Editing Openai/69420ff4-d7c4-8000-a448-17006bf16a9e (section)

=== Assistant: Short answer: ❌ No — it will NOT work. ===
Short answer: ❌ No — it will NOT work.

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 does ''not'' preserve Internet Explorer.
Windows 11 actively removes it during the upgrade process.

==== What actually happens during the upgrade (step-by-step) ====

Even if you do this perfectly:
# Install Windows 10
# Enable Internet Explorer (it works)
# Upgrade directly to latest Windows 11

👉 IE is forcibly removed during the upgrade.

===== During Windows 11 setup: =====
* The installer runs compatibility & deprovisioning rules
* Browser.InternetExplorer is explicitly uninstalled
* IE binaries are deleted
* Registry hooks are removed
* IE links are redirected to Edge

This is not optional and cannot be skipped.

==== Proof this is intentional (not a bug) ====

Microsoft added upgrade rules that say, in effect:

: “If target OS = Windows 11 → remove Internet Explorer capability.”

Even enterprise upgrades do this.

==== Why Microsoft blocks the “upgrade loophole” ====

If this loophole worked:
* Enterprises could keep IE forever
* Security vulnerabilities would persist
* Microsoft’s deprecation would be meaningless

So Microsoft:
* Blocks fresh installs
* Blocks DISM installs
* Blocks upgrades preserving IE

All three paths are closed.

==== What will survive the upgrade ====

| Component                 | Survives? |
| ------------------------- | --------- |
| IE Browser (iexplore.exe) | ❌ Removed |
| IE UI shortcuts           | ❌ Removed |
| IE Mode in Edge           | ✅ Enabled |
| MSHTML engine             | ✅ Present |
| WebBrowser control        | ✅ Present |

That’s why legacy apps keep working, but IE does not.

==== The only way upgrading appears to work (temporary illusion) ====

Some people think IE “still exists” because:
* Old shortcuts remain briefly
* Opening IE redirects to Edge
* Legacy apps still render pages

But:

: iexplore.exe is gone or stubbed.

==== The ONLY ways to keep real Internet Explorer ====

If you truly need the actual IE browser:

===== ✅ Options that work =====
* Windows 10 ≤ 21H2
* Windows 10 LTSC 2021
* Virtual Machine
* Dual boot

===== ❌ Options that do NOT work =====
* Windows 11 (any version)
* In-place upgrade trick
* DISM
* CAB injection
* Registry hacks

==== Bottom line ====

: Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will NOT preserve Internet Explorer. It is forcibly removed every time.

No workaround exists.

If you want, tell me:
* Why you need IE
* Whether this is for daily use, testing, or legacy apps

I’ll recommend the best supported setup so you don’t waste more time fighting the OS.