Internet Explorer 11 is a widely used web browser that comes pre-installed on Windows 8.1. While it offers many features and a smooth browsing experience, users may encounter issues that need to be resolved. In this blog post, we will discuss various methods to fix Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 8.1. Whether you are experiencing slow performance, crashes, or compatibility issues, this guide will provide you with solutions to get your browser up and running smoothly again.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Fix Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 8.1
There are several reasons why you may need to fix Internet Explorer 11 on your Windows 8.1 system. Firstly, if your browser is slow to load web pages or crashes frequently, it can significantly impact your browsing experience. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if you rely on Internet Explorer for work or personal use.
Secondly, compatibility issues may arise when certain websites or web applications do not function correctly on your browser. It is important to resolve these compatibility issues to ensure you can access and use all the features and functionalities of websites that you visit regularly.
Lastly, Internet Explorer 11 may encounter configuration errors or settings conflicts, which can prevent it from functioning properly. By fixing these issues, you can ensure that your browser operates smoothly and provides a seamless browsing experience.
Now that we understand the importance of fixing Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 8.1, let’s explore some methods to resolve these issues.
Method 1: Using Internet Explorer 11 Settings
Before we proceed with more advanced methods, let’s start by checking and adjusting the settings of Internet Explorer 11. Follow these steps:
1. Open Internet Explorer 11.
2. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the browser window.
3. In the drop-down menu, select "Internet options."
4. In the "Internet Options" window, navigate to the "Advanced" tab.
5. Under the "Reset Internet Explorer settings" section, click on the "Reset" button.
6. Check the box that says "Delete personal settings" to remove saved passwords, browsing history, and other personalized data.
7. Click on the "Reset" button to confirm the action.
8. Restart your computer.
Pros | Cons
———————-|———–
1. Resets browser settings to default, resolving common issues. | 1. Deletes personalized data, requiring you to set up preferences again.
2. Quick and easy process that can be done within the browser. | 2. May not fix more complex or underlying problems.
3. Removes any browser extensions or add-ons that may be causing conflicts. | 3. Does not address potential system errors or conflicts outside of Internet Explorer.
Method 2: Using Windows Update
Ensuring that your operating system is up to date is crucial to maintaining a stable and secure browsing experience. Follow these steps to update your Windows 8.1:
1. Click on the "Start" button and open the "Settings" app.
2. In the "Settings" app, select "Update & Security."
3. Click on the "Windows Update" tab on the left-hand side.
4. Click on the "Check for updates" button.
5. If updates are available, click on the "Install" button to start the update process.
6. Allow the updates to download and install.
7. Once the updates are installed, restart your computer.
Pros | Cons
———————-|———–
1. Provides the latest security patches and bug fixes. | 1. Requires an active internet connection.
2. Resolves known issues that may impact Internet Explorer 11. | 2. May take time to download and install updates.
3. Improves overall system stability and performance. | 3. May not address specific Internet Explorer 11 issues.
Method 3: Via Compatibility View Settings
If you are experiencing compatibility issues with certain websites, enabling Compatibility View may help resolve the problem. Follow these steps:
1. Open Internet Explorer 11.
2. Navigate to the website that is not displaying correctly.
3. Click on the broken page icon located in the address bar to open the "Compatibility View Settings" window.
4. In the "Compatibility View Settings" window, the website’s URL should be displayed.
5. Click on the "Add" button to add the website to the compatibility list.
6. Click on the "Close" button to save the changes.
7. Refresh the webpage to see if the compatibility issue has been resolved.
Pros | Cons
———————-|———–
1. Resolves compatibility issues with specific websites. | 1. Compatibility View may affect the layout and functionality of other websites.
2. Can be easily enabled or disabled for individual websites. | 2. Does not fix underlying browser or system issues.
3. Provides a temporary solution while waiting for website updates. | 3. May not solve compatibility issues related to outdated browser technology.
Method 4: Using Internet Explorer Performance Troubleshooter
If you are experiencing slow performance or crashes in Internet Explorer 11, running the Performance Troubleshooter can help identify and fix the problem. Follow these steps:
1. Press the "Windows" key + "R" on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "msdt.exe /id PerformanceDiagnostic" in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
3. The Performance Troubleshooter will open.
4. Follow the instructions provided by the troubleshooter to analyze and fix performance issues.
5. Once the troubleshooter has completed its tasks, restart your computer.
Pros | Cons
———————|———–
1. Automatically identifies and resolves performance-related issues. | 1. May not solve more complex system or hardware problems.
2. Provides step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting. | 2. Requires administrative privileges to run the Performance Troubleshooter.
3. Optimizes Internet Explorer 11 settings for better performance. | 3. May recommend additional actions that are not specific to Internet Explorer.
What to Do If You Can’t Fix Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 8.1
If you have tried all the methods above and still can’t fix Internet Explorer 11 on your Windows 8.1 system, here are a few additional steps you can take:
1. Try using an alternative web browser: If Internet Explorer 11 continues to give you problems, consider switching to a different browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. These browsers offer similar features and better compatibility with modern websites.
2. Contact Microsoft support: If you believe the issue lies with the browser or the operating system, you can reach out to Microsoft support for assistance. They can provide further guidance or point you to specific resources that may help resolve the problem.
3. Perform a system restore: If the issues with Internet Explorer 11 started after a recent system update or software installation, performing a system restore can revert your computer to a previous state before the problem occurred.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to further enhance your Internet Explorer 11 experience:
1. Clear browsing history regularly: Clearing your browsing history, cookies, and temporary files can help improve browser performance and protect your privacy. To do this, go to "Internet Options" in the browser settings and click on the "Delete" button under the "Browsing history" section.
2. Disable unnecessary browser extensions: Browser extensions can sometimes cause compatibility issues or slow down Internet Explorer 11. Go to the "Manage add-ons" section in the browser settings and disable any extensions that you no longer need or suspect could be causing problems.
3. Keep your antivirus software up to date: Ensuring that you have the latest updates for your antivirus software is vital to protecting your computer from malware and security threats. Regularly check for updates and perform full system scans to keep your system secure.
5 FAQs
Q1: Is it possible to uninstall Internet Explorer 11?
A1: No, Internet Explorer 11 is a built-in component of Windows 8.1, and it cannot be uninstalled. However, you can disable or hide the browser if you prefer using an alternative.
Q2: Can I install a different version of Internet Explorer?
A2: No, Windows 8.1 only supports Internet Explorer 11. Previous versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported and may have security vulnerabilities.
Q3: Why does Internet Explorer 11 crash frequently?
A3: Internet Explorer 11 crashes can be caused by various factors, including incompatible browser extensions, outdated plugins, corrupted system files, or conflicts with other software installed on your computer.
Q4: How can I export my bookmarks from Internet Explorer 11?
A4: To export bookmarks from Internet Explorer 11, click on the star icon in the top right corner of the browser window to open the Favorites menu. Then, click on the downward arrow next to the "Add to favorites" button and select "Import and export." Follow the instructions in the Import/Export Wizard to export your bookmarks to a file.
Q5: Can I reset Internet Explorer 11 without losing my bookmarks?
A5: Yes, resetting Internet Explorer 11 will not delete your bookmarks. However, you may need to manually re-enable any browser extensions or add-ons after resetting.
Final Thoughts
Fixing Internet Explorer 11 issues on Windows 8.1 is essential to ensure a smooth and secure browsing experience. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can resolve common problems such as slow performance, crashes, and compatibility issues. Remember to always keep your browser and operating system up to date for optimal performance and security. If you encounter persistent issues, consider seeking assistance from Microsoft support or using alternative web browsers. With the right troubleshooting steps and preventive measures, you can enjoy a trouble-free browsing experience with Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 8.1.