Wiki Page, 5 Major Web Browsers: Internet Explorer Plugin page

Wiki Page
2016-10-17T13:22:22-06:00

Manage add-ons in Internet Explorer 11

Email

Print

Note

Go to the bottom of the page to get help for older versions of Internet Explorer. Which version of Internet Explorer am I using?

Add-ons are apps that Internet Explorer uses to interact with web content like videos and games. Toolbars and extensions are also types of add-ons. Some common add-ons are Adobe Flash, Quicktime, and Silverlight.

Internet Explorer is designed to provide an add-on free experience, and will play HTML5 and many Adobe Flash videos without needing to install a separate add-on.

You'll only be able to install and use add-ons in Internet Explorer for the desktop. If you're trying to view a page that requires add-ons, view it in the desktop: swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or right-click) to bring up the app commands, select the Page tools button

, and then select View in the desktop.

Note

In Windows RT, add-ons aren't supported by either Internet Explorer or Internet Explorer for the desktop.

Installing and using add-ons

If you're missing an add-on that you need to view a page, Internet Explorer will let you know, and will prompt you to install the add-on. Some add-ons come pre-installed by other apps or your PC's manufacturer.

To view installed add-ons

1. Open Internet Explorer, select the Tools button , and then select Manage add-ons.

2. Under Show, select All add-ons.

To turn add-ons on

1. Open Internet Explorer, select the Tools button , and then select Manage add-ons.

2. Under Show, select All add-ons.

3. Select the add-on, Enable, and then select Close.

Turning off and removing add-ons

Add-ons can sometimes cause browsers to run slowly and crash, or they might pose a security or compatibility risk. You can turn off specific add-ons to help increase your browsing speed, or if you suspect they're causing problems for Internet Explorer. You can also remove add-ons that you're no longer using from your PC. It's a good idea to delete add-ons if you suspect they're causing performance, compatibility, or security problems.

To turn off add-ons

1. Open Internet Explorer, select the Tools button , and then select Manage add-ons.

2. Under Show, select All add-onsand then select the add-on you want to turn off.

3. Select Disable, and then Close.

To remove add-ons from your PC

Note

Not all add-ons can be removed. Some add-ons are necessary for Internet Explorer and your PC to work correctly.

1. Open Internet Explorer, select the Tools button , and then select Manage add-ons.

2. Under Show, select All add-onand then select the add-on you want to delete.

3. If the add-on can be deleted, you'll see the Remove Select Remove and thenClose.

The risks of installing add-ons

While add-ons can make your browsing experience better by giving you access to great web content, some add-ons can pose security, privacy, or performance risks. Make sure any add-ons you install are from a trusted source.

Enhanced Protected Mode and add-ons

Enhanced Protected Mode helps protect your PC and personal data from malware and other attacks. When it's turned on, add-ons such as toolbars, extensions, and browser helper objects can only run if they're compatible with Enhanced Protected Mode. You'll be notified if an add-on is incompatible. If you need to run an incompatible add-on, you can turn off Enhanced Protected Mode in the desktop browser.

Note

Enhanced Protected Mode helps protect your PC from malware and other attacks. Only turn it off if you're sure about increasing the level of risk to your PC.

To turn on or off Enhanced Protected Mode

1. Open Internet Explorer, select the Tools button, and then select Internet Options.

2. On the Advanced tab, under Security, select (or clear) the Enable Enhanced Protected Modecheck box, and then select OK. You'll need to restart your PC before this setting takes effect.

Help for older versions of Internet Explorer

Manage add-ons in Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

Manage add-ons in Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 7

Manage add-ons in Internet Explorer 9

Manage add-ons in Internet Explorer 8