18.07.2025

How to Disable Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration on Windows Server 2019 - Step-by-Step Guide

By default, Internet Explorer on Windows Server editions operates with Enhanced Security Configuration (ESC) enabled. This feature significantly restricts browser functionality to protect the server from potential web-based threats, resulting in frequent content blocking warnings and limited browsing capabilities. While this security measure is important, it can also hinder productivity when you need to access trusted websites freely.

In this comprehensive tutorial, we will guide you step-by-step on how to disable Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration on Windows Server 2019, allowing for smoother and unrestricted web browsing while maintaining server safety through alternative precautions.

Method 1 - Disable via Server Manager

Start Server Manager.

Screenshot 1. Start Server Manager.

Click Local Server in the left menu.

Screenshot 2. Click Local Server.

On the right side you will see the IE Enhanced Security Configuration parameter. Click On next to it.

Screenshot 3. Open Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration.

In the window that appears, disable this option for administrators and users and click OK.

Screenshot 4. Disable Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration.

Server Manager will show Off for IE Enhanced Security Configuration after a few seconds. If it doesn't, try updating the window contents.

Screenshot 5. IE Enhanced Security Configuration is turned off.

You can now fully use Internet Explorer on Windows Server 2019.

Method 2 - Disable via PowerShell

Open PowerShell.

Screenshot 6. Open PowerShell.

Paste the following script there and press Enter. Sometimes a double tap is required.

function Disable-IEESC {
$AdminKey = "HKLM:SOFTWAREMicrosoftActive SetupInstalled Components{A509B1A7-37EF-4b3f-8CFC-4F3A74704073}"
$UserKey = "HKLM:SOFTWAREMicrosoftActive SetupInstalled Components{A509B1A8-37EF-4b3f-8CFC-4F3A74704073}"
Set-ItemProperty -Path $AdminKey -Name "IsInstalled" -Value 0
Set-ItemProperty -Path $UserKey -Name "IsInstalled" -Value 0
Stop-Process -Name Explorer
Write-Host "IE Enhanced Security Configuration (ESC) has been disabled." -ForegroundColor Green
}
Disable-IEESC

Screenshot 7. Paste the script in PowerShell.

Internet Explorer now works in normal mode.

Conclusion

Disabling Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration (ESC) on Windows Server 2019 allows for a smoother browsing experience by removing restrictive content blocking and warning prompts. While ESC provides an important security layer to protect your server, turning it off can be necessary for trusted environments where you need unrestricted access to websites. By following the methods outlined in this guide — either via Server Manager or PowerShell — you can safely disable ESC and enhance your productivity. Always ensure alternative security measures are in place to maintain your server’s protection when disabling this feature.

FAQ: Disabling Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration (ESC)