How to reset Internet Explorer?

Internet Explorer reset might be needed when browser becomes sluggish or when dealing with unwanted changes and activities. IE is one of the most popular web browsers; thus, it is often attacked by various cyber infections, such as adware, browser hijackers, and other potentially unwanted programs (PUP) or malware. Such parasites might alter browser’s settings or install possibly dangerous third-party add-ons, toolbars or extensions. As a result, the start page, default search engine, and new tab site might be replaced with a suspicious domain. One of the main signs that IE reset is necessary is failed attempts to reject these undesired changes. Cyber parasites might install browser helper objects that prevent from setting preferred Internet sites and using reliable search providers. Apart from that, they might also initiate redirects to the promotional websites and flood the browser with an excessive amount of online ads. There’s no doubt that all these despicable activities diminish browsing experience a lot. Only reverting to the default state helps to get rid of the cyber infections and their troublesome activities.

Internet Explorer might crash, freeze or become sluggish not only because of the infection. Various add-ons installed on the browser might also cause stability issues. Often these applications allow customising the browser; however, insecure, poorly written or suspicious add-ons might not be useful as expected. If disabling or uninstalling add-ons don’t help to improve browser’s performance, the IE reset is required. There are many ways how this procedure might be performed. We prepared illustrated instructions for five different methods to reset Internet Explorer. Please follow them carefully. Be aware that these guidelines are created using IE 11. Hence, if you need to reset earlier version of the Internet Explorer, the interface and arrangements presented in the pictures might slightly differ. However, the main steps remain the same.
IMPORTANT. After resetting IE, the browser will look the same as it was installed on your PC for the first time. Thus, all the customisations will be removed or disabled. For instance, your homepage and default search engine will be set to the default, browsing history and cookies deleted, themes or extensions will be disabled. Hence, you will need to personalise your browser again.

Option 1. Reset IE by using ‘Reset Settings’ option

1. Launch Internet Explorer and select Tools menu. Tools menu can be found at the top right corner of the window. However, if you still don’t see it, press Alt on the keyboard.

The first step of the option 1On the top right corner of the browser choose Tools menu.

2. Choose the Internet Options.

The second step of the option 1Select 'Internet options.'

3. Choose the Advanced tab.

The third step of the option 1In the appeared Internet Options window go to the 'Advanced tab.'

4. In the Advanced tab, choose Reset… button. NOTE. Earlier Internet Explorer versions have Restore Default button; though, choose it.

The fourth step of the option 1Click 'Reset' button.

5. Now you see Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialogue box. Here check the Delete personal settings box.

NOTE: After this step, all your browsing history, saved login details, and password as well as well as other data will be deleted. Homepage, search providers, and Accelerators will be set to default.

The fifth step of the option 1The last step requires checking 'Delete personal settings' box. After clicking 'Reset', IE will be set to the default state.

6. Wait until IE finishes resetting to the default state. In the appeared window click Close, and then OK.

The sixth step of the option 1IE reset will be over once you click 'Close' button.

Option 2. Reset Internet Explorer by using ‘inetcpl.cpl’ command

1. Close IE.

2. Go to Start -> Run.

The first step of the option 2Launch the 'Run' application from the 'Start.'

3. Type inetcpl.cpl in Run window and select OK.

The second step of the option 2Type 'inetcpl.cpl' in the Run Window and click OK.

4. The previous command triggers Internet Properties window. Here go to the Advanced tab. Click Reset… button located at the bottom of the tab.

The third step of the option 2In the appeared 'Internet Properties' windows go to the 'Advanced tab'. Click the 'Reset' option at the bottom.

5. The Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialogue box appears. Select the Delete Personal Settings box. Click Reset.

The fourth step of the option 2Check the box near the 'Delete personal settings' and click 'Reset.'

6. When Internet Explorer finishes the task, click Close.

The fifth step of the option 2IE will be reset once you click on the Close and OK buttons.

Option 3. Reset Internet Explorer with a help of “System File Checker’ option

1. Open Command Promot (Admin).

Windows 10:

Method 1. Press Win+X on the keyboard and select Command Prompt (Admin) (The picture on the right illustrates this step).

Method 2. Open the search bar and type cmd. In the search results find Command Prompt. Right-click on it and choose Run as Administration (The picture on the left presents this step).

The first step of the option 3The picture shows two methods how you can access the Command Prompt (Admin). When in Command Prompt (Admin), open User Account Control prompt window. You will receive a pop-up asking whether you allow Windows Command Processor to make changes on the computer. Click 'Yes.'

Windows 8/8.1: On the Apps screen choose Windows System and go to Command Prompt.

Windows 7, Vista, XP: Click Start (or Start button), go to All Programs and choose Accessories. Then select Command Prompt.

2. In the received User Account Control prompt window click Yes.

3. Type ‘SFC /SCANNOW’ in the command line and press Enter.

The second step of the option 3In the command line type 'SFC /SCANNOW' and press enter.

4. Soon you will see the information about found and fixed files. Thus, Internet Explorer should be on the list.

Option 4. Reset IE by removing User Profiles

IMPORTANT. Using this method, you will be making changes to the Windows Registry. In order to avoid possible damage, you should backup registry first. Follow the instructions carefully.

1. Open the Registry editor by typing Run in the search box. Click on it.

The first step of the option 4Open the Registry Editor by typing 'run' in the search box.

2. Copy-paste or type ‘regedit’ in the appeared window and click Enter. In the appeared User Account Control box, click Yes.

The second step of the option 4In the 'Run' box type 'regedit' and click Enter.

3. In the appeared Registry Editor window look for this registry key:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer]

Delete it. When Confirm Key Delete dialogue box appears, click Yes to delete it along with subkeys entirely.

The third step of the option 4.In the Registry Editor find and delete this registry key: [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer]

4. Go to Application Data (or AppData) and Local Settings directories to delete all components that are related to the Internet Explorer.

The fourth step of the option 4Go to the 'AppData' and 'Local Settings' directories and delete all IE related components.

Option 5. IE reset steps by uninstalling and installing Internet Explorer

In some cases, previously described methods don’t work, and the only possible way to reset IE is reinstalling the browser. First of all, you need to uninstall the browser from the computer:

1. Go to Control Panel. Choose Uninstall a Program (or Add/Remove Programs) located under the Program section.

The first step of the option 5Go to the 'Uninstall a Program' (or Add/Remove programs) under the Program section in the Control Panel.

2. On the left side, there’s a Turn Windows features on or off section. Click it.

The second step of the option 5On the left corner click 'Turn Windows features on or off' feature.

3. In the appeared Windows Features window find and deselect Internet Explorer.

The third step of the option 5In the appeared 'Windows Features' window, find and deselect Internet Explorer.

4. The warning message will pop up. Click Yes and OK to confirm that you want to continue. When Windows finishes applying the changes, you might need to restart your computer.

The fourth step of the option 5In the popped up 'Windows Features' warning click Yes and OK.

5. Once you reboot your PC, the IE should be removed from the computer. Though, you need to install it again.

For Internet Explorer installation you have two options. The first option is opposite to uninstallation procedure:

1. Go to Control Panel. Choose Uninstall a Program (or Add/Remove Programs) located under the Program section.

The first step of the option 5. InstallationGo to the 'Uninstall a Program' located under the Programs section in the Control Panel.

2. On the left side, there’s a Turn Windows features on or off section. Click it.

The second step of the option 5. InstallationClick on the 'Turn Windows features on or off' just like you did during the uninstallation.

3. In the appeared Windows Features window find and select Internet Explorer. When Windows finishes applying the changes, you might need to restart your computer.

The second step of the option 5. InstallationIn the appeared list of the 'Windows Features' find Internet Explorer and check the box near it. Then, click OK.

4. Once you reboot your PC, the IE should be reinstalled on the computer.

The second reinstallation suggests installing Internet Explorer from the official website. For that, you will need to use another browser installed on the computer.

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Alice Woods
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