How to open Internet Explorer for the desktop from command line in Windows 8?

Question

There are two different Internet Explorer versions in Windows 8. I would like to open Internet Explorer for the desktop from command line.

We can run it via Win+R → iexplore, but I would like to run it from the command prompt or PowerShell. Can it be done?

Solution 1

Using PowerShell, I found that Invoke-Item was a key command:

Invoke-Item "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe"

Other factors:

1. The command only worked for me when I gave the full path to iexplore.exe.

2. You may run into script execution problems if you save the instruction and run from a .ps1 file. In that case, execute the following from an elevated PowerShell prompt:

   Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned
   

Solution 2

The tried and true method in every relevant version of Windows:

iexplore.exe google.com

will open IE and navigate to google. I use invoke-item for some things, but this can be done from the run box (which the OP stated) which saves key strokes. It also works in cmd and powershell, b/c iexplore's path is in the PATH env variable.

Comments

[nixda]

For normal command line just use "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" for the 64bit one or "C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" for 32bit one

[Guy Thomas]

Note sure if Start-Process would not be better; again we need the full path: Start-Process "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe"

[integratorIT]

iexplore.exe google.com iexplore.exe : The term 'iexplore.exe' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program. Check the spelling of the name, or if a pat h was included, verify that the path is correct and try again. At line:1 char:1 + iexplore.exe google.com I'll give the time to correct the answer before downvote :D