How do I enable Java in Microsoft Edge for my application?

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Ah, this is a bit of a tricky one. I’ve worked with legacy systems before, so I know how tough it can be. Java applets are no longer supported in modern browsers, including Microsoft Edge. But there’s a bit of a workaround with Edge’s Internet Explorer (IE) mode, which still lets those old Java applets run.

Here’s how you can enable it:

  1. Open Edge and type edge://settings/defaultBrowser in the address bar and hit Enter.
  2. Under the Internet Explorer compatibility section, toggle on Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.
  3. Restart Edge.
  4. Once Edge is back up, go to your site and click the three-dot menu (top right), then choose Reload in Internet Explorer mode.

This works because IE mode supports the NPAPI plugin architecture that Java applets rely on. However, javaedge still has a shelf life—Microsoft has plans to eventually retire IE mode, so it’s more of a temporary fix. Keep an eye out for updates on that.