Internet Explorer 7 will automatically supplant IE 6 when it ships, unless firms deploy an update blocker

Microsoft will automate the delivery of Internet Explorer (IE) 7 through its Automatic Updates service after the release of the browser late this year.

The software giant said that IE 7 has “significant security enhancements that qualify it for delivery over Automatic Updates, and Microsoft recommends that all genuine Windows customers install it.”

Microsoft added that it will notify users when the IE 7 browser is ready to install. It also plans to show a welcome screen that lists features and a menu of options comprising “Install”, “Don’t Install” or “Ask Me Later.”

For companies that do not want to install the software via an update, Microsoft will offer an IE 7 Blocker Toolkit. The company said that the toolkit will not expire and includes a template for setting group policies and an executable script. It is due to be made available today at the IE 7 web site.