# How to enable JavaScript in Internet Explorer

To enable JavaScript for Internet Explorer, simply change the security settings under Tools > Internet options.

## How to enable JavaScript in Internet Explorer step by step

Currently using Internet Explorer? With this [browser](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/web-development/what-is-a-browser/), you can disable or enable JavaScript by changing the settings. The scripting language is typically enabled by default, so this should be the case for your settings as well. If you, however, want to check the settings or change them, you can do so **under Internet Options** in Internet Explorer. Keep in mind that if you turn off the scripting language, websites may not function as intended. You can adjust the settings by doing the following:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner. When you click on this icon, a drop-down menu will appear.
3. Towards the bottom, select the option **Internet options**.
4. Navigate to the **Security** tab.
5. Click on **Internet**.
6. Select **Custom level…**.
7. Here, you’ll find a category called **Scripting**. Click on it.
8. Look for the entry **Active Scripting**. There are three options for this entry. If you click on **Enable**, JavaScript will be activated in your browser. The other options for this category are **Disable** and **Prompt**.
9. Click on **OK**.
10. A dialog box will now open, asking you if you really want to apply the changes. If you are sure you want to do so, click **Yes**.
11. Close all windows and restart Internet Explorer. The settings you have selected will now be applied.

Note Internet Explorer was discontinued in 2022, and official support is no longer provided. While you can still use the browser, it’s better to switch to an alternative for security reasons.

## Why is JavaScript important?

JavaScript is a browser-based scripting language that is **enabled by default in commonly used browsers**. The language is used to display interactive and dynamic content on a website. This includes, for example, videos, dialog boxes, ads or animations. Platforms where timelines need to be automatically updated also rely on this language. That’s why it is important to have JavaScript enabled and not to change the default setting. If the scripting language is turned off, numerous elements may no longer be able to be displayed properly.

Tip If you are looking for a new browser to use or are currently using a different browser, you can also adjust the settings in the browser that you are using to disable or [enable JavaScript](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/web-development/enable-javascript/). You can find instructions for how to do so in our Digital Guide:

- [Enable JavaScript in Safari](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/web-development/enable-javascript-in-safari/)
- [Enable JavaScript in Firefox](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/web-development/enable-javascript-in-firefox/)
- [Enable JavaScript in Microsoft Edge](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/web-development/enable-javascript-in-microsoft-edge/)

In our Digital Guide, you can also learn how to [export Internet Explorer bookmarks](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/web-development/how-to-export-internet-explorer-bookmarks/) as well as how to [import Internet Explorer bookmarks](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/web-development/internet-explorer-import-bookmarks/).


This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/web-development/enable-javascript-in-internet-explorer/](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/web-development/enable-javascript-in-internet-explorer/) for AI/LLM consumption.