How to Fix It When Internet Explorer Won't Open

Clear your browser cache and cookies

One of the first steps to take when Internet Explorer won’t open is to clear your browser cache and cookies. Over time, your browser stores temporary files and data from websites you visit, and these files can sometimes become corrupted or cause conflicts that prevent Internet Explorer from opening properly. Clearing the cache and cookies can help resolve these issues and improve the browser’s performance.

To clear the cache and cookies in Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

Open Internet Explorer: Launch the browser on your computer by double-clicking the desktop icon or selecting it from the Start menu.
Access the Internet Options: Click on the cogwheel icon in the top-right corner of the browser window, and then select “Internet Options” from the drop-down menu.
Clear browsing data: In the Internet Options window, navigate to the “General” tab. Under the “Browsing history” section, click on the “Delete” button.
Select the data to delete: In the Delete Browsing History window, check the boxes next to “Temporary Internet files and website files” and “Cookies and website data.” You can also choose to delete other types of data, such as history and form data, if needed.
Delete the selected data: Once you have selected the desired data to delete, click on the “Delete” button. The browser will start clearing the cache and cookies, which may take a few moments.
Restart Internet Explorer: After the cache and cookies have been cleared, close and reopen Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect. Attempt to open the browser again and check if the issue has been resolved.

Clearing the browser cache and cookies can often fix issues with Internet Explorer not opening. It removes any stored data that may be causing conflicts and allows the browser to start fresh. If this method doesn’t resolve the problem, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Disable add-ons and extensions

Another common cause of Internet Explorer not opening is conflicting add-ons and extensions. These are additional software programs that enhance the functionality of the browser but can sometimes cause compatibility issues. Disabling them temporarily can help identify if a specific add-on or extension is causing the problem and allow you to open Internet Explorer without any hindrance.

To disable add-ons and extensions in Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

Open Internet Explorer: Launch the browser on your computer by double-clicking the desktop icon or selecting it from the Start menu.
Access the Manage Add-ons: Click on the cogwheel icon in the top-right corner of the browser window, and then select “Manage add-ons” from the drop-down menu.
Manage the add-ons and extensions: In the Manage Add-ons window, you will see a list of all the installed add-ons and extensions. You can choose to disable them one by one or disable all at once for troubleshooting purposes.
Disable add-ons: To disable a specific add-on or extension, select it from the list, and click on the “Disable” button at the bottom-right corner of the window.
Restart Internet Explorer: After disabling the add-ons and extensions, close and reopen Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect. Try opening the browser again and check if the issue has been resolved.

By disabling add-ons and extensions, you can determine if one of them is causing the problem with Internet Explorer not opening. If the browser opens without any issues after disabling these additional programs, you can re-enable them one by one to identify the problematic one. If disabling add-ons and extensions doesn’t fix the problem, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Reset Internet Explorer settings

If clearing the cache and disabling add-ons did not resolve the issue, resetting Internet Explorer settings to their default state may help fix the problem. Resetting the browser will remove any customizations and configurations you have made, but it can resolve conflicts and restore the browser to its original state.

To reset Internet Explorer settings, follow these steps:

Open Internet Explorer: Launch the browser on your computer by double-clicking the desktop icon or selecting it from the Start menu.
Access the Internet Options: Click on the cogwheel icon in the top-right corner of the browser window, and then select “Internet Options” from the drop-down menu.
Reset browser settings: In the Internet Options window, navigate to the “Advanced” tab. Scroll down to the “Reset” section and click on the “Reset” button.
Confirm the reset: A confirmation window will appear. Make sure the “Delete personal settings” box is checked, and then click on the “Reset” button again.
Wait for the reset process: The browser will start resetting its settings, which may take a few moments. Once the process is complete, you will see a message indicating that the settings have been reset.
Restart Internet Explorer: After resetting the settings, close and reopen Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect. Attempt to open the browser again and check if the issue has been resolved.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings can help eliminate any conflicts or configuration issues that may be preventing the browser from opening. It provides a clean slate for the browser, allowing you to start fresh and troubleshoot any further problems. If this step doesn’t solve the issue, proceed to the next troubleshooting method.

Run Internet Explorer in Safe Mode

Running Internet Explorer in Safe Mode can help identify if a third-party application or service is causing the browser not to open properly. Safe Mode starts Internet Explorer with a minimal set of drivers and services, allowing you to troubleshoot the problem without interference from other programs. If Internet Explorer opens successfully in Safe Mode, it indicates that the issue is related to a conflicting application or service.

To run Internet Explorer in Safe Mode, follow these steps:

Close any open instances of Internet Explorer: Make sure all Internet Explorer windows are closed before proceeding.
Open the Run dialog: Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Launch Internet Explorer in Safe Mode: In the Run dialog box, type in “iexplore.exe -extoff” (without the quotation marks) and press Enter or click OK.
Confirm running in Safe Mode: A notification will appear, indicating that Internet Explorer is running without add-ons. Click on the “Enable” button to proceed.

Internet Explorer will now open in Safe Mode, and you can test if it opens properly without any issues. If the browser functions correctly in Safe Mode, it suggests that a third-party application or add-on is causing the problem. You can then investigate and disable such applications or extensions to resolve the issue.

Running Internet Explorer in Safe Mode helps isolate the cause of the problem by eliminating potential conflicts. If the browser still fails to open or displays errors in Safe Mode, proceed to the next troubleshooting step to address the issue.

Disable antivirus software temporarily

Sometimes, antivirus software can interfere with Internet Explorer’s normal functioning and prevent it from opening. Antivirus programs are designed to protect your computer from potential threats, but they can occasionally mistake legitimate browser processes as malicious and block them. Temporarily disabling your antivirus software can help determine if it is causing the issue with Internet Explorer.

To disable antivirus software temporarily, follow these general steps:

Find the antivirus software icon: Look for the antivirus software icon in the system tray or on your desktop.
Right-click on the icon: Right-click on the antivirus icon to open a context menu.
Disable real-time protection: Look for an option such as “Disable,” “Turn off,” or “Pause” real-time protection. Select this option to temporarily disable the antivirus software.

Please note that the exact steps to disable antivirus software may vary depending on the program you are using. Refer to the documentation or support resources provided by your antivirus software for specific instructions on how to disable it temporarily.

Once you have disabled the antivirus software, attempt to open Internet Explorer and see if the issue persists. If the browser opens without any problems, it indicates that the antivirus software was interfering with its functioning. In this case, you may need to adjust the settings of your antivirus program to exclude Internet Explorer or seek further assistance from the software vendor.

Remember to re-enable your antivirus software after troubleshooting Internet Explorer to ensure that your computer is protected from potential threats. If disabling the antivirus software did not resolve the issue, proceed to the next troubleshooting step to investigate further.

Check for updates and install the latest version of Internet Explorer

Outdated versions of Internet Explorer may encounter issues and have compatibility problems that prevent them from opening. It is essential to check for updates and ensure that you are using the latest version of the browser to take advantage of the latest features and bug fixes. Updating Internet Explorer can help resolve any underlying problems and improve its performance.

To check for updates and install the latest version of Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

Open Internet Explorer: Launch the browser on your computer by double-clicking the desktop icon or selecting it from the Start menu.
Access the Internet Options: Click on the cogwheel icon in the top-right corner of the browser window, and then select “About Internet Explorer” from the drop-down menu.
Check for updates: In the About Internet Explorer window, the browser will automatically check for updates and display the current version. If updates are available, you will be prompted to download and install them. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
Restart Internet Explorer: After updating, close and reopen Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect. Attempt to open the browser again and check if the issue has been resolved.

Checking for updates and installing the latest version of Internet Explorer ensures that you have the most recent improvements and bug fixes. It can help address any known issues that were present in older versions, allowing the browser to function optimally. If updating Internet Explorer does not solve the problem, proceed to the next troubleshooting step to troubleshoot further.

Use Compatibility View

In some cases, Internet Explorer may have trouble displaying certain websites or web applications correctly due to compatibility issues. Compatibility View is a feature that allows you to view websites as if you were using an older version of Internet Explorer, which can help resolve compatibility problems and make the website display properly.

To use Compatibility View in Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

Open Internet Explorer: Launch the browser on your computer by double-clicking the desktop icon or selecting it from the Start menu.
Access the Compatibility View settings: Click on the cogwheel icon in the top-right corner of the browser window, and then select “Compatibility View settings” from the drop-down menu.
Add the website: In the Compatibility View settings window, under the “Add this website” field, enter the URL of the website that is causing problems and click on the “Add” button. This will add the website to the Compatibility View list.
Close the settings window: After adding the website, click on the “Close” button to exit the Compatibility View settings.
Reload the webpage: Navigate back to the website that was causing issues and refresh the page. Internet Explorer will now attempt to display the webpage in Compatibility View mode, which may resolve any compatibility problems.

Using Compatibility View can help with websites that were designed for older versions of Internet Explorer. By emulating an older browser, it can bypass compatibility issues and ensure that the website is displayed correctly. If using Compatibility View does not resolve the issue, proceed to the next troubleshooting step to explore further solutions.

Troubleshoot internet connection issues

Sometimes, Internet Explorer may fail to open due to underlying internet connection problems. Issues with your network settings, router, or ISP can prevent the browser from accessing the internet and cause it to display errors or fail to load webpages. Troubleshooting these internet connection issues can help resolve the problem with Internet Explorer.

To troubleshoot internet connection issues in Windows, follow these steps:

Check your network connection: Ensure that your computer is connected to the internet by checking the network cable connections or Wi-Fi connectivity. Make sure there are no loose cables and that your Wi-Fi is enabled and connected to the correct network.
Restart your router: Unplug your router from the power source, wait for a few seconds, and then plug it back in. This simple reset can resolve connection problems caused by the router.
Verify DNS settings: DNS (Domain Name System) is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. Incorrect DNS settings can affect internet connectivity. To troubleshoot this, you can try changing the DNS server address or use a public DNS, such as Google DNS or OpenDNS.
Disable proxy server: Proxy servers can sometimes interfere with the browser’s ability to connect to the internet. To disable the proxy server in Internet Explorer, go to the Internet Options, select the “Connections” tab, and click on the “LAN settings” button. Make sure the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” option is unchecked.
Run Windows Network Diagnostics: Windows has built-in network diagnostics tools that can help identify and fix common connection problems. To run the network diagnostics, go to the Network and Sharing Center in the Control Panel and click on the “Troubleshoot problems” option.
Contact your ISP: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it may be worth contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check for any known outages or specific configuration issues that might be affecting your internet connection.

By troubleshooting internet connection issues, you can identify and resolve any underlying problems that may be preventing Internet Explorer from accessing the internet. Fixing these connection-related issues can help ensure that the browser opens and functions properly. If the problem still persists, proceed to the next troubleshooting step to find a solution.

Perform a system restore

If the previous troubleshooting steps have not resolved the issue with Internet Explorer not opening, performing a system restore can be an effective solution. System restore allows you to undo recent changes and restore your computer’s settings to a previous state when Internet Explorer was functioning correctly. This can help fix any underlying software conflicts or changes that may be causing the problem.

To perform a system restore in Windows, follow these steps:

Access System Restore: Open the Start menu, type “System Restore” into the search bar, and click on the “System Restore” option from the search results.
Select a restore point: In the System Restore window, click on the “Next” button to see a list of available restore points. Choose a restore point that is dated before you started experiencing issues with Internet Explorer.
Confirm the restore: After selecting a restore point, click on the “Finish” button to begin the system restore process. Read the warning message and confirm your decision. This action cannot be undone, so make sure to back up any important files or data before proceeding.
Wait for the restore to complete: Your computer will restart and begin the system restore process. This may take some time, so be patient and let the process complete.
Test Internet Explorer: Once the system restore is finished and your computer has restarted, open Internet Explorer and check if it is now able to open without any issues. The browser should be restored to a previous working state.

Performing a system restore can help resolve issues with Internet Explorer by reverting your computer’s settings to a previous state. It effectively eliminates any recent changes that may have caused the browser not to open and allows you to start fresh. If performing a system restore does not fix the problem, continue to the next step for further troubleshooting.

Reinstall Internet Explorer

If all the previous troubleshooting methods have failed to resolve the issue with Internet Explorer not opening, reinstalling the browser can be a last resort solution. Reinstalling Internet Explorer can help repair any corrupted files or configurations that may be causing the problem. It essentially provides a fresh installation of the browser, which can resolve any persistent issues.

To reinstall Internet Explorer in Windows, follow these steps:

Open Control Panel: Click on the Start menu, search for “Control Panel,” and select it from the search results.
Access Programs and Features: In the Control Panel window, click on the “Programs” or “Programs and Features” option.
Navigate to Turn Windows features on or off: In the Programs and Features window, click on the option “Turn Windows features on or off” located on the left sidebar.
Uninstall Internet Explorer: In the Windows Features window, locate “Internet Explorer” from the list of features. Uncheck the box next to it and click on the “OK” or “Yes” button to confirm the uninstallation. This will remove the existing installation of Internet Explorer from your computer.
Restart your computer: After uninstalling Internet Explorer, restart your computer to complete the removal process.
Install Internet Explorer: Once your computer has restarted, open a different browser (such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome) and download the latest version of Internet Explorer from the official Microsoft website. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the browser.
Test Internet Explorer: After the installation is complete, open Internet Explorer and test if it is now able to open without any issues. The browser should now function properly with the fresh installation.

Reinstalling Internet Explorer can help resolve any persistent problems with the browser by ensuring a clean and fresh installation. It replaces any corrupted installation files or configurations that may have been causing the issue. If reinstalling Internet Explorer does not fix the problem, it may be worth seeking further technical assistance or considering alternative browsers.