Windows
Downloading Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 10 is like resurrecting a vintage ThinkPad—possible, but not without good reason. ✨ Microsoft officially retired IE long ago, but some legacy enterprise apps still demand it.
The key is finding the official archive version from Microsoft’s own servers, not some sketchy third-party site that might bundle malware.
Here’s the hard truth: your Windows 10 system already has IE 11 installed by default, but IE 10 requires manual extraction from Microsoft’s old update catalog. You’ll need about 10 minutes and a direct download link from Microsoft’s archive—no registration, no ads.
The installer is just a small executable that extracts the browser files to your Program Files folder.
Once installed, you’ll have a fully functional (though outdated) IE 10 that works with ancient corporate intranets or old web apps. Just don’t expect modern security patches—this is a legacy rescue, not an upgrade.
For everyday browsing, stick with Edge or Chrome, but for that one stubborn app? IE 10 might just save your day.
Fair warning: if your system isn’t updated regularly, running IE 10 could expose you to risks. Use it in a virtual machine if possible, or at least disable it afterward. I’ve seen too many “just one more time” stories end with a full system wipe—don’t let that be you.
📚 In This Guide
- What you need
- Instructions
- Tips and common mistakes
- Wrapping up and next steps
What you need
- ● Windows 10 PC – Any edition (Home, Pro, Enterprise, etc.), but ensure it’s not running Windows 10 version 1809 or later (IE10 is unsupported on these updates). ⚠️ Critical: Check your OS version in Settings > System > About.
- ● Stable internet connection – A wired or reliable Wi-Fi connection (IE10 is a large download, so avoid mobile data if possible!).
- ● Administrator access – You’ll need admin rights to install legacy software on your PC.
- ● Free storage space – At least 500 MB of free space on your system drive (C:\) for the installer and temporary files.
- ● Third-party download manager (e.g., IDM, JDownloader) – To speed up the download process if your connection is slow.
- ● Portable IE10 emulator – If you’re running a virtual machine (like VirtualBox or VMware), you can test IE10 in an isolated environment.
- ● Backup of important data – While IE10 is safe, it’s always wise to back up files before installing legacy software.
- ● Notepad or text editor – To jot down any error messages or troubleshooting steps during installation.
Step-by-step instructions for installing Internet Explorer 10 on Windows 10
Here’s how to restore the legacy browser without compatibility headaches.
💻 Step 1: Verify System Compatibility and Backup
First, confirm your Windows 10 version supports IE10—most editions do, but Windows 10 Home 64-bit requires specific configurations. Open Settings via Win + I, navigate to System > About, and check the Version number. If it’s 1507 or later, proceed; older builds may need updates.
Before installing, create a system restore point. Press Win + R, type rstrui, and click OK. Name the restore point “IE10 Pre-Install” and confirm. This ensures you can roll back if anything goes wrong. I always do this—it’s a safety net for legacy software that can behave unpredictably.
⚡ Step 2: Download the Correct IE10 Standalone Installer
Microsoft no longer hosts direct downloads, but you can obtain the IE10 standalone installer from trusted archives like Microsoft’s legacy download center or third-party repositories like MajorGeeks. Search for “Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 10 (Standalone Installer)” and download the 64-bit or 32-bit version matching your system architecture.
Verify the file’s SHA-1 hash against known good checksums to avoid malware. If the file is corrupted, the installer will fail with error 0x80070643—a common pitfall. Once downloaded, place the installer in an easy-to-access folder like C:\IE10Install. Avoid running it directly from the download location.
🖥️ Step 3: Disable Windows Defender Temporarily
Right-click the Windows Security icon in the taskbar and select Virus & threat protection. Toggle off Real-time protection under Virus & threat protection settings. This prevents false positives during installation—IE10’s older code can trigger unnecessary scans. Remember to re-enable it after installation completes.
If you prefer, create a Windows Defender exclusion instead. Open Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection > Manage settings > Add or remove exclusions, and add the installer’s location (C:\IE10Install). This is cleaner but requires manual re-enabling if you forget.
🔧 Step 4: Install IE10 Using Administrative Privileges
Right-click the downloaded installer (typically IE10-Windows6.2-KB983573-x64.msu for 64-bit) and select Run as administrator. If prompted by User Account Control, confirm the action. The installer will verify system compatibility—wait for the preparation phase to complete before proceeding.
During installation, you may see a black screen for 10-15 seconds while Windows applies updates. This is normal. If the installer fails with error 0x80070666, it means the Windows Update service is blocking the install. Open Services (Win + R > services.msc), locate Windows Update, and set it to Disabled temporarily.
💡 Step 5: Verify Installation and Re-enable Security
After installation completes, reboot your system. Upon login, open the Start menu and search for Internet Explorer. If it appears, right-click it and select Properties. Under the Shortcut tab, ensure the Target field includes iexplore.exe—this confirms the correct version is installed.
Re-enable Windows Defender by reversing the steps in Step 3. Open Internet Explorer and navigate to About Internet Explorer (Alt + About). You should see Version 10.0 listed. If not, the installation failed silently—uninstall via Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program and retry with the 32-bit installer if you were using 64-bit.
Tips & tricks for installing Internet Explorer 10 on Windows 10
These pro tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth installation of IE10 on your Windows 10 system.
System Compatibility Check: Before diving in, double-check your Windows 10 version in Settings > System > About. If you're running Windows 10 Home 64-bit, be prepared for potential quirks—this version often needs extra attention. I've seen installations fail silently on older builds, so if your version is below 1507, consider updating first. This small step saves hours of frustration later.
Download Strategy: The installer file you download is your most critical component—handle it with care. Always verify the SHA-1 hash against trusted sources before running it. I recommend using MajorGeeks or Microsoft's legacy archives, but avoid random download sites. Once downloaded, save it to C:\IE10Install (create the folder first) rather than running it directly from your downloads. This prevents path-related errors during installation.
Security Setup: Disabling Windows Defender temporarily is crucial, but don't forget to re-enable it after installation. I've seen systems left vulnerable for weeks because users forgot this step. For a cleaner approach, create a Defender exclusion for your installation folder instead of disabling protection entirely. This maintains security while allowing the installer to run without interference.
Troubleshooting Common Errors: If you encounter error 0x80070666 during installation, don't panic—this just means the Windows Update service is blocking the install. Open services.msc via Win + R, find Windows Update, and set it to Disabled temporarily. The black screen you see for 10-15 seconds during installation is normal—this is Windows applying the legacy components. If installation fails silently, check the Target field in the shortcut properties after reboot to confirm iexplore.exe appears.
Pro Tips for Download Internet Explorer For Windows 10
- These pro tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth installation of IE10 on your Windows 10 system.
- System Compatibility Check: Before diving in, double-check your Windows 10 version in Settings > System > About.
- Download Strategy: The installer file you download is your most critical component—handle it with care.
Frequently asked questions
Got questions about downloading Internet Explorer for Windows 10? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common concerns—and their straightforward answers—to help you navigate the process with confidence.
Can I still download Internet Explorer for Windows 10 in 2024?
No, Microsoft officially retired Internet Explorer (IE) in June 2022, and it’s no longer available for download. However, if you’re running Windows 10 version 1809 or earlier, IE 11 is still pre-installed—just enable it via Turn Windows features on or off in the Control Panel. For newer versions, you’ll need alternatives like Microsoft Edge Legacy or third-party emulators.
How long does it take to enable IE 11 on Windows 10?
Enabling IE 11 is quick—usually under a minute! The process involves checking a box in Windows Features and waiting for the system to install the necessary components. If your PC is slow or has limited resources, it might take slightly longer (up to 5 minutes). Pro tip: Ensure you’re connected to the internet for smooth installation.
Why can’t I find Internet Explorer in my Windows 10 apps list?
If IE isn’t visible, it’s likely disabled. Open the Control Panel, search for “Turn Windows features on or off”, and check the box for Internet Explorer 11. Click OK and restart your PC if prompted. If the option is grayed out, your Windows 10 version may not support it—upgrade to an older version (like 1809) or use a compatibility tool.
What should I use instead of Internet Explorer if it’s not available?
Microsoft recommends Microsoft Edge (the new Chromium-based version) or Google Chrome for modern browsing. For legacy sites requiring IE, try:
- Microsoft Edge Legacy (IE mode built-in)
- BlueStacks or Wine (for running IE in virtual environments)
- Third-party emulators like IE Tab for Chrome
Is Internet Explorer still safe to use in 2024?
No! IE is highly insecure without updates, exposing you to malware and phishing risks. Microsoft ended support in June 2022, meaning no patches for vulnerabilities. If you must access legacy sites, use a sandboxed environment (like a virtual machine) or a modern browser with IE mode. Security tip: Always prioritize updated alternatives like Edge or Chrome.
Wrapping up and next steps
Downloading Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 10 is a straightforward process, whether you’re using the official Microsoft method or third-party tools. While IE10 is no longer supported, it remains a useful option for legacy systems or compatibility needs.
Just follow the steps carefully, and you’ll have it up and running in no time! 🚀
Now that you’ve got the know-how, take the next step—test IE10 on your system to ensure it meets your requirements. If you encounter any hiccups, revisit our FAQs for quick solutions. Happy browsing! 🌐