Why does my Internet back button sometimes not work?
Question
Why does my Internet back button sometimes not work?
Cause
This issue can be caused by any of the below causes.
- A new window was opened.
- A webpage automatically forwarded you to an alternate page.
- Other script preventing you from going back.
Answer
A new window was opened
When browsing the Internet, some pages may open a link to a new window. When this occurs, all your previous search history will not move over to the new window. You can determine if this is the cause of your issue by looking at the color of your back button. If the back button is gray or not highlighted, it's more than likely that you're in a new window. To get back to your previous window, close the browser window you're currently in.
A webpage automatically forwarded you to an alternate page
Often, this issue is caused when the webpage you're visiting has automatically forwarded you to a different page or new page. When this occurs, if you press the back button, you're sent back to the page that re-directed you to the new page that forwards you back to where you just came from.
To resolve this issue, you can try one or more of the below solutions.
- Press and hold down the mouse button on the back button.
- Press the back button two or more times quickly, this will almost always get you back to a previous page. If this makes you go back too far, go forward.
- Most new browsers have a small down arrow next to the back button (as shown below). Pressing this button will display the last few pages you have recently visited. Once this list is displayed, you can select the page you wish to go back to.
Other script preventing you from going back
There are scripts that can be used maliciously to prevent you from going back; when these pages are encountered, usually one of the above two recommendations will allow you to get back. However, if you find neither of these solutions allowing you to get back, we suggest you close all your browser windows and start over.