How to Turn off Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration on Windows Server?

Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration (IE ESC) is a Windows Server component that restricts web content to reduce the exposure to threats. While it enhances security by blocking websites, it can be problematic for administrators who must constantly visit secure websites.

Disabling the IE ESC will simplify administrative work but expose the server to threats. Thus, it is advisable to be aware of the consequences in advance. In this tutorial, we will walk you through how to disable Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration in Windows Server!

Why to Disable Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration?

IE ESC is enabled by default in Windows Server to protect against malicious content. However, it can be a nuisance, if you frequently visit secure internal or external sources for administrative purposes. You can disable it to ease your workflow when visiting secure sources.

Reasons to Disable the IE ESC:

Simplified surfing of internal websites and secure web applications.
Fewer hassles when downloading programs or working with remote tools.
Improved server maintenance and management with increased productivity.

Step-by-Step Process for Disabling the IE ESC

To turn off the IE ESC in your Windows Server, do the following:

Step 1: Open Server Manager

Click the Start menu and select Server Manager.
Alternatively, you can open it by typing Server Manager in the search bar.

Step 2: Visit Local Server Settings

In Server Manager, go to the left pane and click Local Server.
Find the setting for the IE Enhanced Security Configuration in the Properties section.

Step 3: Turn off the IE ESC

Click the On link next to the IE Enhanced Security Configuration setting.
A new window will appear with the choice of two configurations:
Admin
Users
Set the options to Off by clicking the corresponding radio buttons.
Click OK to confirm the modifications.

Step 4: Restart Internet Explorer

Close any open instances of Internet Explorer and reopen the browser for the changes to be effective.

Step 5: Validate the Configuration

Return to Server Manager and confirm the setting for the IE Enhanced Security Configuration is showing Off.

Possible Consequences of Disabling IE ESC

While it improves usability, it also subjects the user to the risk of:

Phishing attacks by malicious websites.
Unintended downloading of malicious programs.
Exposure to vulnerabilities caused by weakened browser security.

To mitigate these risks, consider the following:

Access only trusted websites after disabling IE ESC.
Enable the ESC in Internet Explorer when performing non-full-screen browsing operations.
Use third-party security tools to protect your server.
Re-enabling the Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration
If you must re-enable the IE ESC, repeat the steps above, except turn both Administrators and
Users options to On.

Conclusion

Disabling the Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration for Windows Server can significantly increase administrative productivity when visiting approved websites. However, it is necessary to weigh the security risks before the change. Always be mindful and ensure your browsing is secure.

By using this guide, you can control IE ESC settings efficiently, striking a balance between usability and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I disable IE ESC for administrators only?
Yes, it is possible to disable the IE ESC for administrators while enabling it for the standard users.

Does Disabling the IE ESC impact server security?
Yes, it reduces the browser’s security, exposing the server to threats when it visits unsafe websites.

How do I re-enable IE ESC?
Go to Server Manager > Local Server, click the On link for the IE Enhanced Security Configuration, and switch both options On.