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

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

4. Do step 5 or 6 below for what you would like to do.
5. To Turn On 64-bit Processes for Enhanced Protected Mode in your IE11
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.
6. To Turn Off 64-bit Processes for Enhanced Protected Mode in your IE11
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.
7. Click/tap on OK, and restart the PC to apply.
OPTION TWO
Turn On or Off 64-bit Processes for EPM in IE11 using REG File
1. Do step 2 or 3 below for what you would like to do.
2. To Turn On 64-bit Processes for Enhanced Protected Mode in your IE11
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.
Turn_On_64-bit_Proccesses_for_EPM.reg
3. To Turn Off 64-bit Processes for Enhanced Protected Mode in your IE11
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.
Turn_Off_64-bit_Proccesses_for_EPM.reg
4. Save the .reg file to your desktop.
5. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
6. Click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK when prompted to approve the merge.
7. Restart the PC to apply.
8. When finished, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
That's it,
Shawn
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