I recently upgraded to IE v.11. When I click on a link, such as a list of Google results, I often find the “back” arrow is grayed out. Even “right clicking” with the mouse, I find no “Back” option (in the pull-down menu that appears). This happens more times than not, and only rarely does the “back” arrow appear active (at the upper left corner of the IE Browser). Is there an easy way to go back in IE 11? Am I missing something, or is IE 11 seriously flawed?
Is the link being opened in a new tab?
I’ll have to notice exactly when it is happening. Naturally, opening a new tab, there would be nothing to go back to within that specific tab. Yet there is something inherently different with IE 11 vs. IE 8. I just can’t put my finger on it. In the past, I never ever recall having to give it a second thought. Now, something gives me pause to wonder.
OK, I figured out when this happens. I found this is happening when I navigate from one page to another without opening as a new tab (nor in a new window) for one. For example, I am on Website A and a link takes me to Website B (opened in the same tab). In short, Website B replaces Website A. But, I want to go back to Website A. IE 11 will NOT let me! I am back to square one USUALLY starting with the Google search that got me to Website A in the first place. Is there an easier way? This is so freaking annoying!!!
Does this happen on every web page?
I’ve been using IE 11 for years and this has never happened to me. It’s something specific to your set-up Jinx.
One thing that came in around IE9 was the idea of better separation between browser instances when navigating between intranet zones. So if for example, you navigated from your bank’s trusted website to some advertiser’s untrusted website, IE would erect a barrier between them. IIRC the barrier was all internal and should not have prevented you from navigating backwards.
There are a variety of security-related config settings for IE. If this installation is on your work PC and is controlled by paranoid IT staff, they may well have blocked such navigation. If this is your home PC the defaults may also be set real high. Tell us which and we can tell you what to adjust.
IE 11 was released for Windows 8 on October 17 of last year, and on November 7, 2013, for Windows 7. So maybe not for “years”. But your point that it’s Jinx and not IE is probably valid. I haven’t seen this behavior in IE 11 except when it was something the website itself was doing.
My IE11 does not do this. I can go back with no problem.