Donald Shelton

Internet Explorer 11 64-bit for Windows 10

My goal is to find a specific indication that I have 64-bit IE11 installed on my 64-bit Windows 10 system. I have automatic updates active.

On "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" I right-clicked, clicked Properties, then the Details tab, and got this:

At "C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" I right-clicked, clicked Properties, then the Details tab, and got this:

With exception of file size, the above two seem to be identical. No indication of 64-bit.

When I start "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" and go to "Help>About Internet Explorer" I get this:

When I start "C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" and go to "Help>About Internet Explorer" I get this:

My system is about a two-week old clean install and I haven't attempted any install/uninstall of IE. I have only allowed automatic updates.

Do I have two identical browsers? Are either one the 64-bit version? My searches have yielded indications that the properties will specifically indicate "64-bit" yet neither have this.

I found a stand-alone installer for "Internet Explorer 11 for Windows 7" which gives an option to download "Internet Explorer 11 (64-Bit)". Is this the same 64-bit version that will work with Windows 10? I hate to ask a stupid question but why isn't there a "IE11 for Windows 10" with a 64-bit option?

I would just like some simple, specific information.

Thanks in advance for any help.

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Answer

Don Varnau

Volunteer Moderator

64-bit IE is at

"C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer"

32-bit IE is at

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer"

Having both folders indicates that you have 64-bit IE installed. It is not possible, in fact, to have only 32-bit IE installed on a 64-bit system.

- - - -

In Windows 10, the IE shortcut on Start will open 64-bit Internet Explorer.

- - - -

IE> Help> About doesn't provide bitness like it used to.

To see whether 32-bit or 64-bit IE11 has opened, open Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete> Task Manager) and look at the Processes tab.

64-bit IE11 will appear as iexplore.exe.

32-bit IE11 will appear as iexplore.exe *32.

You may see both processes with only 1 window and 1 tab open- the 64-bit Manager Process and a 32-bit tab. With multiple tabs open, you may see any combination of 32-bit and 64-bit processes, depending on the webpages that are being displayed.

- - - -

To get the 64-bit Manager Process to open automatically, [1] go to Internet Options> Advanced and check "Enable Enhanced Protected Mode." I've also seen reports that 64-bit IE10 cannot be accessed/run (using any method) if Enable Enhanced Protected Mode is not checked.

Also [2] in Internet Options> Security, verify that Protected Mode is enabled.

Also [3] from Control Panel> Action Center, Change User Account Control Settings, verify that the slider is not set to "Never notify." If User Account Control is set to "Never notify" Protected Mode and Enhanced Protected Mode can't be enabled.

- - - - -

More information at:

Enhanced Protected Mode - IEBlog - MSDN Blogs:
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ie/archive/2012/03/14/enhanced-protected-mode.aspx

Understanding Enhanced Protected Mode - IEInternals - MSDN Blogs:
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ieinternals/archive/2012/03/23/understanding-ie10-enhanced-protected-mode-network-security-addons-cookies-metro-desktop.aspx

Don

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