Internet Explorer Reset Guide: What Still Works and When to Use Edge Now

Internet Explorer was Windows’ default browser for many years. Its desktop app is now retired on affected Windows 10 versions and is not included with Windows 11. These instructions are for an older PC that still exposes the Internet Explorer reset controls. Over time, changes to settings and configurations can cause the browser to run slowly or behave erratically. Resetting Internet Explorer restores the browser to its original factory settings, which can often solve performance issues and glitches.

Reasons to Reset Internet Explorer

There are a few common reasons why you may want to reset your Internet Explorer browser:

• Browser is running slowly. Resetting clears the cache and resets all settings to default which can speed up browser performance.
• Experiencing frequent crashes or error messages. Resetting eliminates any corrupted files or faulty configurations that could be causing crashes.
• Suspicious new toolbars or addons. Malware and adware sometimes install unwanted addons. Resetting will disable all addons.
• The browser has unwanted settings. A reset can undo some browser changes, but it cannot establish that the computer is free of malware.
• You want to erase your browsing history and data. Resetting clears all browsing data including history, cookies, temporary files and stored passwords.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, resetting Internet Explorer is one of the first troubleshooting steps you should take.

Things to Keep in Mind When Resetting Internet Explorer

Resetting Internet Explorer will fix many browser problems, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• The optional Delete personal settings checkbox clears selected local data such as history, cookies, and saved passwords. A settings reset does not erase files in your Downloads folder. Back up any personal browser data you need before continuing.
• A settings reset preserves Favorites; deleting Favorites is a separate action.
• Add-ons are disabled by a reset. Review them before enabling any again; do not reinstall an unknown add-on just because it was present before the reset.
• Resetting will not delete or uninstall Internet Explorer, just restore it to factory settings.
• Any changes made to system settings like your default browser or file associations will remain unchanged.
• A reset generally won’t delete any malware that may have infiltrated your system, only malware present in the browser itself.

So in summary, resetting Internet Explorer will restore browser settings and performance, but make sure to backup your data, bookmarks and reconfigure your extensions. It may not eliminate all malware problems.

When to Reset Internet Explorer

Resetting Internet Explorer is a handy troubleshooting step that can quickly solve many browser issues. Here are some common situations when you should consider resetting:

• Internet Explorer is slow and unresponsive. Resetting improves performance.
• You’re getting frequent error messages or crashes. A reset often fixes glitches.
• Pop-ups, redirects or new toolbars have appeared. These are often symptoms of malware which can be removed by resetting.
• Settings seem to randomly have changed on their own. This may indicate a security breach.
• You don’t remember the current settings and want to start fresh. Resetting erases all customizations.
• Privacy concerns over your browsing history. Resetting deletes all your browser data and history.

If Internet Explorer exhibits any odd behavior or symptoms, resetting should always be one of the first repairs attempted before more complex troubleshooting. In many cases it will solve the problem.

How to Reset Internet Explorer

Resetting is simple process that only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reset Internet Explorer on both Windows 10 and earlier versions of Windows.

Legacy Internet Explorer only: the retired desktop app is unavailable on many Windows 10 PCs and is not included with Windows 11. Skip this tab if you use Edge. Resetting Edge and configuring IE mode are separate procedures.

1. Go to “Internet Options”.

   Open Internet Explorer, click on the gear icon in the upper-right part of your browser, then select “Internet Options“.

   If Internet Explorer will not open, press Windows + R, type inetcpl.cpl, and press Enter. Continue only if the Advanced tab actually has a Reset button. Do not reinstall an obsolete browser to obtain it.

2. Select the “Advanced” tab, then click “Reset”

   In the “Internet Options” dialog box, select the “Advanced” tab, then click on the “Reset” button.

3. Click on “Reset”.

   In the “Reset Internet Explorer settings” section, select the “Delete personal settings” checkbox, then click on the “Reset” button.

4. Click on “Close”.

   When Internet Explorer has completed its task, click on the “Close” button in the confirmation dialogue box.
   Close your browser and then you can open Internet Explorer again.

That’s it, Internet Explorer settings will be restored to their defaults. We strongly recommend that you install an ad blocker like AdGuard [recommended] to block malicious ads.

While resetting Internet Explorer will restore the browser’s settings back to default, malicious extensions (that are installed with browser policies) or programs that are installed on your device can hijack the browser. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:

• Run a computer scan with Malwarebytes Free
• Ask for help in our Malware Removal Help forum.