How Do I Clear Internet Explorer Browser History?

Although Internet Explorer is no longer Microsoft’s primary browser, many older computers and business systems still use it today.

Like other browsers, Internet Explorer stores browsing history, cookies, cached files, passwords, and other website data to improve convenience and loading speeds.

Over time, this stored information can affect privacy, consume storage space, and sometimes cause browsing issues.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to clear Internet Explorer browser history, what data gets removed, and how to improve your privacy while browsing.

Why Clear Internet Explorer Browser History?

Clearing your browser history can help:

• Protect your privacy
• Remove saved browsing activity
• Delete cookies and trackers
• Improve browser performance
• Fix website loading issues
• Free up storage space
• Remove autofill suggestions

This is especially important if:

• You use a shared computer
• You access sensitive accounts online
• You shop or bank online
• You want to reduce online tracking

What Internet Explorer Stores

Internet Explorer may save:

• Browsing history
• Temporary internet files
• Cookies
• Saved passwords
• Form data
• Download history
• Website preferences

When clearing history, you can choose which types of data to remove.

How to Clear Internet Explorer Browser History

Step 1: Open Internet Explorer

Launch Internet Explorer on your computer.

Step 2: Open the Tools Menu

Click the gear icon in the top-right corner.

You can also press:

• Alt + X

Step 3: Open Safety Settings

Select:

• Safety
• Then click Delete browsing history

Step 4: Choose What to Delete

Internet Explorer allows you to remove:

• Temporary Internet files
• Cookies and website data
• History
• Download history
• Form data
• Passwords
• Tracking Protection data

Select the items you want to remove.

If you want a more complete cleanup, select most or all categories.

Step 5: Delete the Data

Click:

• Delete

Internet Explorer will clear the selected browsing data.

How to Quickly Open the Delete History Window

You can also open the deletion window instantly using a keyboard shortcut.

Press:

• Ctrl + Shift + Delete

This opens the Delete Browsing History menu directly.

How to Automatically Delete History in Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer can automatically remove browsing data when you close the browser.

Enable Automatic History Deletion

1. Open Internet Explorer
2. Click the gear icon
3. Select Internet Options
4. Under the General tab, find Browsing history
5. Enable:
   • “Delete browsing history on exit”
6. Click Apply
7. Click OK

This helps reduce stored browsing data automatically.

How to Use InPrivate Browsing

Internet Explorer includes a feature called InPrivate Browsing.

InPrivate Browsing helps prevent the browser from storing:

• Browsing history
• Cookies
• Temporary files
• Search history

Open InPrivate Browsing

Press:

• Ctrl + Shift + P

Or:

1. Click the gear icon
2. Select:
   • Safety
3. Click:
   • InPrivate Browsing

Keep in mind that InPrivate Browsing does not make you completely anonymous online.

Does Clearing Internet Explorer History Delete Everything?

No.

Even after clearing browser history:

• Search engines may still store activity
• Websites may continue tracking logged-in accounts
• Internet providers may still see browsing traffic
• Downloaded files remain on the computer
• Cloud services may retain synced data

Clearing browser history improves local privacy but does not erase your entire online footprint.

Tips for Better Online Privacy

To improve your privacy while using older browsers like Internet Explorer:

Keep Windows Updated

Security updates help reduce vulnerabilities.

Avoid Suspicious Websites

Older browsers are more vulnerable to unsafe websites and malware.

Use Strong Passwords

Avoid using the same password across multiple websites.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Extra account protection helps prevent unauthorized access.

Consider Upgrading Your Browser

Modern browsers often provide:

• Better security
• Faster performance
• Improved privacy tools
• Enhanced tracking protection

Common Problems After Clearing History

You may notice:

• Logged-out websites
• Removed saved passwords
• Slower first-time page loads
• Lost autofill entries

This is normal because stored website data and cache were removed.

Final Thoughts

Clearing Internet Explorer browser history is a simple way to improve privacy, remove stored browsing activity, and help the browser run more smoothly.

Although Internet Explorer is outdated, many people still use it on older systems and workplace computers.

Regularly deleting browsing data, using safe browsing habits, and keeping your system updated can help reduce privacy and security risks while online.