Reverting to a Previous Internet Explorer Version

Reverting to a Previous Internet Explorer Version

Sometimes, a new version of a web browser like Internet Explorer may introduce compatibility issues with web applications or internal tools. In such cases, reverting to a previous version can be necessary. This tutorial outlines the steps to uninstall a newer Internet Explorer version and reinstall an older one. These instructions are particularly relevant when encountering issues after upgrading to Internet Explorer 11 and needing to return to Internet Explorer 10.

Understanding the Process

The core of this process involves removing the update that installed the newer version of Internet Explorer through the "Programs and Features" section of the Windows Control Panel. Windows treats Internet Explorer updates like any other software update, allowing you to uninstall them to restore a previous version.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Access Programs and Features:

   • Open the Control Panel. You can typically find this by searching for "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar.
   • Within the Control Panel, navigate to Programs (or Programs and Features). If you’re viewing by Category, click "Uninstall a program" under the "Programs" section.

2. View Installed Updates:

   • In the "Programs and Features" window, click on "View installed updates" located in the left-hand sidebar. This will display a list of all updates installed on your system, including those for Internet Explorer.

3. Locate Internet Explorer Updates:

   • Scroll through the list of installed updates to find entries related to "Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer 11" (or the version you wish to remove). You may see multiple entries – identify those specifically referencing the update itself, not just related components.

4. Uninstall the Update:

   • Right-click on the "Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer 11" update (or the specific update you want to remove).
   • Select "Uninstall" from the context menu. Windows will prompt you for confirmation.

5. Confirm and Restart:

   • Confirm the uninstallation. Windows will begin the process of removing the update and restoring the previous version of Internet Explorer.
   • You will be prompted to restart your computer once the uninstallation is complete. Restart your computer to finalize the process.

6. Reinstalling an Older Version (If Necessary):

   • After restarting, you may find that Internet Explorer has reverted to the previous version (e.g., Internet Explorer 10). If not, or if you want to ensure you have the exact version you need, you can download and install it directly from Microsoft’s website.
   • Visit the Microsoft Download Center (search for "Internet Explorer 10 download" or the desired version). Ensure you download the version compatible with your operating system (32-bit or 64-bit).
   • Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

Important Considerations

• Backup: Before making any significant changes to your system, it’s always a good practice to create a system restore point or back up your important data.
• Administrator Privileges: You will need administrator privileges to uninstall updates and install software.
• Compatibility: While reverting to an older version can resolve compatibility issues, it may also expose you to security vulnerabilities present in that older version. Keep your system updated with the latest security patches for the version you are using.
• Operating System Support: Ensure the version of Internet Explorer you are attempting to install is supported by your version of Windows.