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Fix Excel VBA Macros Cannot Open Internet Explorer After Update
Question details
The user needs to update their Excel VBA macros because they can no longer open or automate Internet Explorer due to recent Microsoft 365 updates and the browser's retirement.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Running an existing VBA macro designed to open a webpage, navigate, or fill out forms using the legacy Internet Explorer application.
- Observed behavior
- The macro fails to execute, returns an error, or completely fails to launch Internet Explorer, halting workflows that rely on web scraping or automated data retrieval.
Verify the exact file path of your Microsoft Edge executable (typically located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe) and confirm whether your current VBA code relies heavily on deep webpage DOM manipulation.
Use a VBA Shell Command to Open URLs in Microsoft Edge
Replace the legacy Internet Explorer object creation with a straightforward Shell execution to launch Microsoft Edge instead.
This method is a quick fix if your macro only needs to open a webpage for the user to view. It circumvents the deprecated Internet Explorer components by directly calling the modern Edge browser executable.
Press Alt + F11 in your Excel workbook to open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor.
Find the module containing the CreateObject("InternetExplorer.Application") code that is currently failing.
Delete the old Internet Explorer application code and insert the Shell command: Shell ("C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe -url https://www.example.com"). Be sure to replace the URL with your target webpage.
Save your workbook and press F5 to run the macro, confirming that Microsoft Edge successfully opens the specified URL.
Upgrade to Modern Web Automation Frameworks
Transition to third-party wrappers or modern automation tools if your workflow requires complex web interaction like filling forms and downloading files.
Request Support via the Microsoft 365 Admin Center
Administrators can reach out directly to Microsoft for official guidance regarding the impact of legacy application retirement on business workflows.
Experience a Seamless Office Alternative with WPS Office
If Microsoft 365 updates and deprecated legacy features are causing compatibility headaches with your daily workflows, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight alternative with excellent support for your existing workbooks and a familiar interface that requires zero learning curve.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install the software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite.
- 3. Open your existing spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx or .xlsm files to continue your work without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my VBA macro return an error when calling Internet Explorer?
Following recent Microsoft 365 updates and the official retirement of Internet Explorer, the underlying system components required for the InternetExplorer.Application object are no longer supported, causing legacy VBA scripts to fail.
Can I use the Shell command in VBA to fill out web forms in Microsoft Edge?
No, the VBA Shell command can only launch the Microsoft Edge executable and pass a URL parameter to open the page. It does not provide access to the Document Object Model (DOM) required for clicking buttons or filling out forms.
What is the best alternative for web scraping in Excel VBA now that Internet Explorer is retired?
To perform complex web scraping and automated browser interactions in modern browsers like Edge or Chrome, developers generally transition to third-party wrappers like Selenium Basic for VBA, or switch to modern automation tools like Microsoft Power Automate.
