Can’t change Internet Explorer’s security settings? Try this

Madalina Dinita
by Madalina Dinita
Former Managing Editor
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  • Internet users are more and more aware of data privacy and ways to ensure their security online.
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Internet Explorer security settings
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Internet Explorer‘s privacy settings can affect how websites monitor your online activity.

So, not being able to change your Internet Explorer security settings can cause serious issues on your device.

You should decide when sites can use your location info, which cookies are stored, or block unwanted pop-ups.

If you’re trying to change your Internet Explorer’s security settings and you’re running into difficulties, check out the list below for the most common fixes.

Quick tip:

Perhaps before trying to fix any issues your current browser has, it can be less time consuming to simply switch to a new browser.

We are referring to Opera as the primary focus of this browser is on data protection, user interface, and privacy.

The browser comes with multiple built-in tools designed to ensure maximum online protection.

The VPN and the ad-blocker will make your browsing not only safe and secure, but you will also not be disturbed by the countless annoying ads.

Opera

Opera

Close to zero connection errors, free built-in VPN and enhanced encryption are some of the great features you can use right away!
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What can I do if the security settings keep resetting?

1. Get in touch with your administrator

contact your administrator

Are you using a domain-based computer? If so, your administrator may have configured new policies that restrict you from changing the Internet Explorer security settings.

Contact your administrator to ask for further details.

2. Check the Windows registry

Windows Registry Editor

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Type regedit in the Windows search box and press Enter.
  3. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to open the Registry Editor.
  4. Find your way to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionInternet
  5. Check the items Security_options_edit and Security_zones_map_edit.
  6. Set the value to 0.

Can’t access the Registry Editor? .Check out this guide and solve the issue quickly.

3. Reset Internet Explorer

how to reset Internet Explorer

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Select Tools and go to Internet options.
  3. Next, select Advanced.
  4. In the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog box, select Reset.
  5. When asked Are you sure you want to reset all Internet Explorer settings? select Reset.
  6. Next, click Close.
  7. Then, select OK.
  8. Restart your PC to apply these new changes.

Note: This process isn’t reversible. All previous Internet Explorer settings are lost after reset.

4. Perform a clean boot

how to perform a clean boot

  1. In the search box on the taskbar, type msconfig.
  2. On the Services tab of System Configuration, tick the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
  3. Next, click Disable all.
  4. In the Startup tab of System Configuration, select open Task Manager.
  5. Under Startup, for each startup item, select the item, then select Disable.
  6. Close Task Manager.
  7. On the Startup tab, select OK.

We hope that one of the solutions presented above helped you change the Internet Explorer security settings.

In case of having any other questions or suggestions, leave them in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to check them out.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2020 and has been since revamped and updated in August 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in February 2020 and was revamped and updated in August 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.