Disable Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration

If you have used Windows Server products for some time, then you have probably run into Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration.

It’s that pesky feature that Content Blocks any site not in your Trusted Zone.

One workaround is to simply add every site that you trust. This is the preferred Microsoft way to allow access. When this dialog box appears, click the Add button.

The Add this website field should already be populated with the site you are trying to access. Simply click the Add button, followed by Close.

The page will reload with the website you wish to trust.

Now, this can become quite tedious.

We could disable Enhanced Security Configuration altogether.

Keep in mind that Enhanced Security Configuration is a best practice. If you do decide to turn it off, be careful and, only visit websites you trust.

Be sure you have adequate endpoint protection to secure your server from browser-based attacks as well.

To disable IE ESC check the steps in this super quick video below.

Otherwise:

1. Open Server Manager
2. Select Local Server from the left navigation.
3. In the right pane, under Properties, select the On link next to IE Enhanced Security Configuration.

   

4. On the Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration dialog box, select Off for Administrators. Optionally, select Off for Users.

   

5. Click Ok
6. To verify the change has taken place, click the Refresh () button in the top navigation area of Server Manager. The link should have toggled to Off.
7. Open Internet Explorer and test.

We want to hear from you! Which is better? Disabling Enhanced Security altogether? Or, adding each site to the Trusted Zone? Both have their pros and cons. Let us know your stance.