Why I can't visit http://localhost via IE?
Solution 1:
You should add http:// before localhost:port for IE. Unlike other browsers, IE needs to know what protocol is being used.
Solution 2:
Some things to try:
try adding the port to localhost: localhost:80 or localhost:8080
try checking proxy bypass settings for Internet Explorer (Tools -> Options), make sure it's set to proxy bypass for localhost
Check
C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hostsand make sure the localhost entry is there
Solution 3:
Old thread, but I thought this may help someone.
Windows 7 Pro / IE 11
I had the exact same issue (http://localhost works in Chrome, and 127.0.0.1 worked in IE too). Tried various things like updating hosts file entry, disable ipv6 in network settings etc.. nothing worked.
Finally fixed by adding http://localhost to trusted site in IE Settings Internet Options>Security>Trusted sites. Make sure to un check the "Require Server verification (https).. " option when adding the trusted site address.