Internet Explorer 9 RC users will be automatically upgraded to final build

By Tom Warren, on 14th Feb 11 12:50 pm with 3 Comments

Microsoft has revealed that it plans to upgrade Internet Explorer 9 Release Candidate (RC) users to the final bits automatically when they are available later this year.

Speaking on Microsoft’s official Internet Explorer blog, head of Internet Explorer Dean Hachamovitch said the company will also upgrade existing beta users to the RC build. “We will automatically update IE9 beta users to the IE9 RC. After the final release, we will automatically update IE9 RC users to the final build,” said Hachamovitch.

Microsoft 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.

Tracking protection works by allowing users to create lists of sites that are protected from being tracked by other sites via cookies and other means. Microsoft expects technical users to create lists initially followed by consumers once Internet Explorer 9 is generally available later this year. Microsoft originally promised not to include a default list but it appears some Google Analytics blocks are part of a dummy list supplied with Internet Explorer 9 RC, although are not enabled by default.

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. The filter is basic and doesn’t appear to allow for a per-site setting, just on or off.

Microsoft announced earlier this month that the beta version of Internet Explorer 9 has surpassed 20 million downloads, making it the most downloaded beta release of Internet Explorer ever. The download rate of Internet Explorer 9 beta has grown by 5 million each month since its release on September 15, 2010. Microsoft is expected to reveal the final version of Internet Explorer 9 at MIX 11 in April.

  • Manish

    Hope new IE9 will helop MS to recover lost ground

  • GP007

    Sounds good to me, Chrome does it, and Opera as well so why not? Each newer build has been better and better for me, no reason to stick to the Beta if the final is out.

  • http://twitter.com/unquietwiki Michael Adams

    This is a nice change: always had to uninstall/reinstall in the past.