Fix: Internet Explorer not responding in Windows 8 and 10

This tutorial will show you step by step what to do when Internet Explorer constantly freezing and not responding.

Internet Explorer constantly freezing and not responding?

IE takes a long time to load web pages?

Do you often get the Internet Explorer Not Responding message?

This tutorial will show you step by step how to fix these problems with Internet Explorer in Windows 7, 8, and 10.

But first:

Internet Explorer (also known as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Windows Internet Explorer) is a web browser developed by Microsoft and included as part of the Microsoft Windows operating systems.

There may come a time that Internet Explorer becomes slow and crashes a lot.

And often when these problems occur, you will see the following message: Internet Explorer Not Responding.

This is an annoying and common problem with Internet Explorer.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to fix the Internet Explorer Not Responding problem and this tutorial will show you how to do this.

Fix a Slow Internet Explorer & Make it Fast Again

And now:

How to fix Internet Explorer not responding problem in Windows 7, 8 and 10

Make Microsoft Internet Explorer Fast Again

Stay up-to-date

Make sure you're running the latest version of Internet Explorer.

Many Internet Explorer updates include stability and bug fixes, which may solve the problems you are having with this web browser.

Internet Explorer is updated through Windows Update.

Run Windows Update and if there are any updates available, then download and install them.

Disable add-ons

Web browser add-ons can enhance your browsing experience, but they also take time to load and thus affect your browser's loading time.

You don't need to disable all add-ons, but you can just disable a few add-ons you don't use every day and see if it makes a difference.

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Click on the gear icon located at the top right.

3. Click on Manage Add-ons.

4. Right-click on the add-on you want to disable and choose Disable.

5. Click on Close.

6. Restart Internet Explorer.

Delete internet history

One of the reasons that Internet Explorer becomes slow and freezes a lot might be because of corrupted cache files and browsing history.

Deleting your internet history could solve your problem(s).

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Delete keys on your keyboard.

3. Select everything.

4. Click on Delete.

Malware scan

Malware (computer viruses, spyware, adware, rootkits, trojan horse, worms, etc.) can also cause internet connection problems.

It's a good idea to periodically scan your computer for malware with malware scanners, like Malwarebytes, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, ESET Online Virus Scanner, Emsisoft Emergency Kit, and a full system scan with your antivirus program.

Reset your modem/router

Unplug your Modem's or Router's power cable for 60 seconds and plug it back in.

Windows network troubleshooter

1. If Internet Explorer is open, then close it.

2. Right-click on the network (wifi or ethernet) icon located in the notifications area of the Windows taskbar and choose Troubleshoot problems.

solve connection problems using windows network troubleshooter

The troubleshooter will now scan for connection problems.

3. Click on I'm having a different problem.

4. Click on Use a specific network adapter (for example, Ethernet or wireless).

5. Select All network adapters.

6. Click on Next.

7. When the troubleshooter is finished, you click Close.

Windows Command Prompt

1. Open the Windows Command Prompt as administrator (Admin).

Three ways to open the Windows Command Prompt as administrator:

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /release
Run a Command in Windows Command Prompt

3. Type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /all

4. Type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns

5. Type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /renew

6. Type the following command and press Enter:

netsh int ip set dns

7. Type the following command and press Enter:

netsh winsock reset

8. Close the Command Prompt.

9. Restart your PC.

The “Microsoft easy fix” tool

Microsoft provides a tool called “Microsoft easy fix” for fixing all kinds of problems.

1. Visit https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2970908/how-to-use-microsoft-easy-fix-solutions (Official Microsoft website).

2. Under Windows troubleshooter, you click on Find and fix problems with Internet Explorer performance.

3. Download the file to your PC.

4. Run the file.

5. Follow the on-screen steps.

Reset Internet Explorer

Resetting Internet Explorer to factory settings may fix all your problems.

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Click on the gear icon located at the top right.

3. Click on Internet options.

4. Click on Advanced.

5. Click on the Reset button.

6. Check Delete personal settings.

7. Click on the Reset button.

8. You will need to restart your computer after it's finished resetting Internet Explorer.

Reinstall Internet Explorer

An incorrect or corrupted installation can also lead to problems.

When your problem is not solved, then you can always reinstall the web browser on your PC.

Windows XP, Vista and 7

1. Download Internet Explorer from the Microsoft website.

2. Run the installation file.

3. Follow the on-screen steps to reinstall the browser.

Windows 8 and 10

1. Open Programs and Features.

Three ways to open Programs and Features:

2. Click on Turn Windows features on or off.

3. Uncheck Internet Explorer.

4. Click on OK.

5. When you get a warning, click Yes.

6. Restart your PC.

7. Open Programs and Features.

8. Click on Turn Windows features on or off.

9. Check Internet Explorer.

10. Click on OK.

11. Restart your PC.

Read more articles about Windows