How to Change IE Default Browser Settings

To make the most out of your browser, you can change your Internet Explorer default settings to better meet your own distinct needs. Adjusting the browser settings on Internet Explorer is simple. By taking the time to adjust the settings when you open your first Internet Explorer window, you can create a easier to use browser, which will save you time. By dividing the settings into tabs, the process of changing settings becomes much easier to accomplish and understand.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Open an Internet Explorer browser window.

2. Go to "Tools -- Internet Options" in the upper right corner of the browser window.

3. Change your settings to fit your needs under each tab:
   General--Change your homepage, history, default search provider and tabbed browsing settings.
   Security--Adjust security levels for both Internet and Intranet, add and remove trusted sites, and restrict other sites.
   Privacy--Adjust the security level for cookies and pop-ups. Medium is good for most users.
   Content--You can enable the content advisor to help protect you and your children from adult and dangerous websites. You can also change certificate, auto-complete and feed settings.
   Connections--Change network settings for the Internet. Most users leave this at the default or allow their Internet Service Provider to enter the correct settings.
   Programs--Choose which programs open files by default, such as Outlook for Email and Microsoft Word for HTML editing.
   Advanced--Enable or disable advanced browsing, security and accessibility settings. Typically these are left at the default values unless a program or website ask you to change them.

Tips & Warnings

• The most common and easiest changes are to the homepage, history, pop-up blocker and cookie privacy level.
• Don't change settings unless you need to. Changing the wrong settings could leave your computer vulnerable to hackers and viruses.

Resources

• Internet Explorer Details and Downloads