Microsoft Offers Internet Explorer 10 Release Preview for Windows 7 Users

Although Microsoft is keeping DirectX 11.1 exclusive to Windows 8, it’s planning to make the latest version of Internet Explorer available to Windows 7 users (as well as Window 8, of course). Microsoft recently opened the preview of IE 10 to the public. Still, many of the features in IE 10 are really geared towards Windows 8.

Internet Explorer 10 On Windows 7

 So what’s new in IE 10? Touch, for one thing. Microsoft designed the browser’s navigation controls for touch and even has them hide when not in use, clearing up your display. (IE 10 will support Windows RT as well as Windows 7 & 8). Other features are directed at Windows 7 and 8 users alike, such as the built-in Do Not Track tool, which gives you some privacy from being “followed” by websites you visit. Another security feature is SmartScreen Filter, which is designed to prevent phishing attacks by checking websites against malware lists and on-the-fly analysis. The browser also has the One Box feature, which combines your address bar and search bar for a single address/search tool.

Because Internet Explorer 10 is a Release Preview, the usual caveat applies: don’t expect it to be as stable as it will be at full release and keep your tolerance for risk in mind. You can remove IE 10 Release Preview if things don’t work out.