This wikiHow teaches you how to fix common Internet Explorer browser problems on Windows computers. These fixes include updating Internet Explorer to the latest version, removing unused toolbars, and removing malware using Windows Defender. If you don't want Internet Explorer to handle or open links or other content, you can disable it. However, Internet Explorer 11 is the final version and will not be supported in future versions of Windows as Microsoft has replaced it with the latest browser, Microsoft Edge.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Updating Internet Explorer
Step 1. Visit the Internet Explorer download page
The last version available for Internet Explorer is Internet Explorer 11. You need to download it from the Microsoft website.
If you can't open Internet Explorer, you'll need to use a different browser (eg Edge or Chrome) to download the updated IE file
Step 2. Scroll to the language selection section
Make sure you find the download file that matches the language you want (shown on the left side of the page).
Step 3. Click the link that corresponds to the computer's operating system
After that, the installation file will be downloaded to your computer. You'll see three links next to your selected language:
- “ Windows 7 SP1 32-Bit ” – Use this link for 32-bit computers with Windows 7, 8, or 10 operating systems.
- “ Windows 7 SP1 64-Bit ” – Use this link for 64-bit computers with Windows 7, 8, or 10 operating systems.
- “ Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 64-bit ” – Use this link for computers running Windows Server 2008 R2.
- If you don't know if your computer has a 32 or 64 bit number, check the computer's bit number before clicking the option/link.
Step 4. Double-click the Internet Explorer installation file icon
You can find this icon in your computer's default download directory.
Step 5. Click the Yes button when prompted
After that, you will be taken to the Internet Explorer 11 installation window.
Step 6. Follow the prompts shown on the screen
Agree to Microsoft's terms of use by clicking " I agree, then click " Next " Specify the installation location of the program, and tick (or uncheck) the "Desktop shortcut" option.
Step 7. Click Finish
It's in the lower-right corner of the window. After that, Internet Explorer 11 will be installed to the computer and remove the old and corrupt version of Internet Explorer.
Method 2 of 4: Removing the Toolbar
Step 1. Open Internet Explorer
Too many toolbars displayed can actually cause significant problems with Internet Explorer. Removing unused toolbars helps speed up Internet Explorer and reduces the chance of crashes.
This method is only effective if Internet Explorer can be opened. If the program cannot be opened, read the next method
Step 2. Click the ️ button
It's in the upper-right corner of the Internet Explorer window.
Step 3. Click Manage add-ons
It's in the middle of the drop-down menu.
Step 4. Click the Toolbars and Extensions tab
This tab is on the left side of the window.
This tab is usually already selected by default
Step 5. Click the toolbar that you want to delete
Once clicked, the bar will be selected.
Step 6. Click Disable
It's in the lower-right corner of the window. After that, the toolbar will be disabled.
Step 7. Disable each toolbar that you want to remove
You will need to remove almost all (if not all) toolbars, especially if you are using an older computer.
If you want to remove the toolbar, but it reappears, read the next method
Method 3 of 4: Removing Malware
Step 1. Open the “Start” menu
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Scroll down and click on Windows Defender Security Center
This option is in the “W” section of the “Start” menu.
Step 3. Click the button
It's in the upper-left corner of the window.
Step 4. Click Virus & threat protection
It's in the upper-left corner of the Windows Defender window.
Step 5. Click Advanced scan
This option is under the “ Quick scan, in the middle of the page.
Step 6. Make sure the "Full scan" option is checked
If not, click the circle next to the "Full scan" option, at the top of the page.
Step 7. Click Scan now
This option is in the middle of the page. After that, the program will scan your computer for malware. If any malware/program is corrupting Internet Explorer on your computer, Windows Defender will usually find that program/device.
Step 8. Wait for the scan to complete
If any suspicious files or programs are found during the scanning process, Windows Defender will send a notification. Usually, you just have to let Windows Defender remove any malicious files or programs.
If the scan finds nothing, repeat the scan by checking the "Windows Defender Offline scan" option instead of the "Full scan" option
Step 9. Open Internet Explorer to find out if the malware scan and removal was successful
If you can open Internet Explorer, it's possible that the malware affecting your browser has been removed.
Make sure you update Internet Explorer as soon as the program can be opened
Method 4 of 4: Disabling Internet Explorer
Step 1. Open the “Start” menu
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen. If there is a problem with Internet Explorer (in this case, the program opens automatically), it would be best if you disable it.
Step 2. Click “Settings”
It's in the lower-left corner of the “Start” window.
Step 3. Click Apps
This option is in the “Settings” window.
Step 4. Click the Apps & features tab
You can see this tab on the left side of the window.
Step 5. Click Programs and Features
This link is in the top-right corner of the Apps & Features page, under the "Related settings" heading.
Step 6. Click Turn Windows Features On or Off
It's in the upper-left corner of the "Programs and Features" window.
Step 7. Uncheck the "Internet Explorer 11" box
After that, Internet Explorer will be disabled on the computer.
Step 8. Click Yes when prompted
After that, the selection will be confirmed.
Step 9. Click OK
After that, Windows will start disabling Internet Explorer.
Step 10. Click Restart Now when prompted
The computer will restart. When finished, Internet Explorer is already disabled.
