Disable IEToEdge BHO to Stop IE11 Redirect to Edge

Internet Explorer (IE) has been around for a long time, but its usage has dwindled over the years due to compatibility issues with modern web applications. With the introduction of Windows 10, Microsoft has shifted its focus to Edge, its new web browser. However, many users still prefer using IE for legacy applications or personal preference.

Unfortunately, Microsoft has made it so that when a user tries to open a website on IE that is incompatible, it automatically redirects the user to Edge. This can be frustrating for users who prefer using IE. In this article, we will explore how to disable IEToEdge BHO via registry or GPO to stop IE11 redirect to Edge on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

What is IEToEdge BHO?

BHO stands for Browser Helper Object, and it is a software component that adds features to the browser. The IEToEdge BHO is a helper object that Microsoft introduced in Windows 10 version 20H2, and its primary function is to redirect the Internet Explorer browser to Microsoft Edge. This behavior is designed to promote Microsoft Edge, but it can be frustrating for users who prefer using Internet Explorer.

Also see: How to Remove Edge as Default Browser in Windows 11

Why disable IEToEdge BHO?

The IEToEdge BHO can cause issues for users who prefer using Internet Explorer, as it can automatically redirect them to Microsoft Edge. This can be especially frustrating for users who rely on Internet Explorer for their work or personal use.

Additionally, users may be more familiar with IE’s interface and features and may find Edge to be less intuitive. Furthermore, some legacy applications may only work on Internet Explorer, and users may not have the option to use another browser.

Useful tip: EdgeDeflector Alternative for Windows 11 MSEdgeRedirect

How to disable IEToEdge BHO?

There are several methods to disable IEToEdge BHO, including disabling the BHO registry key, creating a NoInternetExplorer value, deleting the BHO registry key, and disabling via Group Policy Object (GPO).

Warning: It’s important to note that editing the registry can be risky, and users should proceed with caution. Editing the registry incorrectly can cause serious problems with your operating system, including crashes and other system errors. It’s recommended that users create a system restore point or back up their registry before making any changes and only make changes if they are confident in their ability to do so. If you’re unsure about making registry changes, it’s best to seek assistance from a qualified IT professional.

Recommended read: Change Windows 11 Start Menu Search to Google

Method 1: Disable the BHO registry key

To disable the IEToEdge BHO add-on via the registry key, follow these steps:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following registry path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Ext\CLSID

4. Find the registry key named {1FD49718-1D00-4B19-AF5F-070AF6D5D54C} and double-click on it.
5. Change the value data to “0” and click OK.
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart Internet Explorer.

Read next: How to Set New Tab Page to Google in Microsoft Edge

Method 2: Set NoInternetExplorer to 1

Alternatively, you can also create a NoInternetExplorer value in two registry branches and enable it to prevent IE from using the IEToEdge BHO add-on. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to each of the following registry paths:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{1FD49718-1D00-4B19-AF5F-070AF6D5D54C}
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{1FD49718-1D00-4B19-AF5F-070AF6D5D54C}

4. Create a new “String Value” called NoInternetExplorer and set its data to 1.
5. Close the Registry Editor and restart Internet Explorer.

Method 3: Delete the BHO registry key

Optionally, you can try to delete the IEToEdge BHO add-on registry key. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing Win + R.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following registry path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\

4. Right-click on the {1FD49718-1D00-4B19-AF5F-070AF6D5D54C} registry key and select Delete.
5. Close the Registry Editor and restart Internet Explorer.

Method 4: Disable IEToEdge BHO via GPO

The fourth method involves disabling a group policy object called “Redirect incompatible sites from Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge” via group policy editor. To disable the IEToEdge BHO via GPO, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and type “Group Policy Editor” in the search box.
2. Click on the search result to open the Edit Group Policy.
3. Navigate to the following group policy object:

   Computer/User Configuration > Administrative templates > Microsoft Edge

4. Find the group policy object called “Redirect incompatible sites from Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge” and enable it.
5. Under “Options“, choose “Disable“.
6. Close the Local Group Policy Editor and restart Internet Explorer.

Important note on Edge updates

Whenever Microsoft Edge is updated, the registry settings about IEToEdge BHO that you have applied will be reverted back to their default settings, which will redirect IE to Edge again. Therefore, you may need to reapply the registry changes every time Edge is updated. You may want to bookmark this page for future reference.

Related resource: How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime

Can you prevent IE11 redirection to Edge on Windows 11?

In Windows 11, Microsoft has made it difficult to prevent redirection from Internet Explorer to Edge by disabling IEToEdge BHO. However, users can still try using the methods mentioned above to disable the BHO and continue using Internet Explorer without being redirected to Edge.

It’s worth noting that Microsoft is phasing out Internet Explorer in favor of Microsoft Edge, which is a more modern and secure web browser. As a result, some websites and applications may no longer work correctly on Internet Explorer. In such cases, users may need to switch to Microsoft Edge or another modern browser to ensure compatibility and security.

Conclusion

IEToEdge BHO is a mechanism introduced by Microsoft to redirect incompatible websites from Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge. However, many users may still prefer using IE for various reasons. The methods mentioned above can help users disable IEToEdge BHO and continue using IE without being redirected to Edge. Remember to bookmark this page as the registry settings will be reverted back to their default settings after every Microsoft Edge update.