How do I disable Internet Explorer Enhanced Security?

For Windows 2003

Windows Server 2003 is shipped with security locked down by default. Part of this locking down is Internet Explorer Enhanced Security which is an extra layer of protection when surfing the internet using Internet Explorer.

You can uninstall the entire Configuration, or just for users, or just for Administrators.

The un-installer is set up like this:

  • Enhanced Security
    • For Administrators
    • For Users

If you have non-admin users connecting via Remote Desktop or Terminal Services, you may wish to leave the Users configuration installed. This tutorial will remove it for all users.

Method:

Click Start, then Control Panel, and then select Add/Remove Programs

Click Add/Remove Windows Components

A window will pop-up, click the check mark next to Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration (to uncheck it). If you’d like to only disable it for Administrators or for Users only you can click “Details” and change this setting individually.

Press Next, it will take a couple of seconds to finish, and then it’s all done!

For Windows 2008 it is a little different

First, open the Server Manager by going to Start > Server Manager

In the Server Manager browse to the Security Information section in the right hand pane and click ‘Configure IE ESC’. IE ESC is located in the very lower right-hand corner of the window.

In the Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration window decide for whom you want IE ESC enabled or disabled and click OK.

It can be enabled/disabled for Administrators only or for all users

For Windows 2012 it is almost like 2008

On the Windows Server 2012 server desktop, locate and start the Server Manager.

Select Local Server (The server you are currently on and the one that needs IE Enhanced Security disabled)

On the right side of the Server Manager, you will find the IE Enhanced Security Configuration Setting. (The default is On)

You have two settings that can be disabled, one only affects the Administrators and the other all users. Make your selection to Off for Administrators, Users or both.

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About The Author

Kris has worn many hats at Limestone Networks, managing at the corporate level. His main focuses now are managing the Support Department and working on Strategic Partnerships with other companies.