What to do if you can't uninstall Internet Explorer 9

Warning

The retired, out-of-support Internet Explorer 11 desktop application has been permanently disabled through a Microsoft Edge update on certain versions of Windows 10. For more information, see Internet Explorer 11 desktop app retirement FAQ.

If the Uninstall a Program feature doesn't uninstall Internet Explorer 9 correctly, try these solutions in the order in which they're presented.

Original product version:   Internet Explorer 9
Original KB number:   2579295

Solution 1 - Run a command-line command

  1. Sign in to the computer by using an administrator account or an account that has administrative rights.

  2. Close all Internet Explorer browser windows.

  3. Select Start, type cmd in the Search box, and then select cmd under Programs.

  4. Copy the following command:

    FORFILES /P %WINDIR%\servicing\Packages /M Microsoft-Windows-InternetExplorer-*9.*.mum /c "cmd /c echo Uninstalling package @fname && start /w pkgmgr /up:@fname /norestart"
    
  5. Paste the command into the Command Prompt window, and then press Enter.

  6. Restart the computer.

Solution 2 - Use System Restore

  1. Sign in to the computer by using an administrator account or an account that has administrative rights.
  2. Select Start, and then type system restore.
  3. Right-click System Restore, and then select Run as administrator. Select Continue if you are prompted.
  4. In the System Restore dialog box, select Next.
  5. In the list that appears, select a restore point that's earlier than when you installed Internet Explorer 9, and then select Next.
  6. In the Confirm your restore point dialog box, select Finish.

Find more tips, tricks, and learning opportunities at Microsoft Business Center.