There are dozens of complaints in the Google Web Search Help forums from those running Windows 8.1 and running Internet Explorer 11. They are saying that Google looks all weird and runs in legacy mode.
Here is a picture from one user of the search results.
Is this impacting you?
Then try this fix. Go to Tools then click on the Compatibility View Settings. Remove check on "Use Microsoft Compatibility lists".
Then you should be fine.
Forum discussion at Google Web Search Help.
