How to Fix Internet Explorer Not Responding
Are you experiencing issues with Internet Explorer not responding? It can be frustrating when your web browser suddenly stops working, leaving you unable to access your favorite websites or complete important tasks. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many users have encountered this problem, and there are several effective ways to fix it. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to resolve the “Internet Explorer not responding” issue and get your browser back up and running smoothly.
1. Restart Your Computer
The first and simplest solution to any computer-related problem is often to restart your device. This can help clear any temporary glitches or errors that might be causing Internet Explorer to not respond. Follow these steps to restart your computer:
1. Click on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
2. Select “Shutdown” or “Restart” from the menu that appears.
3. Wait for your computer to shut down and then turn it back on.
2. Update Internet Explorer
Outdated software can often lead to compatibility issues and performance problems. Make sure you have the latest version of Internet Explorer installed on your computer. Here’s how to update it:
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner to access the settings menu.
3. Select “About Internet Explorer.”
4. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
3. Reset Internet Explorer Settings
Resetting Internet Explorer to its default settings can help resolve various issues, including the “not responding” problem. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner to access the settings menu.
3. Select “Internet options.”
4. Go to the “Advanced” tab.
5. Click on “Reset.”
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
4. Uninstall and Reinstall Internet Explorer
If the previous steps haven’t resolved the issue, you may need to uninstall and reinstall Internet Explorer. This can help fix any corrupted files or settings that might be causing the problem. Here’s how to do it:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter to open the Programs and Features window.
3. Scroll down and find “Internet Explorer.”
4. Right-click on it and select “Uninstall.”
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
6. Restart your computer.
7. Reinstall Internet Explorer by visiting the official Microsoft website or by using the installation disc that came with your computer.
5. Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs corrupted system files. Running this tool can help fix issues that might be causing Internet Explorer to not respond. Here’s how to run the System File Checker:
1. Press the Windows key + X to open the Quick Access Menu.
2. Select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
3. Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
4. Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the tool will attempt to repair them automatically.
6. Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help identify if a third-party application is causing the issue. Here’s how to perform a clean boot:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
3. Go to the “Services” tab.
4. Check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
5. Click on “Disable all.”
6. Go to the “Startup” tab.
7. Click on “Open Task Manager.”
8. Disable all startup items by right-clicking on them and selecting “Disable.”
9. Close Task Manager and click “OK” in the System Configuration window.
10. Restart your computer.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the “Internet Explorer not responding” issue and get your web browser back to working order. If the problem persists, it may be worth considering alternative web browsers such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
