Microsoft has said this week it will begin auto-updating Internet Explorer (IE) to the latest versions of the browser, a situation that will vary somewhat according to which Windows version they're using. This is similar to how the Chrome browser works, though Microsoft is of course also providing workarounds should they wish to remain on their current IE version. I expect these work around will be quite widely used in government and Education sectors.
Senior Director Ryan Gavin said earlier this week.

"In an evolution to our update model for Internet Explorer, we will be instituting auto updates for IE users across Windows XP, Vista, and 7 using Windows Update,"

"We'll start this process in January in Australia and Brazil and then gradually scale up and roll it out worldwide."

Microsoft says that this change is good for all of its core browser audiences. It's good for consumers because it lets them stay up to date and secure automatically; However they need to enable Automatic Updates and the browser will be updated as needed. This is good for us developers, because it lets us focus on the latest web technologies without worrying about whether most users are accessing the web with a modern browser.

Those with Windows XP and IE 6 will be updated to IE 8, because that's the most recent IE version supported on XP. But users with Windows Vista or Windows 7 will be updated to IE 9.

Today, IE 8 and IE 9 are offered through Windows Update as an Important update, but the install process requires user interaction and often a PC reboot. So, many users skip the install or forget about it. With this coming change, IE installing will now be automatic and will occur with no user interaction. This methodology ensures that they are always up to date, as is the case with security updates and other fixes.

Those who have declined previous installs of IE 8 or IE 9 through Windows Update won't be automatically updated, Microsoft added. And consumers who wish to block any IE automatic updates can do so via an IE Blocker Tool-kit. Versions are available today for IE 8 and IE 9 and soon for IE 10.

This change should have a large effect on which browsers are being used today, as a developer I personally think this should have changed after the release of IE8 but I am relieved that the decision has finally been taken.