Internet Explorer
Using IE on the Start Screen
Using IE on the Start screen
Windows 8 comes with two versions of Internet Explorer: one for the Start screen (sometimes called the Metro version), and one for the Desktop. This lesson will focus on the Start screen app. You can review previous lessons in this tutorial to learn more about the Desktop version.
The Start screen version of IE is designed to be easily used with a touch screen. As a result, some features are more difficult to use if you have a mouse-and-keyboard setup. If you're used to older versions of Internet Explorer, you'll also find that some features have been moved, like the address bar and tabs. This lesson will help you become familiar with the IE Start screen interface.
Getting started with IE:
- To open IE, locate and select Internet Explorer on the Start screen. IE will appear.
Opening IE
Click the buttons in the interactive to become familiar with the IE Start screen interface.
Back Button
Click the Back button to move backward in your browsing history.
Address Bar
Right-click the mouse to see the address bar, which you'll use to navigate to a website or conduct a web search. Frequently visited sites and suggestions will appear as you type.
Refresh Button
Click the Refresh button to reload the current page.
If a webpage doesn't load properly, the Refresh button will change temporarily to the Stop button. Click this button to stop a webpage from loading.
Tabs Buttons
Click the Tabs button to view all open tabs.
Favorites Button
Click here to access the Favorites bar, where you can view and add favorites. You can also pin websites to the Start screen.
Page Tools Button
Click the Page tools button to search for content on the current page, view downloads, or open the Desktop version of IE.
Forward Button
Click the Forward button to move forward in your browsing history.
Tabs
You can open multiple websites at the same time using tabs.
Right-click the mouse to see tabs that are currently open.
To close a tab, click the Close Tab button in the corner of each open tab
New Tab Button
Click here to open a new tab.
Tab Options Button
Click here to to reopen a closed tab or to open an InPrivate window. An InPrivate window will not track your browsing history.
Tabs Bar
Whenever you are interacting with a website, the tabs bar and address bar will disappear.
To re-open them, just right-click anywhere on the screen, or swipe up from the bottom if you're using a touch-screen.
