The Microsoft Surface RT, released in 2012, was a pioneering device that introduced the concept of a tablet running a stripped-down version of Windows 8. One of the key components of this device is its internet browsing capability, which, over time, may require updates to ensure compatibility, security, and performance. Updating the browser on your Surface RT is crucial for accessing the latest web features, protecting against online threats, and enhancing your overall browsing experience. This guide will walk you through the process of updating your Surface RT browser, discussing the why, the how, and providing tips for maintaining your device’s web browsing capabilities.
Why Update Your Surface RT Browser?
Updating your browser is not just a matter of getting new features; it’s also about security and compatibility. Outdated browsers can leave your device vulnerable to security risks, as they may not have the latest patches against known vulnerabilities. Moreover, many websites and web applications are designed with the latest browser versions in mind, meaning that using an outdated browser can lead to compatibility issues, affecting your ability to fully utilize the internet.
Understanding Browser Options On Surface RT
The Surface RT comes with Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer as its primary browsers. However, the Surface RT is limited to running apps from the Microsoft Store, which restricts the installation of third-party browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. This limitation means you’re primarily working with Microsoft’s offerings for browsing the internet.
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge, the successor to Internet Explorer, was designed to be faster, more secure, and to provide better integration with the Windows ecosystem. For Surface RT users, Microsoft Edge is the recommended browser, offering a more modern browsing experience compared to Internet Explorer. However, the update process for Edge on Surface RT devices can be a bit tricky due to the device’s outdated operating system and the restriction to Microsoft Store apps.
Internet Explorer
While Internet Explorer is available on the Surface RT, it’s not recommended for regular use due to its outdated nature and potential security vulnerabilities. Microsoft has shifted its focus towards Microsoft Edge, and Internet Explorer is no longer receiving significant updates or support.
Updating Your Browser On Surface RT
Given the constraints of the Surface RT, updating your browser may require some workaround strategies. The Surface RT does not support Windows 10 or later versions of Windows, which means it won’t receive updates for Microsoft Edge beyond a certain point. However, for the versions of browsers it can support, here’s how you can update them:
Automatic Updates
- Ensure your device is connected to the internet.
- Go to the Settings app on your Surface RT.
- Navigate to “Change PC settings” and then to “Update and recovery”.
- Click on “Check now” to see if there are any updates available for your device, including browser updates.
- If updates are found, follow the prompts to download and install them.
Manual Updates Through Microsoft Store
Since the Surface RT is restricted to apps from the Microsoft Store, you can check the store for any available updates to Microsoft Edge or other installed browsers:
– Open the Microsoft Store app.
– Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Downloads and updates”.
– Click on “Check for updates”.
– If updates are available, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.
Maintaining Your Browser And Device
Beyond updating your browser, there are several practices you can adopt to maintain your Surface RT’s performance and security:
Regularly Clean Your Browser Data
Cleaning your browser data, including cookies, history, and cached files, can improve your browser’s performance and protect your privacy. You can do this within the browser settings of both Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer.
Use Strong Antivirus Software
Installing and regularly updating antivirus software can protect your device from malware and other online threats. While Windows Defender comes pre-installed on Windows devices, including the Surface RT, ensuring it’s up to date and running regular scans is crucial.
Conclusion
Updating your Surface RT browser is an essential step in ensuring a safe, efficient, and enjoyable browsing experience. While the Surface RT’s limitations, especially concerning its operating system and app store restrictions, present challenges, following the steps outlined above can help you keep your browser as up to date as possible. Remember, maintaining your device’s security and performance requires regular checks for updates, cleaning browser data, and using antivirus software. By taking these steps, you can extend the life of your Surface RT and continue to safely navigate the internet.
What Is The Importance Of Updating My Surface RT Browser?
Updating your Surface RT browser is essential to ensure that you have the latest security patches, bug fixes, and features. Outdated browsers can make your device vulnerable to cyber threats, and you may miss out on the latest improvements and enhancements. Microsoft regularly releases updates for its browsers, including Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge, to address security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and add new features. By keeping your browser up to date, you can protect your device from potential security risks and enjoy a better browsing experience.
Regular browser updates also provide performance enhancements, which can improve the overall speed and responsiveness of your Surface RT device. Additionally, updated browsers often include new features and tools that can enhance your productivity and browsing experience. For example, updates may include new extensions, improved tab management, and enhanced privacy settings. By updating your browser, you can take advantage of these new features and improvements, making your browsing experience more efficient and enjoyable. Furthermore, updating your browser can also help to ensure compatibility with the latest web standards and technologies, providing a better experience when browsing the web.
How Do I Check For Updates For My Surface RT Browser?
To check for updates for your Surface RT browser, you can start by opening your browser and clicking on the settings icon, usually represented by three dots or a gear icon. From the settings menu, click on “About” or “Help,” and then click on “Check for updates.” This will initiate a check for any available updates for your browser. Alternatively, you can also check for updates through the Windows Update utility, which can be accessed by going to the Start screen, typing “Windows Update” in the search bar, and selecting the “Windows Update” option from the search results.
If updates are available, you will be prompted to download and install them. It is essential to follow the prompts carefully and ensure that the updates are installed correctly. You may need to restart your device or close your browser during the update process. After the updates are installed, you can verify that your browser is up to date by checking the version number or release date. It is a good idea to regularly check for updates to ensure that your browser remains current and secure. By staying on top of updates, you can help protect your device and enjoy a better browsing experience.
What Are The System Requirements For Updating My Surface RT Browser?
The system requirements for updating your Surface RT browser are relatively straightforward. Your device should be running Windows RT, and you should have a stable internet connection to download and install the updates. Additionally, your device should have sufficient free space to accommodate the updates, and your battery should be sufficiently charged. It is also recommended that you close any unnecessary apps or background processes to ensure a smooth update process. If your device meets these basic requirements, you should be able to update your browser without any issues.
It is essential to note that the Surface RT device is no longer supported by Microsoft, and as such, updates may not be available for the device. However, if you are still using a Surface RT device, it is crucial to ensure that your browser is updated to the latest available version to minimize security risks. You can check the Microsoft website for any available updates or patches for your device. Although support for the Surface RT has ended, you can still take steps to protect your device and browser by regularly checking for updates and being cautious when browsing the web.
How Long Does It Take To Update My Surface RT Browser?
The time it takes to update your Surface RT browser can vary depending on several factors, including your internet connection speed, the size of the update, and the performance of your device. Typically, the update process can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the complexity of the update and the speed of your internet connection. It is essential to be patient and allow the update process to complete without interrupting it.
If your internet connection is slow, the update process may take longer. It is recommended that you use a stable and fast internet connection to download and install the updates. Additionally, you can check the progress of the update by monitoring the update screen or the browser’s status bar. Once the update is complete, your browser will likely restart, and you can verify that the update was successful by checking the version number or release date. It is essential to ensure that the update process completes successfully to avoid any potential issues or security risks.
Can I Update My Surface RT Browser To The Latest Version Of Microsoft Edge?
Unfortunately, the Surface RT device is no longer supported by Microsoft, and as such, it is not possible to update your browser to the latest version of Microsoft Edge. The Surface RT device was designed to run Windows RT, which is a limited version of the Windows operating system. Microsoft Edge is only available on devices running Windows 10 or later, and the Surface RT device is not compatible with these operating systems.
However, you can still update your browser to the latest available version of Internet Explorer, which is the default browser on the Surface RT device. Although Internet Explorer is no longer supported by Microsoft, you can still update it to the latest available version to minimize security risks. It is essential to note that the lack of support for the Surface RT device means that you will not be able to take advantage of the latest features and security patches available in Microsoft Edge. As such, it is crucial to be cautious when browsing the web and to take steps to protect your device and data.
Will Updating My Surface RT Browser Affect My Bookmarks And Browsing History?
Updating your Surface RT browser should not affect your bookmarks and browsing history. The update process typically only updates the browser’s core components, such as the rendering engine, security patches, and features, and does not modify your personal data, including bookmarks and browsing history. However, it is always a good idea to back up your bookmarks and browsing history before updating your browser, just in case.
To back up your bookmarks and browsing history, you can export them to a file or sync them with a Microsoft account. This will ensure that your data is safe and can be easily restored if anything goes wrong during the update process. After the update is complete, you can verify that your bookmarks and browsing history are intact by checking the browser’s settings and menus. If you encounter any issues or find that your data is missing, you can try restoring it from your backup or syncing it with your Microsoft account.