Using SharePoint in Windows 10

Internet Explorer 11 vs Microsoft Edge

Depending on what you're doing in SharePoint, you may want to switch between Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer 11.

Microsoft Edge browser

The default Internet browser in Windows 10 is Microsoft Edge. When you open a SharePoint page, it opens in Microsoft Edge and works well viewing sites, most apps, and other components. It's especially good at uploading files, as you can upload multiple files and folders to a document library using drag and drop or the upload button.

Microsoft Edge however, doesn't support opening a document library using Open with File Explorer. In SharePoint 2016 and SharePoint 2013, as well as Classic experience in SharePoint, the ribbon button will be grayed out in Microsoft Edge. In SharePoint, the View in File Explorer option will be missing from the Views menu.

Note: The Microsoft Edge browser is designed to be periodically updated. With the Anniversary update for Windows 10, Microsoft Edge, drag and drop of files and folders was added. Make sure you have the latest version as features can change or be added. Get the free Windows 10 anniversary update here.

SharePoint 2016 in Microsoft Edge	SharePoint 2016 in Internet Explorer 11
SharePoint in Microsoft Edge	SharePoint in Internet Explorer 11

Open Internet Explorer 11 or Microsoft Edge in Windows 10

You can open Internet Explorer 11 or Microsoft Edge easily from the start menu in Windows 10. Here's how:

Start Internet Explorer

1. Click Start .

2. Type Internet Explorer, and then select Internet Explorer.

3. Once the browser opens, you can open SharePoint.

If Microsoft Edge is your default browser, your session will stay in Internet Explorer 11 until you open a page from a link. New links open in the default browser, Microsoft Edge.

Start Microsoft Edge

1. Click Start .

2. Type Edge, and then select Microsoft Edge.

3. Once the browser opens, you can open SharePoint.

Switching your default browser in Windows 10

If you find you'd rather work with Internet Explorer 11, or want to switch default browsers periodically, follow these steps:

1. In Windows 10, click Start , type Default Programs, and then click Default Programs.

   

2. Under Web browser click Microsoft Edge, and then select Internet Explorer in the Choose an app dialog box. If you are switching from Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge, click Internet Explorer under Web Browser, and then choose Microsoft Edge.

   

3. Close the Choose default apps dialog box.

Add both browsers to the Windows 10 taskbar

Both Windows 10 browsers offer advantages, and having both at your fingertips can be handy. Follow these steps to put both Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer 11 on the Taskbar at the bottom of your screen.

Pin your browsers to the task bar

1. Click Start .

2. Type Internet Explorer, right click Internet Explorer, and then select Pin to Taskbar.

3. Type Edge, right click Microsoft Edge, and then select Pin to Taskbar.