Windows 98 Features Internet Explorer 4.0

On 15/05/1997, Microsoft unveiled the platform preview of Internet Explorer 4.0, introducing a major update to its web browser as part of a strategy to integrate internet functionality more deeply into Windows. The preview demonstrated features designed to blend web browsing with the desktop experience, an approach that later became central to Windows 98. Microsoft positioned Internet Explorer 4.0 as both a browser and a component of the operating system. The preview showcased technologies such as Active Desktop, which allowed web content to be displayed directly on the Windows desktop, and tighter integration with Windows Explorer. Microsoft also demonstrated improved Dynamic HTML support, enhanced scripting capabilities, and updated rendering performance. The company said these features would enable developers to build interactive web applications that behaved more like traditional desktop software. The May 1997 platform preview marked an important step in Microsoft’s browser strategy during the competition with Netscape Navigator. The technologies introduced in Internet Explorer 4.0 later shipped as part of Windows 98 and updated Windows 95 installations, extending web integration across the Windows environment.