Internet Explorer is the default web browser that comes with Microsoft Windows operating systems for years (since 1995). People used it frequently to search for information they need. However, when they've done using Internet Explorer and tried to close it, they failed. MiniTool answers the question - how do I close Internet Explorer - and shows you how to fix when the browser won't close.

As the default browser of Windows systems, Internet Explorer allows users to search for what they need easily. When you finish using Internet Explorer, you'd better close it; running too many apps and processes could affect your PC's performance.

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How to Close Internet Explorer

But how do I close Internet Explorer? This part summarizes the most commonly used ways to close Internet Explorer.

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Method 1: Use the "X" Button

The most direct and frequently used way to close Internet Explorer, or any other browsers/apps is using the X button.

  1. Navigate to the upper right corner of the opening browser window.
  2. Move your cursor onto the "X" button and then click on it.
  3. The browser will be closed immediately.

However, you won't succeed if the Internet Explorer freezes or crashes. How to close browser in other ways? Please move on.

How to force close a tab?

If only one tab in the Internet Explorer is not working, you should make that tab currently the active one, and then press Ctrl + W.

Method 2: Use the Taskbar

  1. Hover your mouse over the taskbar located at the bottom of the computer screen.
  2. Look for the Internet Explorer app icon on the taskbar and right click on it.
  3. Select Close window from the pop-up small window.
Close window

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Method 3: Turn to Task Manager

Windows Task Manager is a practical tool to help users manage tasks and processes running on their computers. For instance, it can be used for closing browser Windows.

  1. Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete and clicking Task Manager.
  2. Locate the Apps section under the Processes tab.
  3. Select Internet Explorer and then click on the End task button at the bottom right.
End task

Besides, you can create a shortcut to close your program automatically when it freezes.

However, what if your Internet Explorer won't close using all these ways? How to close browsers at this time?

How to Fix Internet Explorer Won't Close

#1. Delete the Browsing Data

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click on the Settings icon in the upper right corner.
  3. Move to the Safety option and select Delete browsing history.
  4. Check all the options in the list and then click on the Delete button.
  5. Restart your browser.
Delete browsing history

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#2. Disable Browser Extensions

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click on the Settings icon.
  3. Select Manage add-ons.
  4. Disable all the extensions.

#3. Turn off Internet Explorer

  1. Press Windows + S.
  2. Type windows features.
  3. Select Turn Windows features on or off.
  4. Look for Internet Explorer 11 from the list.
  5. Uncheck it and click Yes in the pop-up window to confirm.
  6. Click on the OK button at the bottom.
Turn off Internet Explorer

#4. Run the Troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I.
  2. Select Update & Security.
  3. Choose Troubleshoot from the left sidebar.
  4. Look for Windows Store Apps from the right panel.
  5. Select it and click on the Run the troubleshooter button.
  6. Wait and follow the on-screen instructions to continue.
Run Windows Store Apps troubleshooter

#5. Reset Internet Explorer

  1. Open Settings and select Apps.
  2. Select Internet Explorer from the list in the right pane.
  3. Click Advanced options and click Reset.
  4. Click Reset again to confirm.

You can also try to click on the Repair button to fix the Internet Explorer issues. That's all I want to say about how do I close Internet Explorer.

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About The Author

Sarah

Position: Columnist

Sarah has been working as an editor at MiniTool since she graduated from university. Sarah aims at helping users with their computer problems such as disk errors and data loss. She feels a sense of accomplishment to see that users get their issues fixed relying on her articles. Besides, she likes to make friends and listen to music after work.