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How to Fix Internet Explorer Not Closing Issue on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Internet Explorer sometimes refuses to close properly on Windows 11. This can be frustrating, especially when you want to free up system resources or restart the browser quickly.

There are several reasons why Internet Explorer might not close as expected, ranging from background processes to corrupted files. Fortunately, most of these issues can be resolved with simple steps.

This guide will walk you through easy and effective solutions to fix the Internet Explorer not closing problem on your Windows 11 PC. No advanced technical skills are needed.

By following these instructions carefully, you will learn how to diagnose and fix the issue step-by-step.

Quick Note Before You Start

Before diving into troubleshooting, make sure you have saved any important work in Internet Explorer. Force closing the browser or ending its processes may cause unsaved data to be lost.

Also, check that your Windows 11 system and Internet Explorer are updated to the latest versions. Sometimes updates include fixes for common bugs.

It is helpful to restart your computer before trying the steps below, as this can clear temporary glitches.

Having a reliable internet connection can assist if you need to download updates or tools during the process.

Step 1: Close Internet Explorer Using Task Manager

Sometimes Internet Explorer appears to be open even after clicking the close button. This happens because the browser process is still running in the background.

To fully close Internet Explorer, follow these simple steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager.
  2. In the Task Manager window, look for any processes named Internet Explorer or iexplore.exe.
  3. Select the Internet Explorer process, then click the End Task button at the bottom right.
  4. Repeat if there are multiple instances running.
  5. Try reopening Internet Explorer to see if the problem persists.

Why this helps: Ending the process manually forces the browser to close, stopping any background activity that might be preventing it from shutting down normally.

Step 2: Disable Add-ons and Extensions

Browser add-ons and extensions can sometimes cause Internet Explorer to hang or not close properly. Disabling them can help identify if this is the cause.

Here’s how to disable add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click on the gear icon (Settings) in the upper right corner.
  3. Select Manage add-ons from the dropdown menu.
  4. In the Manage Add-ons window, review the list of add-ons under Toolbars and Extensions.
  5. Select an add-on and click Disable.
  6. Disable all non-essential add-ons one by one to test if Internet Explorer closes properly after disabling each.
  7. After disabling, close Internet Explorer and see if it shuts down normally.

Why this helps: Faulty or outdated add-ons can interfere with the browser’s normal operations, including closing behavior.

Step 3: Reset Internet Explorer Settings

If disabling add-ons doesn’t work, resetting Internet Explorer to its default settings can fix deeper configuration issues.

To reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click the gear icon (Settings) and select Internet options.
  3. Go to the Advanced tab.
  4. Click on the Reset… button under the Reset Internet Explorer settings section.
  5. In the confirmation popup, check the option Delete personal settings if you want to remove browsing history, homepage, and other personal data.
  6. Click Reset to apply changes.
  7. Close Internet Explorer and reopen it to test if it closes properly now.

Why this helps: Resetting fixes corrupted settings or misconfigurations that might cause the browser to freeze or not close.

Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupted Windows system files can also affect Internet Explorer’s behavior. Running the System File Checker tool scans and repairs these files.

Follow these instructions:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, then right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This scan can take some time. Wait until it completes and shows the results.

If the tool finds and fixes errors, restart your computer and try closing Internet Explorer again.

Why this helps: Fixing system file errors ensures that Internet Explorer has all necessary files working correctly.

Step 5: Check for Malware or Viruses

Malware infections can disrupt normal browser functions, including closing behavior. Running a malware scan is a good precaution.

To scan your computer:

  1. Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
  2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
  3. Choose Quick scan or Full scan for a more thorough check.
  4. Follow the prompts to remove any detected malware.

After cleaning threats, restart your PC and test Internet Explorer again.

Alternative Method: Use Compatibility Mode

If Internet Explorer still won’t close properly, running it in compatibility mode may help. This mode runs the browser using settings from an earlier version of Windows.

To enable compatibility mode:

  1. Right-click the Internet Explorer shortcut or executable file.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for:.
  5. Select Windows 7 or Windows 8 from the dropdown menu.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.
  7. Open Internet Explorer and check if it closes properly now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Internet Explorer not close when I click the ‘X’ button?

This is usually because some background processes or add-ons are still running. It can also be caused by corrupted settings or software conflicts.

Can I safely force close Internet Explorer using Task Manager?

Yes, you can. However, any unsaved data or open tabs will be lost. It’s best to use this method only when the browser is unresponsive.

Will resetting Internet Explorer delete my bookmarks?

Resetting can delete personal settings, including bookmarks, passwords, and history if you choose to delete personal settings during the reset. Be sure to back up important data first.

Is Internet Explorer still supported on Windows 11?

Microsoft has replaced Internet Explorer with Microsoft Edge, but Internet Explorer mode is still available in Edge for compatibility reasons. Using Edge is recommended for better security and performance.

How do I update Internet Explorer on Windows 11?

Internet Explorer updates are included with Windows updates. Ensure your Windows 11 is fully updated through Settings > Windows Update.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps fix the issue, it might be a deeper system problem. You can try creating a new user account to check if the problem is user-specific.

Alternatively, consider using Microsoft Edge, which supports Internet Explorer mode and is more stable on Windows 11.

For official help, visit the Microsoft Internet Explorer support page.

Conclusion

Internet Explorer not closing on Windows 11 can be caused by several common issues, from background processes to corrupt settings. By following the step-by-step solutions in this guide, you can identify and fix the problem safely and effectively.

Start with the simplest methods like using Task Manager and disabling add-ons, then move on to resetting settings and scanning for system errors.

If problems persist, consider alternative browsers or reach out to official support. Keeping your system updated and secure will prevent many browser-related issues.

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