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Yesterday we reported that Internet Explorer 9 on Windows 7 would have Service Pack 1, due in the first half of next year, as a prerequisite—a surprising move, given that companies are often cautious about rolling out new service packs. Microsoft has now changed its public position: Service Pack 1 won't be required to run the new browser.

When Microsoft releases Internet Explorer 9, will it require Windows 7 Service Pack 1?

No. Internet Explorer 9 will install on systems that have either Windows 7 RTM or Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 (SP1) installed.

Today's new answer

Internet Explorer 9 will require a number of patches before it can run; Microsoft has made many fixes to the Direct2D and Media Foundation APIs that the new browser heavily depends on. These fixes will be incorporated into Service Pack 1. However, standalone updates are also available, and the browser will install these if necessary.

This process should be familiar to anyone who has used the Platform Previews or the beta; those install the hotfixes if necessary.

When Microsoft releases Internet Explorer 9, will it require Windows 7 Service Pack 1?

Yes. Internet Explorer 9 will require Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1). Therefore, organizations must plan, pilot, and deploy Internet Explorer 9 as part of or after a Windows 7 SP1 deployment.

Yesterday's answer

There will still be some benefit to having the Service Pack installed, though; it will allow Internet Explorer 9 to install without a system reboot.

ARS Technica has the details HERE!