilities and promote the use of more modern and secure web browsers such as Microsoft Edge.
Q5: Can I remove Internet Explorer on Windows client operating systems?
A: Yes, you can remove Internet Explorer on Windows client operating systems using similar methods. However, it is important to note that Internet Explorer may still be required by some applications or systems on client operating systems.
Final Words
The removal of Internet Explorer from Windows Server 2019 is a strategic move by Microsoft to encourage the adoption of their latest web browser, Microsoft Edge. While Internet Explorer has served as a well-known and widely used browser for many years, it is important to adapt to the changing landscape of web technologies and security requirements.
By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can successfully remove Internet Explorer from your Windows Server 2019 installation. Remember to consider the implications and recommendations mentioned, and ensure to communicate the changes to any users who may be affected. Embracing newer web browsers will not only provide a more secure browsing experience but also ensure compatibility with modern web technologies and standards.
