Improving Performance in Internet Explorer 11

Although the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser has long been deprecated in favor of the new Microsoft Edge browser, the Redmond-based tech giant still maintains IE—it's too deeply embedded into most corporate ecosystems to abandon it. Even though IE's market share has significantly dwindled, many people still use it. And, as ever, it's still subject to periodic slowdowns that prove vexing to troubleshoot.

How to Fix Slow Performance in IE

Because many different problems hobble browsers, follow the best-practice sequence of steps to improve browser performance.

1. Delete temporary internet files. Internet Explorer caches the web pages you visit and the cookies coming from those pages. While designed to speed up browsing, if left unchecked, the burgeoning folders can sometimes slow IE to a crawl or prompt other unexpected behavior. In general, the less is more principle works well here—keep the Internet Explorer cache small and clear it often.

2. Disable conflicting add-ons. While legitimate toolbars and other browser helper objects (BHO) are fine, some aren't so legit, or their presence is questionable. Malware often appears in the form of a BHO.

3. Reset the IE settings. Spyware and adware often change the browser Start and Search pages to point to unwanted websites. Even if you remove the infestation responsible, you may still need to reset the web settings. Select the Tools button, and then select Internet options. Select the Advanced tab, then select Reset. In the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog box, select Reset. When Internet Explorer finishes applying default settings, select Close and then select OK. Restart your PC to apply the changes.