How to Open Multiple Internet EXPlorer Windows on Windows 8

Windows / By / December 15, 2023

Opening multiple Internet Explorer windows can be useful for navigating between multiple websites, comparing information, or multitasking. While Windows 8 comes with Internet Explorer 10 pre-installed, its default behavior is to only allow one window to be open at a time. However, there are several methods you can use to open multiple Internet Explorer windows on Windows 8. In this blog post, we will explore four different methods, their pros and cons, as well as provide alternative solutions if you are unable to open multiple windows.

Why You Need to Open Multiple Internet Explorer Windows

There are several reasons why you might need to open multiple Internet Explorer windows on Windows 8. Here are a few:

  • Comparison: Opening multiple windows allows you to easily compare information from different websites side by side.
  • Multi-tasking: With multiple windows, you can work on different tasks or projects simultaneously.
  • Convenience: Opening separate windows for distinct browsing needs can help keep your workflow organized and efficient.
  • Referencing: Having multiple windows open can be helpful when referencing different web pages or sources while working on a project.

Now, let’s dive into the various methods you can use to open multiple Internet Explorer windows on Windows 8.

Video Tutorial:

Part 1. Using Taskbar Shortcuts

One of the simplest methods to open multiple Internet Explorer windows on Windows 8 is by utilizing taskbar shortcuts. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Right-click on the Internet Explorer icon on your taskbar.
2. From the context menu that appears, click on "Internet Explorer" to open a new window.
3. Repeat the process for each additional window you want to open.

Pros:

  1. Quick and easy to use.
  2. Does not require any additional software or settings.
  3. Ability to access each window directly from the taskbar.

Cons:

  1. Can clutter the taskbar if you have many windows open.
  2. No visual indication of which window is selected when using Alt+Tab shortcut.
  3. No automatic grouping of related windows.

Part 2. Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Another method to open multiple Internet Explorer windows on Windows 8 is by utilizing keyboard shortcuts. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Press the "Ctrl" key on your keyboard and click on the Internet Explorer icon on your taskbar. This will open a new window.
2. Repeat the process for each additional window you want to open.

Pros:

  1. Simple and fast method.
  2. Does not require mouse interaction.
  3. Ability to quickly open multiple windows without using the taskbar.

Cons:

  1. Requires both hands on the keyboard.
  2. No automatic grouping of related windows.
  3. No visual indication of which window is selected when using Alt+Tab shortcut.

Part 3. Using the New Tab Button

Another method to open multiple Internet Explorer windows on Windows 8 is by utilizing the New Tab button within Internet Explorer itself. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the New Tab button next to the address bar or press "Ctrl+T" on your keyboard. This will open a new tab.
3. Right-click on the newly opened tab and select "Move to New Window." This will move the tab to a new window.
4. Repeat the process for each additional window you want to open.

Pros:

  1. Allows you to keep related tabs together in separate windows.
  2. No clutter on the taskbar.
  3. Ability to access each window directly from the taskbar.

Cons:

  1. Requires multiple steps to open a new window.
  2. No visual indication of which window is selected when using Alt+Tab shortcut.
  3. No automatic grouping of related windows.

Part 4. Using Internet Options

The last method to open multiple Internet Explorer windows on Windows 8 is by modifying the Internet Options of Internet Explorer. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner and select "Internet Options."
3. In the Internet Options window, go to the "General" tab.
4. Under the "Tabs" section, click on the "Settings" button.
5. In the Tabbed Browsing Settings window, select the "Always open pop-ups in a new tab" option.
6. Click "OK" to save the changes.
7. Now, whenever you open a link that would normally open in a new window, it will instead open in a new tab within the existing window.

Pros:

  1. Allows you to control how Internet Explorer handles new windows and tabs.
  2. Can be customized to your preferred browsing behavior.
  3. No clutter on the taskbar.

Cons:

  1. Does not open completely separate windows.
  2. No visual indication of which tab is selected when using Alt+Tab shortcut.
  3. No automatic grouping of related windows.

What to Do If You Can’t Open Multiple Internet Explorer Windows

If you are unable to open multiple Internet Explorer windows on Windows 8 using the methods mentioned above, here are three alternative solutions you can try:

1. Use a Different Web Browser: Consider switching to a different web browser, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, which may offer better support for multiple windows.

2. Use Virtual Desktops: Windows 10 introduced virtual desktops, which allow you to create multiple desktop environments. You can use this feature to run multiple instances of Internet Explorer or different web browsers on separate desktops.

3. Install Third-Party Solutions: There are third-party software solutions available that can enhance the functionality of Internet Explorer or provide additional features for managing multiple windows. Explore options such as IE Tab, IE Multiplexer, or window management tools like DisplayFusion.

Bonus Tips

Here are three bonus tips to enhance your experience when opening multiple Internet Explorer windows on Windows 8:

1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn useful keyboard shortcuts for managing multiple windows, such as Alt+Tab to switch between open windows and Ctrl+Shift+Tab to cycle through open tabs within a window.

2. Group Related Windows: If you have multiple Internet Explorer windows open, you can set them as a group in the taskbar by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting "Taskbar settings." Under the "Combine taskbar buttons" section, choose the setting that suits your preferences.

3. Utilize Snap Assist: If you want to have multiple Internet Explorer windows side by side for easy comparison, use the Snap Assist feature in Windows 8. Simply drag and drop each window to the left or right edge of the screen to have them automatically snap into place.

The Bottom Line

Opening multiple Internet Explorer windows on Windows 8 can be done using various methods, such as taskbar shortcuts, keyboard shortcuts, the new tab button, or modifying Internet Options. Each method has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. If you encounter any issues, consider alternative solutions like switching browsers, using virtual desktops, or installing third-party software. With these tips and tricks, you can efficiently navigate and multitask with Internet Explorer on Windows 8.

5 FAQs about Opening Multiple Internet Explorer Windows on Windows 8

Q1: How many Internet Explorer windows can I open at once?

A1: There is no specific limit to the number of Internet Explorer windows you can open at once. However, it may depend on your computer’s resources and performance. Opening too many windows may slow down your system.

Q2: Can I open multiple Internet Explorer windows on other versions of Windows?

A2: Yes, the methods mentioned in this blog post can be applied to other versions of Windows as well, although there may be slight variations in the interface or options.

Q3: How do I switch between Internet Explorer windows?

A3: You can switch between Internet Explorer windows using the Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut or by clicking on the corresponding window on the taskbar.

Q4: Can I open multiple instances of Internet Explorer?

A4: Yes, using the methods mentioned in this blog post, you can open multiple instances of Internet Explorer, each with its own window and browsing session.

Q5: Can I open multiple tabs within a single Internet Explorer window?

A5: Yes, you can open multiple tabs within a single Internet Explorer window by using the New Tab button or by pressing "Ctrl+T" on your keyboard. This allows you to have multiple web pages open and switch between them using the tabs.

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