Fixing Internet Explorer Crashes in Windows 10: Solutions Guide

Internet Explorer crashes can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it for browsing and accessing web-based applications. Fortunately, there are several solutions you can try to resolve these issues and ensure a smoother browsing experience on Windows 10. In this guide, we'll explore six effective solutions to fix Internet Explorer crashes and restore stability to your browsing sessions.

1. Clear Browsing History and Cache

Clearing your browsing history and cache can often resolve issues related to corrupted or outdated data stored by Internet Explorer. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner to open the Settings menu.
3. Select "Internet options" from the menu.
4. In the General tab, under Browsing history, click on "Delete..."
5. Check the boxes next to "Temporary Internet files and website files" and "History."
6. Click on "Delete" to clear the selected data.

2. Disable Add-ons and Extensions

Sometimes, incompatible or outdated add-ons and extensions can cause Internet Explorer to crash. To disable add-ons and extensions, follow these steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner and select "Manage add-ons."
3. In the Manage Add-ons window, select "All add-ons" from the dropdown menu.
4. Select an add-on and click on "Disable" at the bottom-right corner.
5. Repeat this process for all add-ons and extensions.

3. Reset Internet Explorer Settings

Resetting Internet Explorer to its default settings can help resolve various issues, including frequent crashes. Here's how to reset Internet Explorer settings:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the gear icon and select "Internet options."
3. Go to the Advanced tab.
4. Click on "Reset..."
5. Check the box next to "Delete personal settings" and click on "Reset."

4. Update Internet Explorer

Outdated versions of Internet Explorer may contain bugs and security vulnerabilities that can lead to crashes. Ensure that you have the latest updates installed by following these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and type "Windows Update" in the search bar.
2. Select "Windows Update Settings" from the search results.
3. Click on "Check for updates" and install any available updates for Internet Explorer.

5. Run Internet Explorer in No Add-ons Mode

Running Internet Explorer in No Add-ons Mode can help determine if add-ons are causing crashes. Here's how to do it:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "iexplore.exe -extoff" and press Enter.
3. Internet Explorer will open in No Add-ons Mode. Test if the browser still crashes.

6. Perform a System File Check

Corrupted system files can also contribute to Internet Explorer crashes. Running a System File Check can help identify and repair these files. Here's how:

1. Open the Start menu and type "Command Prompt" in the search bar.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator."
3. In the Command Prompt window, type "sfc /scannow" and press Enter.
4. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions to repair corrupted files.

Conclusion

By following these six solutions, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve Internet Explorer crashes on Windows 10. Remember to clear browsing history, disable add-ons, reset settings, update Internet Explorer, run in No Add-ons Mode, and perform a System File Check to ensure optimal performance and stability.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why does Internet Explorer keep crashing on Windows 10?

A: Internet Explorer crashes on Windows 10 can occur due to various reasons, including corrupted cache, incompatible add-ons, outdated software, and system file issues.

Q: How do I know if an add-on is causing Internet Explorer to crash?

A: You can identify if an add-on is causing crashes by running Internet Explorer in No Add-ons Mode. If the browser functions properly in this mode, it indicates that an add-on is the culprit.

Q: Can resetting Internet Explorer fix crashes?

A: Yes, resetting Internet Explorer to its default settings can often resolve crashes caused by configuration or settings issues.

Q: Is it safe to disable all Internet Explorer add-ons?

A: Disabling add-ons can help troubleshoot crashes, but it may also affect certain functionalities of websites or applications that rely on specific add-ons.

Q: What should I do if Internet Explorer continues to crash after trying these solutions?

A: If Internet Explorer persists in crashing, consider seeking assistance from technical support forums, online communities, or contacting Microsoft support for further troubleshooting steps.