When a Windows computer comes up with “Internet Explorer has stopped working” error message, it automatically attempts to find a solution and displays a message reading “Windows is checking for a solution to the problem…”.
If Windows is able to fix the problem, the error message goes away and you will be able to use the browser. If not, close the pop-up and try to restart Internet Explorer.
Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working
If Internet Explorer continues to come up “Internet Explorer has stopped working” error message, you should be able to fix the problem using the following troubleshooting steps.
1. Clear Internet Explorer Cache
Start by clearing the browser cache on your computer to rule out the possibility of this problem being caused due to corrupted or expired browser cache.
1. Open Internet Explorer > click on the Gear Icon and select Internet Options.
2. On Internet Options screen, go to General tab and click on the Delete… button located under “Browsing History” section.
3. On the next screen, make sure Temporary Internet Files, Cookies/Website data are selected and click on the Delete button.
4. Restart Internet Explorer and see if you are still getting Internet Explorer has stopped working error on your computer.
2. Check For Updates
Another recommended basic troubleshooting tip is to make sure that your computer is up to date with the latest software updates.
1. Go to Settings > Updates & Security.
2. On the next screen, select Windows Update in the left-pane and click on Check for Updates button in the right-pane.
3. Wait for Windows to check for Updates > Click on install if an update becomes available.
3. Run Network Troubleshooter
Windows comes with a built-in Internet Connections Troubleshooter, which might help you in fixing the network connectivity problem on your computer.
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security >.
2. On the next screen, select Troubleshoot in the left-pane and click on Internet Connections in the right-pane.
3. Wait for the Windows to find and fix the network connectivity problems on your computer.
4. Reset All Zones to Default
1. Open Internet Explorer > click on Gear Icon and select Internet Options in the drop-down menu.
2. On the next screen, switch to Security tab and click on Reset All Zones to Default Level button.
3. Click on Apply and OK to save the new Settings on your computer.
5. Disable Hardware Acceleration
The Hardware Acceleration feature in Internet explorer is known to cause problems in certain cases. You can fix this issue by switching to Software Acceleration Mode.
1. Open Internet Explorer > click on the Gear Icon > select Internet Options in the drop-down menu.
2. On the next screen, switch to Advanced tab and select Use Software rendering instead of using GPU rendering option.
3. Click on Apply and OK to save this change on your computer.
6. Disable Add-Ons
Browser Extensions and Add-ons can interfere with proper functioning of Internet Explorer.
1. Open Internet Explorer > Click on the Gear Icon and select Manage add-ons in the drop-down menu.
2. On the next screen, select the Browser Extension that you want to disable and click on the Disable button.
3. Go through the list and disable other browser extensions (If any).
Restart the computer and see if Internet Explorer is now working properly on your computer.
7. Reset Internet Explorer
If the above solutions did not work, it is likely that some of the Internet settings are conflicting with proper functioning of Internet Explorer.
1. Open Internet Explorer > click on Gear Icon and select Internet Options in the drop-down menu.
2. On Internet Options screen, switch to Advanced tab and click on the Reset… button located under Reset Internet Explorer Settings section.
3. On the next screen, select Delete Personal Settings option and click on the Reset button.
After this, restart the computer and you should hopefully find Internet Explorer working properly.