Yesterday we mentioned that Microsoft would release the final version of Internet Explorer 8 later that day on the official website. They did that which surprised many tech savvy users as it was generally given that the release would be in the second half of this year and not the first. Even more interesting is the fact that Microsoft is not only distributing it as a web download but also over official update channels like Windows Update.

Microsoft has released Internet Explorer 8 for various Windows operating systems including Windows XP and Windows Vista but Windows 7. Windows 7 users who want to download Internet Explorer 8 are greeted with a message telling them that they will not be able to download Internet Explorer 8 for Windows Beta at this time.

It is however very like that Internet Explorer 8 will be included in upcoming Windows 7 builds. Microsoft is offering a selection based download of Internet Explorer 8 on the official site that lets users pick their language and operating system from a list. Here are some download links for Internet Explorer 8 English:

Windows XP 32-bit (link)
Windows XP 64-bit (link)
Windows Vista 32-bit (link)
Windows Vista 64-bit (link)
Windows Server 2003 32-bit (link)
Windows Server 2003 64-bit (link)
Windows Server 2008 32-bit (link)
Windows Server 2008 64-bit (link)

Those links are direct download links to Internet Explorer 8. Just pick your operating system and the download should start immediately. Users who prefer other languages should follow the link that I posted above leading to the official site with the language choice pulldown menu