You may not have noticed it, but there are two kinds of AutoComplete features in Windows. The first is simply called AutoComplete which is a kind of automatic suggestion feature. In this case you get to see a drop-down list when you start typing. The second is Inline AutoComplete. In this case, the line you are typing is automatically completed, if you have typed the same letters before.

Most of you must be aware of it and in fact must already be using it too – but you not have been aware of the difference.

The AutoComplete feature may be turned on by default, but Inline AutoComplete is not. If you wish, you can enable or disable the autocomplete and the inline autocomplete features in Internet Explorer as well as Windows Explorer too.

Enable or Disable AutoComplete

Open Internet Explorer > Internet Options > Content tab. Here click on the AutoComplete Settings button.

Here you can select or de-select the check-boxes for the items for which you wish to enable or disable autocomplete feature. You have the option to use autocomplete for Address bar, Forms and user names and passwords. You can also if you wish, delete all autocomplete history here.

Enable or Disable Inline AutoComplete

You can also, if you wish, enable the Inline AutoComplete feature in Windows Explorer and Run dialog box too. To do so, open Internet Explorer > Internet Options > Advanced tab.

Scroll down to the following items:

• Use inline AutoComplete in the Internet Explorer address bar and Open Dialog
• Use inline AutoComplete in the Windows Explorer and Run Dialog

You may see that the first option is already checked. If you wish to enable inline auto-complete in Windows Explorer too, check the 2nd option.

Click Apply > OK.

That’s it!

Speaking of AutoComplete, maybe some of these links may interest you:

1. How to Force Internet Explorer to save passwords…again!
2. Fix: Internet Explorer does not auto-complete http:// in the address bar
3. How to quickly Auto-complete URL’s in Internet Explorer
4. Quick tip: AutoComplete is not working in Internet Explorer.