Resetting a Web Browser to Its Default Settings

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated August 28, 2017)

There are several different web browsers that people use, and each one has its own set of functionality. Moreover, each one has ways to change many things (e.g., the home page, what pages are displayed on startup, automatic form fill, etc.). This tip takes two of the most popular browsers and leads you through how to reset them to their original default settings.

Windows Edge

Edge was introduced with Windows 10. To reset Edge settings, click the ellipsis button near the top-right part of the Edge window. Scroll down and click the Settings option. In the resulting window, scroll down and, under "Clear browsing data," click the "Choose what to clear" button. This then displays more options; under "Clear browsing data," click the "Show more" option. Edge displays a series of things you can clear.

Place a checkmark in the checkboxes that you want to clear and click the Clear button. (If you are resetting completely, you should probably select all the check boxes.) When done, click the ellipsis button again to return to the main Edge window.

Google Chrome

To reset Chrome to its default settings, launch it and click its menu icon in the upper-right corner of the window. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Chrome's menu icon.

When the menu drops down, click the Settings option. A new tab appears which lists the settings for the browser. Go down to the bottom of the page and click Show Advanced Settings. This reveals several more settings that can be adjusted. At the very bottom of the page is a button that says Reset Browser Settings. Click this button and your browser settings are restored to their original defaults.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

To reset Internet Explorer to its default settings, launch it and click its menu icon in the upper right corner of the window. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. IE's menu icon.

When the menu drops down, click the Internet Options choice. You should almost immediately see the Internet Options dialog box on which you should select the Advanced tab. (See Figure 3.)

Figure 3. IE's Internet Options dialog box.

To reset IE's settings to their default condition click the Reset button. (For Windows 10, another dialog box pops up, and you click its Reset button too.) You can then click the OK button to close the Internet Options dialog box.

 This tip (12733) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

How to Encrypt a File or Folder via NTFS

Windows 10 provides two ways to password protect files and folders. One way is to use the Zip utility, as discussed in a ...

Discover More

Pinning a File to the Taskbar

In an effort to make your computer use more efficient you can pin non-executable files to the taskbar for easy access. ...

Discover More

Cathy

Cathy is a small utility that lets you catalog network and external media for fast searching. It's handy if you have a ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Using Edge Chromium to Screen Capture a Web Page

Have you ever needed to take a screen capture of a web page? Edge Chromium allows for easy screen capture.

Discover More

Displaying the Home Button in Microsoft Edge

By default, Microsoft Edge does not display a Home button on its toolbar. If you like having the Home button visible, ...

Discover More

Understanding IP Addresses

IP addresses are at the heart of computer networking. They are typically handled automatically, but you may find it ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 3 - 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips