On Tuesday Microsoft finally made available for download Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 7 after many months on the making. The new web browser shares all the same technologies as the version of IE10 in Windows 8 and Windows RT, but with the exception of the modern chromeless UI with the distinctive URL bar at the bottom.
Now the new Microsoft’s internet software is officially out, so what’s next? For starters, the folks at Redmond promise that they will push an automatic update in the coming weeks, starting with users who are using the “Release Preview” follow by users running Internet Explorer 9. This means that you can either wait to receive the update automatically or you can download (32-bit or 64-bit) and install it now.
Once you start using the new web browser in Windows 7, there are a few things you may want to know and consider:
Automatic update
Since IE9 you can choose whether to get automatic updates or not. You can change this setting in IE10 as well by going to “About Internet Explorer” and make your choice (Install new version automatically).
Search providers
If you’re using other web browsers such as Firefox or Chrome, you may want to consider managing IE’s Add-ons, by clicking the Tools gear button and selecting Manage Add-ons. There, you can configure toolbars, extensions and configure your search providers (Bing, Google, etc.).
Disable Do Not Track
In case you don’t mind, you can also disable the Do Not Track (DNT) feature that comes turned-on by default, by going to Internet Options, from the Advanced tab scroll down to the Security section and uncheck the “Always send Do Not Track header” options, then click Apply and OK.
Uninstall Internet Explorer 10 from Windows 7
Sometimes users might need to rollback to the previous version (e.g., Internet Explorer 9) for various reasons (compatibility, policy, personal preference, etc.) and this is something that Microsoft is aware, so you have the option to always uninstall IE10 (KB27186695) and go back to your previous version if you need to.
1. To uninstall IE10 for Windows 7 simply open the Run command (
+R), type appwiz.cpl and hit Enter.
2. From the left pane click “View installed updates”
3. Double-click Windows Internet Explorer 10 and confirm the operation. Now let Windows do its thing and after a reboot, you should now be rolled back to the previous version of IE.
But don’t hold back technology! Uninstall the software only when absolutely necessary or to troubleshoot an error. You don’t know how much it helps web developers to create beautiful and responsive websites when users have the latest version of a web browser.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].