The Ultimate Guide to How to Update Internet Explorer on Surface RT

The Surface RT, a tablet device released by Microsoft, came pre-installed with Internet Explorer 10. While Internet Explorer 10 was a significant upgrade from its predecessors, it’s essential to keep your browser updated for the latest security patches, improved performance, and compatibility with modern websites. This guide will walk you through the process of updating Internet Explorer on your Surface RT device, ensuring you have the most up-to-date version for a seamless browsing experience.

Understanding the Limitations of Surface RT

Before we delve into the update process, it’s crucial to understand that the Surface RT runs on Windows RT, a modified version of Windows 8. This operating system differs from traditional Windows versions in several key aspects, including its inability to install traditional desktop applications, such as the full version of Internet Explorer.
Therefore, you cannot directly update Internet Explorer on Surface RT to a newer version than Internet Explorer 10. The Surface RT is limited to the pre-installed version, which is integrated into the Windows RT operating system.

Exploring Alternatives: Microsoft Edge and Other Browsers

While you cannot upgrade Internet Explorer on your Surface RT, there are excellent alternatives available:

• Microsoft Edge: Released with Windows 10, Microsoft Edge is the successor to Internet Explorer and offers a modern, streamlined browsing experience with enhanced security features and performance. While you can’t install Edge directly on Surface RT, Microsoft has released a Windows 10 update for some Surface RT devices. This update brings a limited version of Windows 10 to the device, including Microsoft Edge. Check for updates on your Surface RT to see if this option is available.

• Third-Party Browsers: Popular browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are available for Windows RT. They offer a wide range of features, including extensions, syncing, and cross-platform compatibility. You can download these browsers from the Windows Store.

Checking for Windows Updates: The Foundation for Browser Updates

While you can’t directly update Internet Explorer on Surface RT, it’s essential to keep your Windows RT operating system up-to-date. Windows updates often include security patches and improvements that benefit your overall browsing experience, including Internet Explorer.
Here’s how to check for Windows updates on your Surface RT:
1. Open the Settings Charm: Swipe from the right edge of the screen or press the Windows key ++ C.
2. Select “Change PC settings.”
3. Navigate to “Update and recovery.”
4. Click “Check for updates.”
Windows will automatically scan for available updates. If any are found, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install them.

Ensuring Internet Explorer is Up-to-Date (Within Windows RT Limitations)

Even though you can’t upgrade Internet Explorer on Surface RT, it’s still essential to ensure you’re using the latest version available within Windows RT. This ensures you have the most recent security patches and performance improvements.
To check your current Internet Explorer version:
1. Open Internet Explorer: Click the Internet Explorer icon on the Start screen or taskbar.
2. Go to “Help” > “About Internet Explorer.”
The “About Internet Explorer” window will display your current version number. If you’re not on the latest version for Windows RT, Windows updates will likely include the necessary updates.

Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

Occasionally, you might encounter issues while trying to update your Surface RT or Internet Explorer. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Slow or Erratic Internet Connection: A slow internet connection can hinder the update process. Ensure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network or a reliable wired connection.
• Insufficient Storage Space: Windows updates require a certain amount of free storage space. Check your storage space and delete unnecessary files to free up space.
• Corrupted Update Files: If update files are corrupted, you might encounter errors. Try restarting your Surface RT and restarting the update process.
• Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Your firewall or antivirus software might block update downloads. Temporarily disable them and try the update process again. Remember to re-enable them afterward.

Optimizing Your Browsing Experience with Internet Explorer 10

While you can’t upgrade Internet Explorer on Surface RT, you can optimize your current version for a smoother browsing experience:

• Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Accumulated cache and cookies can slow down your browser. Regularly clear your browsing data for better performance.
• Disable Unnecessary Add-ons and Extensions: Add-ons and extensions can sometimes conflict with your browser or slow down its performance. Disable any unnecessary add-ons to improve speed.
• Use Private Browsing Mode: Private browsing mode prevents your browsing history and cookies from being saved, offering a more secure and private browsing experience.
• Enable Do Not Track: The Do Not Track feature, while not universally respected, signals to websites that you don’t want your online activity tracked.

The Final Word: Embrace Alternatives for a Modern Browsing Experience

While the Surface RT’s limitations prevent you from directly upgrading Internet Explorer, remember that you have excellent alternatives available. Microsoft Edge, if available on your device, offers a modern browsing experience. Third-party browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox provide a wealth of features and compatibility with modern websites.
Embrace these alternatives to enjoy a seamless and secure browsing experience on your Surface RT.

Popular Questions

1. Can I install Internet Explorer 11 on my Surface RT?
No, you cannot install Internet Explorer 11 on Surface RT. The device runs on Windows RT, which is limited to the pre-installed version of Internet Explorer 10.
2. Is Internet Explorer 10 still secure?
While Internet Explorer 10 was a significant upgrade, it’s essential to keep your browser updated with the latest security patches. Windows updates often include security fixes for Internet Explorer.
3. Can I install a different operating system on my Surface RT to get a newer version of Internet Explorer?
No, you cannot install a different operating system on Surface RT. The device is designed to run exclusively on Windows RT.
4. Is Microsoft Edge available on all Surface RT devices?
Microsoft has released a Windows 10 update for some Surface RT devices, which includes a limited version of Windows 10 and Microsoft Edge. Check for updates on your device to see if this option is available.
5. What are the best alternative browsers for Surface RT?
Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are excellent alternatives for Surface RT. They offer a wide range of features, including extensions, syncing, and cross-platform compatibility. You can download them from the Windows Store.