Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) and Enhanced Protected Mode, 64-bit, and Security in Windows

Now-days, a working Internet browser is vital. A while back, (while still running Windows-7/64bit) I got tired of my IE-11 occasionally locking-up, crashing and other strange things. This seemed to happen on websites with minor errors in code, long-running scripts, or even malicious ad-code that snuck into legitimate websites via their subscribed ad-network. I also wanted the maximum protection against security exploits. I turned on Enhanced Protected Mode (EPM) and IE11 was like a new browser. I like Add-Ons as much as the next user, but most are 32-bit and I value dependability and security more (only Add-Ons that are 64-bit compatible will run in Protected Mode).

Windows-7: IE-11/Internet Options/Advanced tab/Security section/
Enable Enhanced Protected Mode
Close everything and reboot computer.

Windows-8.1: IE-11/Internet Options/Advanced tab/Security section/
Enable Enhanced Protected Mode
Enable 64-bit processes for Enhanced Protected Mode
Close everything and reboot computer.

Windows-10: IE-11/Internet Options/Advanced tab/Security section/
Enable Enhanced Protected Mode
Enable 64-bit processes for Enhanced Protected Mode
Close everything and reboot computer.

So while IE-11 can use Enhanced Protected Mode in Windows-7 (64bit), it's not as secure as the same browser (with similar settings in a newer OS) due to a limitation in the Operating System itself. It's better than nothing, but only Windows-8.1 and 10 support AppContainers and 64-bit browser-Tabs. AppContainers are an isolated memory space (Sandbox if you will) that the rest of the OS is protected from. Like you, I liked Windows-7 too (Windows-8, not so much), but this is just one reason why newer versions of Windows are better.

Here are my Add-Ons in Win-10/IE-11 after visiting a few websites and using Outlook.com and Word Online. Notice which are "32bit and 64bit Architecture" (allows them to be enabled in EPM), and which are actually Enabled. You can show "Currently loaded Add-ons" but there are others that load as needed (some without additional permission because they are from a trusted Publisher).

Now that I have upgraded to Windows-10, I will use IE-11 with the settings above. And while you should probably just skip websites that warrant it, "InPrivate Browsing" is there in Safety options if you need it. It's easy to switch your default browser away from Edge in Windows-10.

Using Edge is another option and might also be better for less technically-inclined or casual computer users. I'm trying to use it more myself. Looks like Enterprise Mode might be a way to ease the transition. Remember that there is also a "Open with Internet Explorer" menu-option in Edge (if you come across a legitimate website that is not working properly in Edge). Like it or not, the new Microsoft Edge browser is the future since Microsoft has ceased development on Internet Explorer (Edge is their new browser ... they had to start over). I still have Google Chrome installed as (rarely used) tertiary browser. Who has time for computer problems ... we have some flying to do.

More References:

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/31977-internet-explorer-enhanced-protected-mode-turn-off.html

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/19029208/how-does-internet-explorer-11-differ-between-windows-7-and-windows-8-1

... or just Google it :)