Microsoft Windows® 8 contains the latest version of Internet Explorer®. Its functionality and support is identical to the desktop version. However, if you launch it in the Metro interface, the browser will fit Metro’s design and control, which might be a little confusing for people who are not familiar with Metro or if Metro apps don't always work as expected.
In Metro, the browsing control is simplified. There are not many toolbars, icons and buttons. But for those who have used Internet Explorer® in previous Window® environments, Metro may seem difficult when trying to properly control the browser.
The instructions below highlight some of the ways you can control Internet Explorer® in Windows® 8 (Metro interface).
Controlling Metro Style Internet Explorer® in Windows® 8:
- Launch your Internet Explorer® by clicking on the “Internet Explorer” tile on the Start screen. Internet Explorer® in Metro has changed its “classic” bar orientation and the main control is placed at the bottom of the computer screen.
- Right-click an empty part of the page and you will see top and bottom bars appear.
- In the bottom bar, you can display Favorites and Frequent websites (blank URL). Typically, it contains the Back button, URL bar, Refresh button, Pin button, Page tools button and Forward button. The functionality of all of these is the same as in the desktop version.
(Note: Only the “Pin to Start” functionality is typical for Metro. This function creates a shortcut for the opened page in the form of a tile on the Start screen.) - The top bar contains the browser’s tabs and their controls. You should see all the opened tabs with a “Close” button for each located on the right side. There is a “Plus” button to add tabs and a “Settings” button to change the way you can control this bar.
- To instantly close the application, press the “Alt+F4” key combination (Hold the “Alt” key and “F4” key down simultaneously).
