How to Disable Protected Mode in Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer has been a popular web browser for many years, but with the introduction of newer versions, some users may encounter issues with the Protected Mode feature. Protected Mode is designed to enhance security by limiting the actions that Internet Explorer can perform on your computer. However, in some cases, users may want to disable this mode to resolve compatibility issues or for other reasons. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to disable Protected Mode in Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Open Internet Explorer
First, launch Internet Explorer on your computer. You can do this by clicking on the Internet Explorer icon on your desktop or by searching for it in the Start menu.
Step 2: Access Internet Options
Once Internet Explorer is open, click on the gear icon located in the upper-right corner of the window. This will open the Tools menu. From the dropdown menu, select “Internet Options.”
Step 3: Navigate to the Security Tab
In the Internet Options window, you will see several tabs at the top. Click on the “Security” tab to access the security settings for Internet Explorer.
Step 4: Modify Security Settings
On the Security tab, you will find a list of zones, such as Internet, Local Intranet, and Trusted Sites. Select the “Internet” zone, as this is where the Protected Mode settings are located.
Step 5: Click on “Custom Level…”
Below the list of zones, you will see a button labeled “Custom Level…” Click on this button to open the Security Settings dialog box.
Step 6: Locate the Protected Mode Setting
In the Security Settings dialog box, scroll down to the “Download” section. Here, you will find the “Enable Protected Mode” option. By default, this option is enabled.
Step 7: Disable Protected Mode
To disable Protected Mode, click on the dropdown menu next to “Enable Protected Mode” and select “Disable.” Once you have made this change, click “OK” to save the settings.
Step 8: Restart Internet Explorer
After disabling Protected Mode, you need to restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect. Close Internet Explorer and then reopen it to ensure that the Protected Mode is disabled.
By following these steps, you should now have successfully disabled Protected Mode in Internet Explorer. This can help resolve compatibility issues or allow you to access certain websites that may be blocked by the Protected Mode feature. However, keep in mind that disabling Protected Mode may make your computer more vulnerable to security threats, so use this setting with caution.