Uninstall the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer 8 (Windows 7)

Question

Can I uninstall or override the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer, so that it won't get activated as the default browser?

I would like to leave the 32-bit version installed.

Solution 1

Unless you made some changes to your system, Internet Explorer 32-bit should be the default browser.

I'm not sure what Windows version you're running, but in Windows 7 64-bit, by default, IE8 32-bit automatically runs when you start the browser from any one of the following locations:

• The Quick Launch toolbar
• The desktop
• The Start menu
• A hyperlink or a file type that is associated with Internet Explorer

If you want to see which version is currently running, check the Help -> About Internet Explorer window. The 64-bit version will note that it's the 64-bit version.

If you truly want to uninstall Internet Explorer, you'll have to remove both versions following these steps from Microsoft.

Solution 2

According to the specialists at Microsoft Social Answers, you cannot "remove" or uninstall IE8 64-bit in Windows 7 without removing IE8 32-bit; you can only disable access to it. See the full thread here for further information. You can also take a look at a similar thread here.

Solution 3

From what I've read on my Windows 7 Professional install, IE 8 64-bit can't be set as the default browser.

Comments

[Richard]

I.e. You need to take specific steps to make the 64bit IE the default.