It’s possible to use the Microsoft Edge browser to access your Hikvision cameras or NVR/DVR. Then you can see the live view, playback mode, download footage and adjust other settings.
This guide shows how to use the Microsoft Edge browser to view Hikvision cameras, NVR, and DVR. The trick is to enable the built-in Internet Explorer mode.
As you may know, Internet Explorer has been serving the tech community for 25 years and Microsoft is finally ending its support. The end-of-support date will be June 15, 2022.
After the Windows 10 update 21H2, the Internet Explorer browser will be hidden/removed from the OS. Once they do that, you need to use other browsers to access the CCTV systems.
The instructions shown here are valid for Hikvision devices, logo, or OEM versions. Actually, the same settings are applicable to their surveillance manufacturer.
If the Internet Explorer is gone, try to use this method to see the camera via the Edge browser. In this example, we use the instructions presented by LTS (which is a Hikvision OEM reseller).
The basic requirements:
- Run the latest Windows Update. The Edge browser version should be up to date. The minimal version is 91.0.86, anything older won’t work.
- Make sure the Edge Browser is not restricted by the business or the organization. Otherwise, some functions will not be available.
How to view security cameras via the Microsoft Edge browser
Step 1. Set the Edge browser as the default one. Open the Edge Browser from the Windows 10 PC first, then go to the three dots icon (…) and select Settings from the menu.
Go to the Default Browser section. Turn on Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode. This requires restarting the Edge Browser to take effect.
Note: If you do not see this function, that either means this Edge browser is not supported by this function or the Internet Explorer browser has not been restricted from the Windows10 system yet. You should still be able to find Internet Explorer 11 from Windows Search.
Step 2. After you restart the Edge browser and go to the NVR/DVR Login page, nothing will appear different on the screen. This is because you need to Reload in Internet Explorer Mode from the Menu.
Go to the three dots (…) button, then Tools, and click on Reload in Internet Explorer mode.
Step 3. After the browser reloads again, you’ve entered the Internet Explorer mode. The most noticeable difference is the prompt message at the top of the page. Note: Do not click Leave.
Edge will revert back to regular Edge mode. If you accidentally click Leave, you need to go again through the steps and reload the Internet Explorer Mode from the Menu.
Step 4. For the next step, type the IP address of the NVR/DVR or camera and enter your username/password. Then you should see the “please download plug-in” message on the center of the screen.
This is the plugin that allows the camera to function normally via the web browser. Download the plug-in and install it. After fully loading, Refresh the page, and click Allow.
Then, you should be able to see the video after clicking the Play All button.
Basically, that’s all, everything should be exactly the same as Internet Explorer. You should be able to view the camera streams without any issue, playback, adjust settings, etc.
How to download video files from the Edge Browser IE Mode?
The reason that you cannot download video files is that by default the Edge: IE mode is running with the Protected Mode: ON for Zone: Internet.
Even if you try adding the system to the trusted site list will be of no use. This is because the Zone is locked down to the Internet. (refer to the Zone listed under the yellow highlighted area in the picture above)
To Disable this: You need to open the Control Panel > Internet Options. Uncheck the Enable Protected Mode option, and then restart the Edge browser.
Important Note: Disabling Protected Mode may not be a safe action. Hikvision and other OEMs have no liability for any issues that may arise with this use. If this method is not preferred, we recommend using the computer-based client software to View/Download video files.
How can I tell that I’m running Internet Explorer Mode or the Edge/HTML5/Chrome Support mode?
There are a few ways to tell you are running Internet Explorer Mode. The easiest way is to look out for the Prompt message on the top.
The second way is to check the Windows Division on the live view page. If you are running an 8/16CH NVR/DVR, but the division is locked down to 1×1 or 2×2 max, then it is highly possible the browser is using the Chrome mode.
The third way is by checking the Configuration > Local Settings Menu. Why is the Local Menu important? Because the local menu can support many other functions, eg. Saving Path, AutoPlay, and more.
What is HTML5 Support vs Chrome Support?
If you are running Hikvision DVR/NVR firmware after 2018, with version 4.10, then, by default, it is supported with HTML5 browser mode.
The HTML5 browser mode is designed to support many different platform OS or browsers, like Linux or Mac. However, based on the design, it only can support several channels with restrictions.
HTML5 Support requirement: (Support other OSs)
- PTCloud Encryption cannot be enabled.
- H.264 encode only
- Port 80, 8000, 7681, 7682 requires to be open for remote access. (7681 and 7682 are hardcoded and cannot be changed)
- HTTPS is not supported.
- Resolution is restricted.
- No Local setting in the Configuration.
- Default Picture / Video saves to My Picture/My Video in the personal folder.
Chrome Plug-in Support: (Firmware: 4.4+, PC Only)
- By default, Chrome is loaded with HTML5 support first. After you load with WebSocket (LocalServiceComponents), Chrome support will become active.
- More resolution/bandwidth allowed.
- Supports PTCloud Encryption & H.265
- Supports the Local menu in the Configuration (like IE users).
- Supports more functions in the configuration.
What is recommended? Edge IE mode or the Chrome Plug-in Support mode?
We prefer to use the Edge IE mode and this is due to memory usage. It is a known fact that Chrome uses a lot of memory (more so than other browsers).
More memory used means a higher chance to crash when the video is loaded (not usually an issue for regular web browsing).
Even if using the Chrome Plug-in to achieve the same function, in the long run, Microsoft Edge running IE mode would have fewer issues.
