Microsoft revealed on Tuesday that the beta and RC versions of Internet Explorer 9 have surpassed 36 million downloads.

Microsoft previously revealed that Internet Explorer 9 beta had received 10 million downloads at the end of October. Microsoft also confirmed in early December that Internet Explorer 9 beta had been downloaded 15 million times and hit 20 million in early January and 23 million in February. The revelation of 36 million downloads shows a rapid increase in downloads, mainly thanks to the Release Candidate version available in February. Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer previously said that IE9 is the most downloaded beta release of Internet Explorer ever.

Internet Explorer 9 also accounts for 0.66% of all users worldwide while still a beta product, according to Net Applications. “Last month, we saw share of both Internet Explorer 8 and 9 grow, and we’re pleased to see that momentum continue in February with the availability of the IE9 Release Candidate,” said Roger Capriotti, Director of Internet Explorer Product Marketing. Microsoft also revealed that since its release on February 10, the Internet Explorer 9 RC has already been downloaded over 11 million times.

The software maker launched its final development milestone version of Internet Explorer 9 on February 10. Microsoft’s main change in Internet Explorer 9 RC is the addition of Tracking Protection. The new privacy feature allows consumers to address their concerns about being tracked on the web. Internet Explorer 9  RC offers users a new opt-in mechanism to identify and block many forms of undesired tracking such as cookies, web beacons, advertisements and trackers. Tracking protection involves lists that can be published online. Microsoft’s second security enhancement is the ability to block ActiveX controls. Internet Explorer 9 RC includes an “ActiveX filter” option. The filter allows users to switch off ActiveX elements within their session, furthering Microsoft’s commitment to security within its browser.

Microsoft also unveiled Internet Explorer 9 for mobile in February. The company is planning to ship the software as part of a platform release and update for Windows Phone later this year. Internet Explorer 9 mobile is currently part of “Mango”, the codename for the next Windows Phone release expected to be named 7.5. Internet Explorer 9 mobile will be identical to Microsoft’s desktop browser according to the company and will allow Windows Phone to take advantage of the latest advances in web technologies, including HTML5. Microsoft is also likely to ship a Silverlight runtime inside of IE9 mobile but the company is refusing to comment until MIX11.

Microsoft may launch the final version of Internet Explorer 9 on March 24.