When you are trying to customize Microsoft’s latest web browser Internet Explorer 9 you are limited by the configuration options, called Internet Options in the browser. Those options have not really changed a lot since the release of Internet Explorer 6. Users who wanted to tweak and modify other elements of the browser had to rely on Registry tweaks, group policies and third party tools.
One of those third party tools has just been released in a new version. Tweak IE9 has been designed specifically for Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 9 browser. The portable program checks if Internet Explorer 9 is installed on the system. If it is, it displays a start button that launches the program.
The program displays all available configuration options in the main interface. The tweaks are divided into colored sections. Tweaks are for instance available for Internet Explorer’s user interface, file downloads and security.
Here is an overview of the available configuration settings:
User Interface:
- Enable Menubar on Top
- Menubar always visible
- Enable Links Band
- Enable Tab Groups
- Small icons on toolbar
- Enable 3D-Border
- Show Statusbar
- Enable CommandBar
- Use ClearType
- Max rows on new tab
Startup
- Start IE9 in Fullscreen
- Make a custom homepage
Downloads
- Configure the maximum number of downloads
- Perform check on exe file signature
- Notify me when a download has completed
- Change the downloads directory
Search Provider
- Manage search providers
- Default search provider
Security
- ActiveX Filtering
- ActiveX Filter Exceptions
- Manage Pop-up Settings
- Tracking Protection List Exceptions
Advanced
- Configure the connection limits
Tools
- Make Special IE9 Shortcuts
- IE9 Feature Meta tag generator
- Make custom search provider
- Delete browsing history
- Restore IE9
Most of the configuration options are activated and deactivated with a click on the icon next to each setting. Once you have made all changes, you need to click on the Tweak IE9 now button to apply the changes to the web browser. If you want to undo the changes click the Restore IE9 button to do so.
TweakIE9 is compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating system. It works only if Internet Explorer 9 is installed on the system. You can download the program from the developer website.
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I am still using IE8 occasionally (my main browser is FF5). Is it worth updating to IE9?
Seeing as Internet Explorer is an integrated part of the core operating system, i would say yes.
Thank you for pointing out this handy, simple little app. Simple is very good – portable is even better! This information is much appreciated.
Poorly implemented.
NOT intuitive for average user.
When installed as directed, tweaks do NOT work under IE9.
TweakIE9 is very buggy freeware and effectively useless.
Do NOT download!
0/10
what is the difference between “Configure the maximum number of downloads” and “Configure the connection limits” ?
Connection limits are the number of simultaneous connection to a server to download page elements, e.g. images while download limits are specifically for user initiated downloads.
With local group policy, many settings can be enabled, disabled or customized for ie9. Although using local group policy is not intuitive for regular people either it does work.