iexplore.exe

Internet Explorer Web Browser

Application ProcessSafeWeb Browser

CPU Usage

2-8%

Memory

100-350 MB

Location

C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer

Publisher

Microsoft Corporation

Quick Answer

iexplore.exe is safe. It's Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser process that uses multiple processes for tabs, ActiveX controls, and internal components to improve security and stability.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe

Warning

Many processes normal

Each tab + ActiveX/embedded content = separate process

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close IE when not needed; disable via Windows Features if required

What is iexplore.exe?

iexplore.exe is the executable for Microsoft Internet Explorer, the legacy Windows web browser. It runs as part of a multi-process architecture to render pages, host ActiveX controls, and support legacy components. You may see multiple iexplore.exe processes in Task Manager as you browse.

IE uses separate processes for tabs and content, improving stability and security. Each tab or embedded frame runs in its own process, isolating potentially harmful content from other tabs and system components, while the browser coordinates between processes.

Quick Fact: Internet Explorer pioneered a tab-based multi-process approach to improve security and stability, long before modern browsers adopted similar architecture.

Types of Internet Explorer Processes

Browser Process: Main IE window and user interface (1 instance)
Renderer Process: Each tab and frame (multiple instances)
ActiveX/Plugin Process: ActiveX controls and legacy plugins
Utility/Background Process: Background tasks and network services
Graphics/Media Process: Rendering graphics and media content

Is iexplore.exe Safe?

Yes, iexplore.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Microsoft installed with Windows or obtained via official Microsoft sources.

Is iexplore.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real iexplore.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names.

How to Tell if iexplore.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show 'Microsoft Corporation' as the signer.
Resource Usage: Normal usage ranges vary by tabs, but extreme constant CPU > 50% or memory > 1 GB is suspicious.
Behavior: IE should not launch unexpected background tasks when the browser is closed. Unexpected activity may indicate malware.

Red Flags: If iexplore.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when IE is not open, has no valid digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus and consider system cleanup.

Why Is iexplore.exe Running on My PC?

iexplore.exe runs whenever Internet Explorer (or IE mode in some Edge scenarios) is launched or when certain Windows components rely on IE rendering capabilities.

Reasons it's running:

Active Browser Use: You have one or more Internet Explorer tabs open or IE mode pages rendering.
Background/Embedded Content: Legacy ActiveX controls or intranet apps may run in separate processes even if IE is in the background.
Startup or System Tasks: Windows or enterprise tooling may start IE components for compatibility with legacy sites or help dialogs.
Compatibility Mode: Certain apps rely on IE rendering for legacy web content, triggering iexplore.exe activity.
Security/Policy Updates: Group Policy or security updates may temporarily spawn IE-related processes for sandboxing or compatibility checks.

Can I Disable or Remove iexplore.exe?

Yes, you can disable or limit Internet Explorer. It is optional on newer Windows builds, and you can disable it from Windows Features or group policy. Removing it may affect legacy intranet apps.

How to Stop iexplore.exe

End Individual Tabs: In IE Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc or via IE > Tools > Task Manager), end specific tabs or ActiveX tasks
Close Browser: Close all IE windows via the X button or Alt+F4
End All IE Processes: Open Task Manager, locate iexplore.exe, right-click > End Task
Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable Internet Explorer (if listed)
Turn Off Background Running: Windows Features or IE settings to disable 'Continue running background apps when IE is closed' if available

How to Uninstall Internet Explorer (Windows)

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Optional features → more features → uncheck Internet Explorer if available
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off → uncheck Internet Explorer 11
✔ Note: Some Windows components rely on IE; consider disabling rather than removing if you need compatibility

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If iexplore.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Too Many Tabs Open: Each tab uses memory. Close unused tabs or use tab management features to suspend inactive tabs.
Legacy ActiveX Controls: Disable or remove outdated ActiveX controls; update intranet sites to modern standards if possible.
Outdated Internet Explorer Version: Update Windows components or switch to a modern browser for regular browsing; IE security updates are limited on newer systems.
Malicious or Untrusted Extensions: In IE, disable or remove add-ons via Tools > Manage add-ons. Use trusted intranet configurations.
Incompatible Web Content: Some sites rely on old scripting or rendering modes; use IE mode in Microsoft Edge for compatibility
Background Tasks: Close unnecessary background tasks or background IE processes via Task Manager; ensure Windows Defender or antivirus is up to date

Quick Fixes:
1. Open IE Task Manager and identify high-usage tabs or add-ons
2. Close unnecessary tabs or click End Task for problem processes
3. Disable or remove unused add-ons: Tools → Manage add-ons
4. Restart IE to clear temporary data
5. If feasible, enable modern alternatives or IE mode in Edge for compatibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Is iexplore.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate iexplore.exe from Microsoft is not a virus. Verify the file location is C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe and check for a valid Microsoft digital signature.

Why is iexplore.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU can come from legacy sites using heavy scripting or ActiveX controls. Use IE Task Manager to identify tabs or add-ons consuming resources, then close or disable them, or switch to Edge IE mode for compatibility.

Can I disable Internet Explorer?

Yes, you can disable IE via Windows Features or Group Policy. It may be required for compatibility with legacy apps, but you can keep it installed for intranet sites and enable it only when needed.

Where is iexplore.exe located?

Common locations are C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe and C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe. If you find it elsewhere, verify the digital signature and consider scanning for malware.

Should I uninstall Internet Explorer?

On newer Windows versions, IE is optional; you can disable it or leave it for compatibility with legacy sites. Uninstalling may affect old enterprise apps; consider using IE mode in Edge instead.

What is IE mode in Edge?

IE mode in Edge provides a compatibility layer for legacy intranet sites that require Internet Explorer rendering while using the modern Edge browser for everyday browsing.