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Fix Word Add-in Opening Internet Explorer Instead of Default Browser
Question details
The user needs to understand why a Word add-in launches Internet Explorer for authentication when Chrome or Edge is set as the system default browser, leading to an unsupported browser error.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Signing in to SharePoint using the FlowForma Word add-in on a Windows 11 device.
- Observed behavior
- The add-in launches an Internet Explorer window for the sign-in page, which fails because the browser is unsupported, completely ignoring the Windows default browser settings.
Verify your current version of the FlowForma add-in and ensure Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome is properly selected as your default browser in Windows settings.
Contact the Add-in Vendor for a Modern Update
Since the issue stems from the COM add-in using an embedded legacy browser component, reaching out to the vendor is the most direct way to get a permanent fix.
Many older COM add-ins are hardcoded to use the legacy Internet Explorer (Trident) web control embedded in Windows, regardless of your default browser. The developer must update the add-in to use a modern framework like WebView2 (Microsoft Edge).
Open Microsoft Word, navigate to File > Options > Add-ins, select 'COM Add-ins' from the Manage dropdown, click 'Go', and note the exact version of the FlowForma add-in.
Reach out to FlowForma support through their official website, explaining that their add-in uses an unsupported legacy IE component for SharePoint authentication.
Ask the support team if they have a newer build available that utilizes WebView2 (Edge) or a specific workaround for modern SharePoint sign-in.
Test Across Different Environments
Testing on alternative setups helps confirm whether the issue is isolated to a specific Windows 11 build or if it affects all environments.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Document Experience
If third-party add-ins and legacy compatibility issues in Microsoft Word are slowing down your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office that offers a familiar interface without heavy dependencies.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation file.
- 2. Install the software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to set up WPS Office on your Windows device.
- 3. Open your documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word files directly to enjoy a fast, distraction-free editing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word open Internet Explorer when my default is Chrome?
While Word itself uses your default browser for standard hyperlinks, third-party COM add-ins often rely on an embedded legacy web control (Trident engine) built into Windows. This control acts like Internet Explorer regardless of your default system settings.
How can I verify if the issue is with Word or the add-in?
Type a standard website URL into a blank Word document, press Enter to create a link, and click it. If the link opens in Chrome or Edge, your Windows default settings are working correctly, confirming the issue is exclusively within the add-in's code.
Why does Windows 11 still launch Internet Explorer if it is not installed?
Even though the Internet Explorer desktop application is removed in Windows 11, the underlying MSHTML (Trident) engine remains to maintain compatibility for legacy applications and older COM add-ins.
Will reinstalling Microsoft Word fix the add-in browser issue?
Reinstalling Word is unlikely to resolve this issue. The add-in developer must release an update that replaces the legacy Internet Explorer web component with a modern alternative like WebView2.
