Resetting Internet Explorer | Fixing Common Issues in Windows Environment

Internet Explorer (IE) is a popular web browser used by many Windows users. However, like any software, it can encounter issues that affect its performance and functionality. This article aims to provide a step-by-step guide on how to reset Internet Explorer in a Windows environment, helping users resolve common problems and improve their browsing experience.

Resetting Internet Explorer can be beneficial in various scenarios, such as when the browser becomes slow, unresponsive, or displays errors frequently. By resetting IE, you can restore it to its default settings, removing any customizations or changes that might be causing the issues. It is important to note that resetting IE will not delete your bookmarks or saved passwords, but it will disable any browser extensions and remove temporary files.

Examples:

1. Resetting Internet Explorer using the GUI:

• Open Internet Explorer and click on the gear icon in the top-right corner.


• Select "Internet Options" from the drop-down menu.


• In the "Internet Options" window, navigate to the "Advanced" tab.


• Click on the "Reset" button under the "Reset Internet Explorer settings" section.


• Check the box for "Delete personal settings" if you want to remove saved passwords and other personal data.


• Click "Reset" to initiate the reset process.


• Once the reset is complete, restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

2. Resetting Internet Explorer using Command Prompt:

• Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" to open an elevated Command Prompt.


• Type the following command and press Enter:
  

   rundll32\.exe inetcpl.cpl ResetIEtoDefaults



• Wait for the process to complete and then restart your computer.

3. Resetting Internet Explorer using PowerShell:

• Open PowerShell as an administrator by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".


• Execute the following command:
  

   Get-Process | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "iexplore"} | ForEach-Object {Stop-Process $_.Id}



• Wait for Internet Explorer to close, and then execute the following command:
  

   Remove-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main" -Name "Start Page"



• Finally, reopen Internet Explorer to see the changes.