Internet Explorer at a glance

• Tabbed browsing is a feature in Internet Explorer that allows you to open multiple websites in a single browser window. If you have a lot of tabs open, use Quick Tabs to easily switch between open tabs. For more information about Quick Tabs, see Using Quick Tabs in Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer Quick Tabs

• The Instant Search box lets you search the web from the Address bar. You can also search using different search providers to get better results. For more information, see Change or choose a search provider in Internet Explorer and Tips for searching the Internet.

Internet Explorer search box

• Internet Explorer lets you delete your temporary files, cookies, webpage history, saved passwords, and form information from one place. Delete selected categories, or everything at once.

• Click the Favorites Center button to open the Favorites Center to manage favorites, feeds, and history in one place. For more information about using favorites, see Managing your Internet Explorer favorites.

• Printing now scales webpages to fit the paper you're using. Print Preview gives more control when printing, with manual scaling and an accurate view of what you're about to print. For more information about printing, see Preview the appearance of a printed webpage.

• The Zoom feature lets you enlarge or reduce text, images, and some controls. For more information about using Zoom, see Zoom in on a webpage.

New security and privacy features mean you can browse the web more safely.

• Phishing Filter can help protect you from phishing attacks, online fraud, and spoofed websites. For more information, see Phishing Filter: frequently asked questions.

Internet Explorer Address bar with phishing warning

• Protected mode can help protect your computer from websites that try to install malicious software or to save files on your computer without your consent. For more information, see What does Internet Explorer Protected mode do?

Protected Mode status indicator

• Higher security levels can help protect you from hackers and web attacks.

• The Security Status bar displays the identity of secure websites to help you make informed decisions when using online banking or merchants. Internet Explorer now supports Extended Validation (EV) certificates to help make a more positive identification of website owners and organizations. For more information, see How to know if an online transaction is secure.

Internet Explorer security status bar (right side of Address bar)

• An add-on disabled mode starts Internet Explorer without toolbars, ActiveX controls, or other add-ons that might slow your computer or prevent you from getting online. For more information, see Internet Explorer add-ons: frequently asked questions.

Keeping Windows and Internet Explorer up to date is one of the best ways to prevent trouble online. Microsoft periodically issues updates which can help prevent online attacks. These updates are available free of charge through Windows Update.

If your computer is not set up to automatically receive updates, you can manually request these updates by using Internet Explorer. Click the Tools button, and then click Windows Update. Follow the prompts on the screen to check for updates.