Internet Explorer: How to Fix Rejecting Cookies

IE does not need cookies to operate, but some sites work better with them enabled.

If Internet Explorer (IE) is rejecting cookies, you may not be able to log on to a website automatically or use enhanced surfing features that some websites provide. A cookie is a block of information that a website stores on your computer to help the site remember details about your visit to the site. Some users disable all browser cookies for privacy reasons. Adjust IE's security settings to enable them.

Instructions

1. Open Internet Explorer and click "Tools > Internet Options" to open the Internet Options window.

2. Click the "Privacy" tab to display the browser's privacy settings. The Settings panel displays a vertical slider next to a group of three cookie options. The lowest option rejects all cookies, and the highest option accepts all cookies.

3. Drag the slider to the first or second option to enable cookies. Read the description of the setting that you choose to understand what the setting means.

4. Click "OK" to close the window.

Tips & Warnings

• If you had problems viewing some websites, revisit them to see if the problem still exists. Microsoft cautions that websites may display incorrectly if Internet Explorer rejects cookies. Enabling them may resolve your problem.

References

• Indiana University: What Are Cookies?
• Microsoft Windows: Block or Allow Cookies

Resources

• Wired: You Deleted Your Cookies? Think Again
• Microsoft: Internet Explorer