What Version of Internet Explorer Do I Have: Quick Browser Check Method

I still get asked this weekly at the Five Points tech center. Checking your Internet Explorer version takes 30 seconds and doesn’t require any special skills.

Open the browser, click the gear icon in the top-right corner, then select About Internet Explorer. The version number appears immediately in the pop-up window.

If the menu path doesn’t work, try the address bar method: type javascript:alert(navigator.appVersion) and press Enter. The alert box shows your exact version.

Works on any Windows machine, even the old XP boxes I still tinker with in my garage. Here’s how to find it.

What Youll Need

Step-by-Step Instructions for Checking Your Internet Explorer Version

This quick method takes less than a minute and requires no additional software.

Click the Start menu and type Internet Explorer in the search bar. Select the desktop app from the results. If you don’t see it, it might be hidden—click All apps at the bottom of the Start menu and look under the Windows Accessories folder.

Alternatively, press Windows + R, type iexplore, and hit Enter. The browser window will open to your default homepage. Make sure you’re using the actual Internet Explorer application, not Microsoft Edge.

In the top-right corner of the browser window, click the gear icon (Tools menu). This opens a dropdown with various options. From here, select About Internet Explorer near the bottom of the list.

A small window will pop up displaying version information. This is where you’ll find the exact details you need. If the gear icon isn’t visible, your window might be in full-screen mode—press F11 to exit full screen.

The About window shows Internet Explorer version at the top, followed by the full version number (like 11.0.19041.0). The first number is the major version, which is what most people need to know.

Also note the Update Versions field below it. This indicates which cumulative update is installed. For most compatibility purposes, just the major version (like 11) is sufficient.

For confirmation, click the Help menu (if visible) and select About Internet Explorer. This brings up the same window. The method works identically across all modern Windows versions.

If you’re using a very old version, the menu might say Help > About instead. The version number appears in the same format regardless. This consistency makes it easy to check on any system.

Open Settings from the Start menu, then go to Apps > Apps & features. Scroll down to Internet Explorer 11 in the list. The version number appears below the name.

This method works even if you’ve never opened the browser. It’s particularly useful for IT administrators checking versions across multiple machines. The version here matches what you see in the browser’s About window.

Tips and Common Mistakes

This process is simpler than it looks, but a few details save time and frustration.

The Quickest Start: Pressing Windows + R then typing iexplore is my go-to shortcut. It bypasses the Start menu search entirely and opens Internet Explorer directly, which is especially helpful if you’ve hidden it from the main app list. I’ve used this trick for years when troubleshooting for friends.

Full-Screen Fix: If the gear icon disappears in Step 2, don’t panic. Pressing F11 instantly exits full-screen mode, and the icon reappears in the top-right corner. I learned this after staring at a blank toolbar for way too long on a client’s machine.

Version Clarity: Focus on the first number in the version display during Step 3. Whether it’s 11.0.19041.0 or another build, that major version (like 11) is what matters for compatibility checks. The rest is technical detail most users won’t need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now you know exactly how to check your Internet Explorer version in just a few clicks! 🎯 If you’re using an outdated version, consider upgrading for better security and performance. Take a moment to verify your browser today—it’s quick and easy!