Internet, Networking, & Security Browsers How to View the Tool Menu in Internet Explorer 11 The IE 11 menu bar doesn't display by default by Scott Orgera Writer Scott Orgera is a former writer who covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications. our editorial process Facebook Twitter Scott Orgera Updated on May 23, 2020 Browsers Microsoft Chrome Safari Firefox Tweet Share Email When you first launch Internet Explorer, which is the default browser in Windows 8.1, 8, 7, and Vista and an upgrade option in Windows XP, the familiar menu bar that includes options such as File, Edit, Bookmarks, and Help isn't available. In older versions of the browser, the menu bar was displayed by default. Instructions in this article apply to Internet Explorer 11. How to Display the Menu Bar for IE 11 Temporarily view the Menu Bar by pressing Alt on the keyboard. To permanently view the Menu Bar in IE 11, do the following: Press Alt to display the Menu Bar. Select View > Toolbars > Menu bar. To make the menu bar invisible again, return to this menu and toggle the option off again. If you run Internet Explorer in full-screen mode, the menu bar is not visible even if it's enabled. The address bar is also not visible in full-screen mode unless you move the cursor to the top of the screen. To toggle from full-screen to normal mode, press F11.