How to Reinstall IE 11 on Windows 8.1

Internet Explorer (IE) 11 is a popular web browser that comes preinstalled on many Windows computers. However, sometimes the program may become corrupted or malfunction, which makes it difficult to use. In that case, reinstalling IE 11 can be a good solution.

Reinstalling IE 11 is not a difficult task, but there are certain steps required to complete the process. This blog post will guide you through the various methods that can be used to reinstall IE 11 on Windows 8.1.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of How to Reinstall IE 11 on Windows 8.1

Reinstalling IE 11 on Windows 8.1 may be necessary due to several reasons such as viruses, malware, or other factors that can make the browser malfunction or stop functioning. However, the main challenge is that unlike other programs, it is not a feature that can be added or removed through the Control Panel.

Additionally, there might be situations where the browser simply crashes, and you may not be able to open it to uninstall and reinstall. In this case, you need to use other methods to reinstall IE 11.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before you start the process of reinstalling IE 11 on Windows 8.1, there are some things that you should prepare for that will make the process smoother.

1. Knowledge of Windows 8.1 operating system: It would be beneficial to have knowledge about the Windows 8.1 operating system, including how to navigate through the settings, control panel, and registry editor.

2. Administrator-level access: To perform reinstalling, you should have administrator-level access to your computer.

3. Backup: Although there is no data loss risk while reinstalling, it’s always better to back up your important data before proceeding.

4. Strong Internet Connection: You should have a strong internet connection while performing the reinstallation process since the browser installation might require downloading files from Microsoft’s server.

Method 1: Using Control Panel

One of the best and easiest methods to reinstall IE 11 on Windows 8.1 is through the Control Panel. The steps for this method are as follows:

1. Press the Windows key and X on your keyboard and click on Control Panel.

2. In the Control Panel window, click on "Programs and Features."

3. On the left side of the window, click on "Turn Windows Features on or off."

4. On the "Windows Features" window, uncheck the box next to Internet Explorer 11.

5. Restart your computer and check the box next to IE 11 under the "Windows Features" window.

6. Restart your computer again to complete the installation process.

Pros:
– User-friendly interface
– Easy installation process
– Steps can be followed by anyone with little knowledge of the operating system

Cons:
– Sometimes, the reinstallation process can malfunction, leading to an incomplete installation.

Method 2: Using PowerShell

PowerShell is a command-line interface for Windows operating systems that can be used to execute various tasks, such as installing programs. For reinstalling IE 11 on Windows 8.1 using PowerShell, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key and X on your keyboard and choose "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."

2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:

""
Get-WindowsFeature internet-explorer-11 | Add-WindowsFeature -source "C:\Windows\WinSxS"
""
Make sure to add the quotation marks and replace the source location with the path where the IE 11 installation files are located.

3. Reboot your computer to complete the installation process.

Pros:
– Quick and easy method
– Can be used to install other software as well

Cons:
– Required knowledge of PowerShell commands, which may be difficult for beginners to follow.

Method 3: Using DISM

DISM is another command-line tool that can be used to manage and install Windows features. This method can be used to reinstall IE 11 on Windows 8.1 by following these steps:

1. Press the Windows key and X on your keyboard and choose "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."

2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:

"`
DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /All /FeatureName:Internet-Explorer-Optional-amd64
"`

3. Press Enter and wait for a few seconds.

4. Restart your computer.

Pros:
– The DISM tool is preinstalled on Windows 8.1, so no extra software needs to be installed.

Cons:
– The CMD prompt is not user-friendly.

Why Can’t I Reinstall IE 11 on Windows 8.1?

There may be several reasons why you can’t reinstall IE 11 on Windows 8.1. Some of the reasons could be:

1. Corrupted files: If the IE 11 installation files are damaged, it may be difficult to install the browser.

Fix: Try to repair the corrupted files using the command prompt:

"`
DISM / Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
"`

2. Compatibility: IE 11 is compatible with Windows 8.1, but if you are using an earlier version of Windows, it may not work correctly.

Fix: Upgrade your operating system to Windows 8.1, and then try to install IE 11.

3. Malware or Virus: Malware or viruses can corrupt software, including Internet Explorer.

Fix: Scan your computer using antivirus software, and then reinstall IE 11.

Additional Tips

1. Always keep your Windows 8.1 computer updated to get the latest security patches for IE11.

2. Always download the installation files from the official Microsoft website.

3. If you have a slower internet connection, download the installation files beforehand, and keep them in a safe location.

5 FAQs about Reinstalling IE 11 on Windows 8.1

Q1: Is it possible to uninstall IE 11 on Windows 8.1?

A: Yes, it is possible to uninstall IE 11 on Windows 8.1, but the process is different from Windows 7. Follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Click on the start button and go to the Control Panel.

2. Click on "Programs and Features."

3. Click on "View installed updates."

4. Select "Internet Explorer 11" from the list and click on "Uninstall."

Q2: Can I install an earlier version of Internet Explorer on my Windows 8.1 computer?

A: No, you cannot install an earlier version of Internet Explorer on your Windows 8.1 computer.

Q3: How can I make sure IE 11 is installed on my Windows 8.1 computer?

A: To check if IE 11 is installed on your computer, follow these steps:

1. Click on the start button and open Control Panel.

2. Click on "Programs and Features."

3. Look for "Internet Explorer 11" in the list of programs. If present, IE 11 is installed on your computer.

Q4: Can I use a different browser on my Windows 8.1 computer?

A: Yes, you can use a different browser on your Windows 8.1 computer, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

Q5: How often should I reinstall IE 11?

A: You should only reinstall IE 11 if you are facing issues with the program, such as crashes or errors.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, reinstalling IE 11 on Windows 8.1 is a simple process that can be done through the Control Panel, PowerShell, or DISM. However, It is essential to prepare your computer beforehand and follow the steps carefully. In case you cannot reinstall IE 11, it could be due to several reasons such as corrupted files, compatibility issues, or malware, and the fixes mentioned above can help resolve these problems. With these tips and methods, we hope reinstalling IE 11 on Windows 8.1 will no longer be a daunting task.