Windows: Hide Internet Explorer 11 address bar & navigation bar

Applies to:

Windows Server 2008R2, Windows Server 2012R2, Windows 10

There are two ways this can be accomplished depending on your needs for the controlled environment.

GPO:

I would like to first clarify that there is not a single GPO to just hide TABS in IE11. There is however a way you can enforce IE in Full View Mode which by default will remove the TABS and Address bar via a GPO.

The GPO  you can use to enforce the Full-Screen view is available on both Computer and User configuration policy. Below is the gpo location path in group policy editor console.

• GPO NAME: Enforce full-screen mode
• LOCATION: Computer or User configuration – Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Internet Explorer
• KEY LOCATION: Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbars\Restrictions

SCREENSHOT: GPO CONSOLE

WINDOWS REGISTRY:

This will cause the IE address bar to not show. I disabled the Navigation bars too so it gives a clean window experience.

SCREENSHOT: REGISTRY LOCATION WITH VALUES

Download the Registry file.

The GPO and keys will cause the browser to open in full view with no address bar or tabs