Why Does Internet Explorer Keep Opening? – 7 Reasons

Internet Explorer is the pre-installed browser provided by Microsoft in their Windows operating system.

Some applications, malware infections, or improper Windows settings can cause Internet Explorer to behave abnormally, and these can be easily fixed by following the methods mentioned in this article.

So, after learning about the main reasons why Internet Explorer behaves abnormally and keeps opening new windows, I will also show you how you can easily resolve this issue.

Why Does Internet Explorer Keep Opening?

Here are the reasons why it’s happening:

1. Default Browser Settings
2. Malware or Adware
3. Corrupted or Outdated Browser
4. System or Browser Extensions
5. Erroneous URLs or Links
6. Scheduled Tasks or Background Processes
7. Operating System Compatibility

Default Browser Settings

The fact that Internet Explorer is the system’s default browser could be a factor in why it continues opening. It might occur if the user left the default settings alone or if a program update or installation changed the browser settings. When certain programs or processes need to access the internet, the default browser is frequently opened automatically.

Malware or Adware

Adware or malicious software can occasionally alter browser settings and make Internet Explorer keep opening. The user may have unintentionally installed these undesirable programs, or they could have come with another software bundle. 

They can prevent the browser from functioning normally and make it launch repeatedly, frequently with certain websites or adverts.

Corrupted or Outdated Browser

If the browser is damaged or out-of-date, Internet Explorer might keep launching. Due to a variety of causes, including program incompatibilities, incomplete installations, and system failures, browser files may get corrupted over time. 

There may be flaws in outdated versions of Internet Explorer that might be used to cause unexpected browser behavior.

System or Browser Extensions

Intentionally or accidentally installing browser add-ons or extensions can potentially contribute to the issue of Internet Explorer launching constantly. Although some of these extensions may conflict with the browser or have compatibility concerns, most are made to improve browser functionality. When this happens, the browser can keep starting up as it tries to load and use these extensions.

Erroneous URLs or Links

In some cases, Internet Explorer may open frequently if there are incorrect URLs or links on the system. It might happen if a certain URL or link is set up to automatically launch Internet Explorer, even if it wasn’t the intention. 

It may be due to unintentional configurations, improperly configured software, or system-wide settings that force some links to open in Internet Explorer.

Scheduled Tasks or Background Processes

The system’s background operations or scheduled tasks may cause Internet Explorer to launch automatically. These duties could be connected to system upkeep, software upgrades, or other background processes that call for online connectivity.  Internet Explorer might unintentionally keep launching if these processes run into problems or conflicts.

Operating System Compatibility

Sometimes, problems with Internet Explorer’s compatibility with the operating system can result in unexpected browser behavior. Conflicts may arise as a result of operating system updates or modifications to the browser’s compatibility, launching Internet Explorer frequently. Older operating systems that Microsoft no longer officially supports are more likely to experience this issue.

How Do I Stop Internet Explorer From Opening Automatically?

You can fix it by changing default browser settings, removing viruses and adware, updating your browser, disabling browser extensions, removing erroneous URLs or links, ensuring scheduled task or background processes, and updating the operating system.

Changing Default Browser Settings

If Internet Explorer is set as the system’s default browser, it might keep launching. It could happen if the user hasn’t altered the default settings or an installation or program update alters the browser settings. In these circumstances, the default browser is launched automatically when specific programs or processes demand internet access.

You can fix this problem by altering your operating system’s default browser settings. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps in Windows 10. Choose the browser you want to make the default under the “Web browser” option.

Removing Viruses or Adware

Internet Explorer may keep opening due to browser settings being changed by malware or adware. These unpleasant programs might have been installed by accident, or they might have been bundled with other software.

Running a thorough computer scan with reliable antivirus or anti-malware software is essential to resolving this issue. Thanks to this, any malware or adware that might be impacting your browser will be easier to find and get rid of. To avoid such problems, update your antivirus software and run routine scans.

Update Your Browser

A malfunctioning or outdated browser can cause repeated launches of Internet Explorer. As time passes, browser files may become corrupt for several reasons, such as system failures, incomplete installations, and program incompatibilities. 

Furthermore, out-of-date versions of Internet Explorer may contain flaws that lead to unexpected browser behavior. Check Windows Update for updates or get the most recent version from the Microsoft website.

Open Internet Explorer, select the Tools option from the gear icon, then choose Internet Options. Go to the Advanced tab and select the “Reset” button. Doing so return Internet Explorer to its factory settings and maybe fix any corruption problems.

Disable Browser Extensions

Installed browser extensions or add-ons may cause Internet Explorer to open repeatedly, whether on purpose or by accident. The browser may need to open repeatedly when attempting to load and use some extensions because they are incompatible with it or clash with other extensions.

You can disable or uninstall extensions in Internet Explorer to solve this problem. Open Internet Explorer, then select the gear icon to access the Tools menu. Navigate to the “Toolbars and Extensions” area by selecting “Manage add-ons.” Any extensions you think might be the problem should be disabled or removed.

Remove Erroneous URLs or Links

Internet Explorer may open repeatedly if the system has bad URLs or links. It may occur even if it wasn’t the planned action if a specific URL or link is set up to open Internet Explorer automatically. Some links may open unexpectedly in Internet Explorer due to improperly configured software, unintentional customizations, or system-wide settings.

Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps in Windows 10. To check and change the associations, scroll down and choose “Choose default apps by file type” or “Choose default apps by protocol.” To manage file type and protocol associations in earlier versions of Windows, go to Control Panel > Default Programs > Set Associations.

Ensure Scheduled Tasks or Background Processes

The system’s scheduled or background activities may cause Internet Explorer to launch automatically. These jobs might involve software upgrades, system maintenance, or other operations requiring online connectivity. Internet Explorer can mistakenly keep opening if these procedures run into difficulties or conflicts.

To fix this, you can examine and control scheduled jobs in the Windows Task Scheduler. Ensure that any activities connected to Internet Explorer or web browsing are set up correctly and aren’t running too frequently or needlessly.

Update Operating System

Internet Explorer compatibility problems with the operating system can result in unexpected browser behavior and frequent openings. Updates to the operating system or browser compatibility changes may cause conflicts, especially on older operating systems that Microsoft no longer formally supports.

Why Does Internet Explorer Open On Startup Windows 10?

It is because of the Windows give the internet explorer edge to open and start process with the Windows startup. Moreover, it can result from an earlier configuration or setting that was activated and made the browser run immediately after the machine started. 

It might also result from specific programs or applications adding themselves to the startup list and initializing Internet Explorer as part of that procedure. Additionally, it’s possible that malware or unwanted programs changed the startup settings to make Internet Explorer launch automatically. 

To ensure system security in such circumstances, it is imperative to routinely update and scan the computer for any vulnerabilities. Last but not least, if Internet Explorer is set as the system’s default browser, it might open automatically when the computer starts up, particularly if links or shortcuts to the browser are located in the starting folder. 

Users can check their startup preferences, turn off pointless startup apps, ensure their computer is virus-free, and, if they’d like, set a new browser as the default option to fix this problem.

How To Change the Default Browser?

You can change it from the system settings. Depending on your operating system, the procedure may differ somewhat, but the basic idea is the same. You can also set the browser to default while installing. Most of the browsers including chrome and edge ask for this option.

Choose the browser you want to use as the default first.  Any browser installed on your device, including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, can be the culprit. Find your operating system’s settings or preferences menu next. 

You can typically find this on Windows by selecting the Start button and typing in “Default apps.” On macOS, open the Apple menu, click “System Preferences,” and then pick “General” or “Security & Privacy” to access the necessary options. 

Navigate to the part where you may change the default browser after you’ve reached the default applications or settings menu. You ought to see a list of accessible browsers in this area. 

Choose the browser you want from the list, then choose it again. The chosen browser will become your new default, and the settings should change immediately. Any links you click, or actions you take after that will open in the browser you’ve selected as your default.

You have the option to customize your surfing experience and use the browser of your choice for all of your web-related activities by changing the default browser.

Can I Delete Internet Explorer Permanently in Windows 10?

Microsoft Edge has taken the position of the long-standing web browser created by Microsoft, Internet Explorer, as the default browser in Windows 10 and it can’t be deleted. However, you can disable it. Internet Explorer is still available in Windows 10 for compatibility reasons. 

It is feasible to disable Internet Explorer, even though it is not advised to erase it. Users may uncheck the box next to Internet Explorer by going to the Control Panel, selecting “Programs,” then “Turn Windows features on or off,” and then clicking the appropriate button. 

By doing this, Internet Explorer won’t start up, and its shortcuts will be deleted. It’s crucial to remember that this disablement, rather than a full deletion, may be undone if necessary.

It’s important to note that getting rid of Internet Explorer could have unforeseen repercussions, such as breaking specific functions or apps that depend on its components. Therefore, rather than completely removing Internet Explorer from the Windows 10 operating system, it is typically recommended to leave it disabled.

Conclusion

Many factors, including default browser settings, spyware or adware, a damaged or outdated browser, system or browser extensions, incorrect URLs or links, scheduled activities or background operations, and operating system compatibility, might cause Internet Explorer to keep opening.

Users can alter the default browser settings, check for viruses or adware, update or reset the browser, disable or remove troublesome extensions, check and modify URL associations, manage scheduled tasks, and ensure operating system compatibility to prevent Internet Explorer from opening automatically. 

Additionally, even though Internet Explorer may be removed on Windows 10, it is typically advised to leave it disabled rather than removing it completely owing to potential effects on system operations or apps that depend on its components.