How to disable Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration on Windows Server

Step-by-step instructions for turning off IE ESC through the Server Manager UI.

Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration (IE ESC) is enabled on Windows Server by default. It protects servers from web-based attacks by applying stricter security settings to Internet Explorer. As a side effect, a popup appears every time you visit a new URL, asking you to add it to the browser's trusted zone.

Disabling IE ESC

Connect to the server via RDP, press Win+R, and run ServerManager.

Server Manager Launching Server Manager

Go to the Local server tab.

Local server Local server tab

Find the IE Enhanced Security Configuration entry and click its status — it shows On by default.

IE Enhanced Security Configuration IE Enhanced Security Configuration

In the window that opens, set the configuration to Off for both administrators and users.

IE ESC settings IE ESC configuration settings

Click OK.

Confirming changes Confirming changes

The IE Enhanced Security Configuration status will change to Off.

Help

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us through the ticket system — we're always here to help!

Need help?Our engineers will help you free of charge with any question in minutesContact us