Internet Explorer 9 for Windows

Overview and purpose

Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) is a free web browser developed by Microsoft for desktop and laptop PCs. Launched in 2011, it introduced a cleaner interface and several performance and usability improvements compared with earlier IE releases.

Support status and compatible systems

• Not supported on Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows XP.
• Available for Windows Vista and Windows 7 (both 32-bit and 64-bit) but no longer receives security patches or technical support from Microsoft.
• Although downloadable for compatible systems, IE9 is effectively obsolete and should not be relied on for long-term use.

Visual design and navigation updates

IE9 simplified the browser’s appearance compared with previous versions, removing clutter and focusing on a minimal command bar that places core controls in a single row:

• Left side: the Back and Forward buttons.
• Center area: the address (URL) box with search and refresh controls integrated nearby.
• Right side: tab row showing open pages; each tab displays the site’s icon and title with a close button. To open a new tab, click the empty space beside the active tab; the new tab page displays frequently visited sites.

Command icons and quick actions

• The Home icon returns you to the default start page.
• The Settings (gear) icon opens options such as print and zoom.
• The Favorites (star) button provides access to bookmarks and favorites. Additional small controls include a dropdown to pick a search provider, a refresh arrow with a separate stop (X) control, and an expandable menu for recently closed tabs.

New Tab page and personalized shortcuts

The New Tab view centralizes the sites you visit most often and provides quick tools beneath the site thumbnails:

• “Discover” suggestions (lightbulb) recommend websites based on usage patterns.
• “Reopen last session” and a history dropdown let you quickly restore closed tabs or revisit recent pages.
• A “Hide sites” option removes specific thumbnails from the New Tab display. A visual activity bar under each thumbnail indicates how frequently you visit that site.

Privacy and InPrivate browsing

IE9 supports an InPrivate browsing mode that prevents the browser from saving local traces of the session:

• It does not retain cookies, temporary internet files, browsing history, or entered form data while InPrivate is active.
• An “InPrivate” label appears next to the address bar when this mode is enabled. Note: InPrivate prevents local storage of browsing records but does not protect against malware or prevent websites and network intermediaries from tracking activity.

Alternatives and the browser landscape

Microsoft has since moved on from the Internet Explorer line and replaced it with Microsoft Edge (introduced in 2015). If you want a modern, supported browser, consider:

• Mozilla Firefox — strong privacy features and relatively low disk usage.
• Google Chrome — widely used and often noted for speed on desktops.
• Apple Safari — optimized for macOS and iOS devices and fast on Apple hardware. Edge remains the native Microsoft option with current support and security updates.

Installation, language support, and final notes

IE9’s installer offered many language choices during setup and aimed for a streamlined, user-friendly experience. However, Microsoft ceased development on the ninth release: future enhancements and security fixes are not being provided. For safe, up-to-date browsing, use a currently supported browser and keep your operating system updated.