How to Manage Internet Explorer Add Ons

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Add-ons for web browsers are meant to provide an easier web browsing interface. Search engine tool bars and pop-up blockers are two of the most common types of add-ons. Occasionally, add-ons are installed on your computer without your knowledge. Manage add-ons in Internet Explorer to adjust add-on settings or to remove unwanted add-ons.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Open the Manage Add-ons dialog box. Select "Manage Add-ons" from the Tools menu in Internet Explorer.
Step 2

Select "Add-ons that have been used by Internet Explorer" in the Show box to view disabled add-ons. The other option is "Add-ons currently loaded in Internet Explorer" which lists enabled add-ons.
Step 3

Click on the name of the add-on you want to manage to activate the available options for the add-on. Available options include the Enable and Disable settings and the Update Add-on tool.
Step 4

Change the settings for the selected add-on and press "OK."
Step 5

Close all open Internet Explorer windows for the changes to take effect. Restart Internet Explorer to verify that your settings have changed.

Tips & Warnings

Internet Explorer version 7 does not display the menu bar by default. Click on the Tools button and select "Menu Bar" to display the menu bar and have access to the Tools menu.
Use the update tool for an add-on to search online for updated or more stable versions of the installed add-on.
Disable all add-ons listed with which you are unfamiliar. Some add-ons increase the amount of pop-ups you receive, track your online browsing and even install viruses on your computer.