With approximately 20% market share in web browsers, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer is the second biggest web browser, and default browser in Microsoft Windows operating system. Being such a big browser makes you a big target for adware. In this article “How to remove Adware from Internet Explorer” we will guide you through the removal process for add-ons and potentially unwanted programs on Internet Explorer.
When Internet Explorer is infected by adware or unknown extensions, you may notice a decrease in performance such as slow loading times and an increase in advertisements such as pop-ups and contextual linksand redirects to unknown third-party links. Follow the guide below to remove any adware or potentially unwanted programs from Internet Explorer.
How to remove Adware from Internet Explorer
Step #1 – Clearing/Disabling Unwanted Extensions and Themes
- Click the Tools button and then click on Manage add-ons
- Under Show, click on All add-ons, and then choose all unknown add-ons
- If the add-on can be deleted, you will see a Remove option
- Some add-ons may not have the option to remove them.
Step #2 – Reset Internet Explorer’s Homepage, Default Search and New Tab Settings
- Click the Tools button and then click on Internet Options
- Under the General tab, in the first field type in the home page of your choice.
- Back on the General tab, click the Tabs button
- Change this setting When a new tab is opened, open: >> Your first homepage
- Click the Tools button and then click on Manage add-ons again
- Under Search Providers, choose your default search engine
Step #3 – Reset Settings of Internet Explorer Back to Default
- Click the Tools button and then click on Internet Options
- Go to the Advanced tab
- Click the Reset button located on the bottom of the tab
- Select the Delete personal settings check box if you would like to remove browsing history, search providers, Accelerators, home pages, and InPrivate filtering data (RECOMMENDED)
- Restart Internet Explorer.
The following settings will be deleted when you Reset Internet Explorer:
- Disable toolbars and add-ons
- Websites added to intranet, trusted, or restricted zones
- Websites added for special cookie handling under the Privacy Tab
- Websites allowed to use pop-ups under Pop-up Blocker settings
- *Browser history, temp internet files, cookies, form data, saved passwords
- *Typed URL info, menu extensions
- *InPrivate filtering data
- *Explorer most recently used lift
(* = only deleted when Delete personal settings is selected)
This should completely remove adware from Internet Explorer assuming the adware is the result of an add-on. However, there are still methods in which adware can affect Internet Explorer without relying on browser extensions.
If you have followed these steps and are still being infected by pop-up advertisements and excessive banner ads, check out our guide on How to Remove Potentially Unwanted Programs from Your PC.