Internet Explorer 11 - Enable 64-bit Tab Processes for EPM

How to Enable 64-bit Processes for Enhanced Protected Mode in Internet Explorer 11 (IE11)​

   Information

In 64-bit Windows 8.1, the Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) browser frame process (both “modern UI” and Desktop) runs 64-bit. However, for compatibility with plug-ins, IE11 on the desktop runs 32-bit tab processes by default.

Enhanced Protected Mode (EPM) adds additional security to Protected Mode and includes AppContainer and 64-bit tab processes. Like the Windows UI (Metro) Internet Explorer, AppContainer is now on by default on the desktop Internet Explorer. This prevents pages from reading or writing to the rest of the operating system. You can also use 64-bit tabs on the desktop IE (on 64-bit Windows). Running 64-bit tabs increases security on the desktop IE because 64-bit processes offer better protection against attacks that try to damage memory safety.

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off 64-bit tab processes for Enhanced Protected Mode in Internet Explorer 11 for your account in 64-bit Windows 7, 64-bit Windows 8, and 64-bit Windows 8.1.

OPTION ONE

Turn On or Off 64-bit Processes for EPM in IE11 Internet Options

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1. Do step 2 or 3 below for how you would like to open Internet Options.​

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2. Open the Control Panel (icons view) in 64-bit Windows 8, click/tap on the Internet Options icon, and go to step 4 below.​

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3. Open Internet Explorer (for desktop in Windows 8), click/tap on the Tools button, click/tap on Internet options, and go to step 4 below. (see screenshot below)​

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4. Do step 5 or 6 below for what you would like to do.​

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5. To Turn On 64-bit Processes for Enhanced Protected Mode in your IE11​

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A) In the Advanced tab, check the Enable 64-bit processes for Enhanced Protected Mode box under Security, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below step 7)​

NOTE: If you have not already, you will need to also have the Enable Enhanced Protected Mode box checked.​

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6. To Turn Off 64-bit Processes for Enhanced Protected Mode in your IE11​

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A) In the Advanced tab, uncheck the Enable 64-bit processes for Enhanced Protected Mode box under Security, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below step 7)​

NOTE: If you have not already, you will need to also have the Enable Enhanced Protected Mode box checked.​

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7. Click/tap on OK, and restart the PC to apply.​

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OPTION TWO

Turn On or Off 64-bit Processes for EPM in IE11 using REG File

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1. Do step 2 or 3 below for what you would like to do.​

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2. To Turn On 64-bit Processes for Enhanced Protected Mode in your IE11​

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A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.​

NOTE: This will also turn on Enhanced Protected Mode.​

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Turn_On_64-bit_Proccesses_for_EPM.reg​

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3. To Turn Off 64-bit Processes for Enhanced Protected Mode in your IE11​

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A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.​

NOTE: This will also turn on Enhanced Protected Mode.​

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Turn_Off_64-bit_Proccesses_for_EPM.reg​

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4. Save the .reg file to your desktop.​

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5. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.​

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6. Click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK when prompted to approve the merge.​

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7. Restart the PC to apply.​

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8. When finished, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.​

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• How to Turn On or Off Enhanced Protected Mode in IE10 and IE11
• How to Enable 32-bit or 64-bit Internet Explorer 10 (IE10) in Windows 7
• How to Enable 64 Bit Tab Processs for Internet Explorer 10 in Windows 8

 

[timofort]

I follow this tutorial to enable 64 bit processes after enabling EPM, but I have still 32 bit tabs even rebooting computer.

Do I miss something ?

Thanks

 

[Brink]

Hello Tim,

What's showing them as 32-bit still? Could you post a screenshot?

If it's just because IE is running from the C:\Program Files (x86) folder, then that doesn't mean it's 32-bit in Windows 8.

 

[Wiking]

By enabling this, you cant use any addons anymore? like adblock

 

[Brink]

Correct since add-ons can be unsafe.

 

[MDOC7]

Quick question. I have Enhanced Protected Mode enabled, yet the "64 bit processes for EPM" option isn't shown in the Internet advanced options. In the task manager, the IE process appears shown as a 64bit app (no "*32" designation). Yet the start menu shows no indication of a 64bit IE (in parenthesis). Using Win7 Pro 64 bit OS. What am I missing here? Do I need to use option 2 described here?

 

[Brink]

Hello MDOC7, and welcome to Eight Forums.

Using step 2 in OPTION TWO would be another way to enable it. It would be worth a try.

 

[MDOC7]

Hello MDOC7, and welcome to Eight Forums.

Using step 2 in OPTION TWO would be another way to enable it. It would be worth a try.

Hm, nope, didn't work out after implementing the reg file to turn it on. No change.
This, however, clarifies things a bit: Win7 64bit IE11 doesn't have that capability: enable 64 bit processes in IE 11 - Microsoft Community

My curiosity still remains: Task manager process indicate IE11 is a 64 bit app, yet IE11 about box gives no indication of "64 bit version" or any other such indication. I believe it is 64 bit.

Gonna implement the other reg file to "turn it off."

 

[MDOC7]

Hm, nope, no go.

This, however, clarifies things a bit: Win7 64bit IE11 doesn't have that capability: enable 64 bit processes in IE 11 - Microsoft Community

However, IE11 process shows up without a *32 indication (meaning it's 64 bits), yet the about box doesn't say "64 bit version." I do believe it's 64 bits.

 

[Brink]

Are you able to do so after making sure that all Windows Updates are installed?

 

[MDOC7]

Yes, auto updates are implemented.