Microsoft Update Catalog finally works with (almost) any browser

A long-promised change to the Microsoft Update Catalog finally makes it available to those who want to use modern browsers -- Chrome, Firefox, Opera -- to download individual Microsoft patches.

Prior to the weekend, searching and downloading patches from Microsoft’s huge trove involved using Internet Explorer 11 and installing an ancient ActiveX control.

[ InfoWorld's deep look: Why (and how) you should manage Windows 10 PCs like iPhones. | The essentials for Windows 10 installation: Download the Windows 10 Installation Superguide today. ]

Now, if you point any browser to http://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com -- note the “www” -- the new Update Catalog search dialog appears (see screenshot).

Any browser works, that is, except Microsoft Edge. At this point, using Microsoft Edge to access the same site returns a singularly useless warning:

You've stumbled upon some vintage web tech

This website runs on older technology and will only work in Internet Explorer

Open with Internet Explorer