Internet Explorer, although an outdated browser, still holds a special place in the hearts of many users. Despite the rise of more modern and feature-rich browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, some users still prefer to use Internet Explorer for various reasons. One common issue that Internet Explorer users face is that it doesn’t always open links by default. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this issue and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make Internet Explorer open links by default.
Understanding the Issue
Before we dive into the solution, it’s essential to understand why Internet Explorer might not be opening links by default. There are several reasons for this:
- Default browser settings: If Internet Explorer is not set as the default browser on your system, it may not open links by default. This is because the default browser is responsible for handling links and opening them.
- Browser associations: Internet Explorer may not be associated with the correct file types or protocols, which can prevent it from opening links by default.
- Registry issues: Corrupted or incorrect registry entries can also cause Internet Explorer to not open links by default.
Setting Internet Explorer as the Default Browser
The first step in making Internet Explorer open links by default is to set it as the default browser on your system. Here’s how to do it:
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For Windows 10 and 8.1
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Go to the Start menu and click on the “Settings” icon.
- Click on the “System” option.
- Click on the “Default apps” option.
- Click on the “Web browser” option.
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Select Internet Explorer from the list of available browsers.
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For Windows 7
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Go to the Start menu and click on the “Control Panel” option.
- Click on the “Programs” option.
- Click on the “Default Programs” option.
- Click on the “Set your default programs” option.
- Select Internet Explorer from the list of available browsers.
Associating Internet Explorer with File Types and Protocols
Once Internet Explorer is set as the default browser, you need to associate it with the correct file types and protocols. Here’s how to do it:
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For Windows 10 and 8.1
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Go to the Start menu and click on the “Settings” icon.
- Click on the “System” option.
- Click on the “Default apps” option.
- Click on the “Choose default apps by file type” option.
- Select Internet Explorer as the default app for the following file types:
- .htm
- .html
- .shtml
- .xhtml
- Click on the “Choose default apps by protocol” option.
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Select Internet Explorer as the default app for the following protocols:
- http
- https
- ftp
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For Windows 7
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Go to the Start menu and click on the “Control Panel” option.
- Click on the “Programs” option.
- Click on the “Default Programs” option.
- Click on the “Associate a file type or protocol with a program” option.
- Select Internet Explorer as the default program for the following file types:
- .htm
- .html
- .shtml
- .xhtml
- Select Internet Explorer as the default program for the following protocols:
- http
- https
- ftp
Editing Registry Entries
If setting Internet Explorer as the default browser and associating it with file types and protocols doesn’t work, you may need to edit the registry entries. Here’s how to do it:
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Warning: Editing the registry can be risky, so make sure to back up your registry before making any changes.
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Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter.
- Navigate to the following registry key:
- HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\http\shell\open\command
- Double-click on the “Default” value and enter the following value:
- “C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe” -nohome
- Navigate to the following registry key:
- HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\https\shell\open\command
- Double-click on the “Default” value and enter the following value:
- “C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe” -nohome
Verifying the Changes
Once you’ve made the changes, you need to verify that Internet Explorer is opening links by default. Here’s how to do it:
- Open a new instance of Internet Explorer.
- Click on a link to test if it opens in Internet Explorer.
If Internet Explorer is still not opening links by default, you may need to restart your system or try the troubleshooting steps below.
Troubleshooting Steps
If you’re still facing issues with Internet Explorer not opening links by default, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:
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Reset Internet Explorer Settings
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Open Internet Explorer.
- Click on the “Tools” menu.
- Click on the “Internet Options” option.
- Click on the “Advanced” tab.
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Click on the “Reset” button.
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Disable Add-ons
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Open Internet Explorer.
- Click on the “Tools” menu.
- Click on the “Manage add-ons” option.
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Disable all add-ons and restart Internet Explorer.
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Reinstall Internet Explorer
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Go to the Start menu and click on the “Control Panel” option.
- Click on the “Programs” option.
- Click on the “Programs and Features” option.
- Select Internet Explorer and click on the “Uninstall” button.
- Restart your system and reinstall Internet Explorer.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to make Internet Explorer open links by default. Remember to always be cautious when editing registry entries and to back up your registry before making any changes.
What is the purpose of setting Internet Explorer as the default browser for opening links?
Setting Internet Explorer as the default browser for opening links allows users to open web pages directly in Internet Explorer when they click on a link. This can be useful for users who prefer to use Internet Explorer for browsing the internet or for specific tasks that require Internet Explorer. By setting Internet Explorer as the default browser, users can avoid having to copy and paste links into the browser or having to manually open Internet Explorer to access a link.
Additionally, setting Internet Explorer as the default browser can also improve the user experience by providing a seamless and efficient way to access web pages. When Internet Explorer is set as the default browser, users can simply click on a link and it will automatically open in Internet Explorer, without having to take any additional steps.
How do I know if Internet Explorer is set as my default browser?
To check if Internet Explorer is set as your default browser, you can follow a few simple steps. First, open the Control Panel on your computer and click on the “Programs” or “Programs and Features” option. Then, click on the “Default Programs” option and select “Set your default programs.” In the list of programs, look for Internet Explorer and check if it is listed as the default browser for opening links.
If Internet Explorer is not listed as the default browser, you can follow the steps outlined in the article to set it as the default browser. Alternatively, you can also check the default browser settings in the Internet Explorer browser itself. To do this, open Internet Explorer and click on the “Tools” menu, then select “Internet Options.” In the Internet Options window, click on the “Programs” tab and look for the “Default web browser” option.
What are the steps to set Internet Explorer as the default browser for opening links?
To set Internet Explorer as the default browser for opening links, follow these steps: Open the Control Panel on your computer and click on the “Programs” or “Programs and Features” option. Then, click on the “Default Programs” option and select “Set your default programs.” In the list of programs, select Internet Explorer and click on the “Set this program as default” option.
Once you have selected Internet Explorer as the default browser, click on the “OK” button to save the changes. You can also set Internet Explorer as the default browser for specific file types, such as .html or .htm files. To do this, select the file type in the list of programs and click on the “Change program” option. Then, select Internet Explorer as the default program for that file type.
Will setting Internet Explorer as the default browser affect other browsers on my computer?
Setting Internet Explorer as the default browser will not affect other browsers on your computer. You can still use other browsers, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, to access the internet. However, when you click on a link, it will automatically open in Internet Explorer instead of the other browser.
If you want to use a different browser to open a link, you can simply copy and paste the link into the other browser or manually open the other browser to access the link. Setting Internet Explorer as the default browser only changes the default behavior for opening links, it does not affect the functionality of other browsers on your computer.
Can I set Internet Explorer as the default browser for specific file types only?
Yes, you can set Internet Explorer as the default browser for specific file types only. To do this, follow the steps outlined in the article to access the Default Programs settings. Then, select the file type you want to associate with Internet Explorer, such as .html or .htm files. Click on the “Change program” option and select Internet Explorer as the default program for that file type.
By setting Internet Explorer as the default browser for specific file types, you can control which browser is used to open specific types of files. For example, you can set Internet Explorer as the default browser for .html files, but use a different browser for .pdf files. This allows you to customize your browsing experience and use different browsers for different tasks.
How do I reset the default browser settings to their original values?
To reset the default browser settings to their original values, follow these steps: Open the Control Panel on your computer and click on the “Programs” or “Programs and Features” option. Then, click on the “Default Programs” option and select “Set your default programs.” In the list of programs, select the browser that was originally set as the default browser and click on the “Set this program as default” option.
Alternatively, you can also reset the default browser settings by uninstalling and reinstalling Internet Explorer. To do this, go to the Control Panel and click on the “Programs and Features” option. Then, select Internet Explorer from the list of installed programs and click on the “Uninstall” option. Once you have uninstalled Internet Explorer, restart your computer and then reinstall Internet Explorer.
Are there any potential risks or issues associated with setting Internet Explorer as the default browser?
Setting Internet Explorer as the default browser may pose some potential risks or issues, such as security vulnerabilities or compatibility problems with certain websites. Internet Explorer is an older browser that may not have the same level of security features as newer browsers, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
Additionally, some websites may not be optimized for Internet Explorer, which can cause compatibility problems or errors when accessing those websites. However, if you still want to use Internet Explorer as your default browser, you can take steps to mitigate these risks, such as installing security updates and using a reputable antivirus program to protect your computer.