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Internet Explorer 9 final will require Windows 7 SP1 -- Update: no, it won't.
However, it's been decided that you're going to need Windows 7 SP1 installed before you can pop in the final version of IE9. Microsoft has yet to announce release dates for either SP1 or IE9, of course, but it's safe to assume that the service pack will arrive first based on the TechNet posting where the SP1 dependency is called out.
Why the hook to SP1? Will IE9 leverage some super-secret awesomeness that Microsoft has kept hidden from prying eyes? Probably not. But if you're going to run a shiny new browser, why not run it on the most up-to-date version of your OS that's available?
Interestingly (or not), there's no mention of Vista in the post. Of course, Vista users ought to either have installed Vista SP2 by now or upgraded to Windows 7 anyway, right?
[via Ars Techncia]
Update:
Microsoft has been reaching out to various sites to shed some light on the situation. In reality, SP1 will not be required:
"Internet Explorer 9 will work on Windows 7 RTW and Windows 7 SP1. When you install Internet Explorer 9 on a system that has Windows 7 RTM installed, additional operating system components are included as part of the installation of Internet Explorer 9. Those 'additional operating system components' will be part of Windows 7 SP1. Either way, this will be a seamless process for the user. Just wanted to make sure you had the latest."
Thanks, NeoWin!
Comments
10
Subscribe to commentsRahabibSep 23rd 2010 4:44PM
my guess is this is a move to block out non genuine versions of Win7 - as they did with IE7 to XP users (which coincidentally, led hackers to just use IE6 which is part of the reason why certain people still use IE6)
They do the same thing with Windows Media Player etc.
TJ LuomaSep 23rd 2010 5:05PM
Pushing people to keep Windows updated, by whatever carrots and sticks available, is a good thing.
Dan LarsonSep 23rd 2010 5:36PM
You know, as a web developer, I hate it when they do this. I mean, I understand why, but XP marketshare is still over 50%, and they just backtracked a few month ago to allow licensed XP downgrades throughout the entire life-cycle of Windows 7. Now, this restriction means that we will never be rid of IE8 - and in the very worst cases, IE6.
Meanwhile, Opera and Chrome continue XP support, and Firefox supports back to Win2K, but good luck getting a stagnant business to switch to an alternative browser that actually supports the modern web.
DachSep 23rd 2010 7:34PM
XP. Needs. To. Die.
There. I said it.
Warner YoungSep 23rd 2010 8:09PM
Or maybe this is to make sure they get Direct2D and DirectText problems fixed before IE9 really goes out for real. Currently, that seems to be one of the big complaints for both IE9 and Firefox users: that text looks kind of bad when using HW acceleration.
RolandixorSep 23rd 2010 10:20PM
I upgraded to windows 8 a while ago, so I'm covered.
It's called Ubuntu and it's free.
InternetFox 4 is just so cool... even if the name is a bit of a step back (shouldn't it be 10?) =)...
in other words... just another reason to be proud I don't rely on windows.
Btw... doesn't it seem like DS is getting paid to push IE9? Honestly -_-
DafretySep 24th 2010 12:27AM
"Upgrading" to an obnoxious Linux troll does not cover you in the least.
ArchtypeSep 24th 2010 3:40AM
If you are going to quote something, please use them correctly.
'upgrading'
or for a direct quote
"upgraded"
Smile like it never happened!
GEORGE VILCHESSep 24th 2010 3:49PM
Whatever IE9 runs on, so long as it has reasonable support for ACID3, I'll be happy-ish.
WEbsite BuilderOct 13th 2010 1:54PM
IE6 and IE7 needs to DIE.
I hate companies still using IE6 the most as it very much SUCKS balls. For most part companies still using IE6 are Japanese big companies and many of you can say out those names without thinking much.