14 DAY TRIAL // Internet Explorer has received a new pack of improvements this morning via Windows Update, as part of the new Windows 8.1 Update rollout that includes some changes for the Windows platform as well.
Internet Explorer 11.0.7 is not available as a standalone download for the time being, but you can get it by deploying KB2919355, which is actually the patch that includes Windows 8.1 Update for both 32- and 64-bit workstations.
The new version of Internet Explorer 11 brings the Enterprise Mode, which was previously developed for Windows 8.1 Update exclusively, on Windows 7 computers. This option helps organizations deploy modern versions of the browser, while keeping backwards compatibility for specific enterprise apps that can only be used on Internet Explorer 8 or older.
“Organizations can designate that Enterprise Mode be enabled for specific sites so they can benefit from modern Web standards, better performance, and increased security of a modern Web browser, while reducing upgrade costs and extending legacy Web app investments,” Microsoft says.
Additionally, Internet Explorer 11.0.7 also comes with new enhancements for the F12 Developer Tools, including an improved UI and Memory features, but also some minor changes to the Debugger.
The new version of Microsoft’s own in-house browser was initially developed to be used on Windows 8.1 Update, so it comes with support for a wider array of devices, starting with 8-inch tablets and ending with desktop computers with a 24-inch monitor. It can be used with both touch and mice, so users can install it on laptops, desktops, and tablets as well, as long as they run Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 Update.
“The Web is still front-and-center but new design enhancements make your browsing experience feel like it was made just for your device – like the number of tabs on-screen and the size of the fonts and menus. You can also now control when the browser remains on-screen or hides away for full-screen browsing depending on the type of device you use,” Microsoft explained.
Just as expected, the new Internet Explorer version is delivered automatically to users via Windows Update as an important update, so while you can’t get it manually from Microsoft’s Download Center, it should already be there waiting for you to install.
The very same version was released last week on MSDN and TechNet for subscribers and it’s now available for anyone running Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 Update free of charge.