How do I get IE8 to open a blank page with CTRL-N?

Unfortunately, there is no setting to change the behavior of Ctrl-N.

What you want is done in IE with another command - also under "File" - called "New Session".

But then unfortunately, it seems as though IE 8's "New Session" feature does not have a hotkey.
Well, we can fix that with a separate hotkey program.

• Download AutoHotkey
• Use this script:

#IfWinActive ahk_class IEFrame
^n::Run, %PROGRAMFILES%\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe,,max
#IfWinActive

If you run Internet Explorer with the -nomerge switch, each new window won't share the session data from the previous window when launched from that shortcut.

Additionally, if you go to File->New Session this will open a new window with your default home page.

More Info

Make a new shortcut of iexplore.exe on the desktop and edit its shortcut key proprieties to CTRL+ALT+N, now CTRL+ALT+N will open a new IE window.

In Windows 7, move IE to the first app in the task bar (if not already), press Windows + Shift + 1.