Microsoft's Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) web browser has finally overtaken Mozilla's Firefox and Google's Chrome on Windows 7, Microsoft claims.

Microsoft's Internet Explorer 9 was the firm's first web browser in years that actually had something going for it, and is widely acknowledged as having improved standards compliance and performance. However even with a persuasive brand, only now has IE9 overtaken its open source rivals Firefox and Chrome on Windows 7.

Citing Net Applications' figures, Microsoft's said its latest web browser has just edged above Google Chrome to take top spot among what Microsoft terms 'modern browsers' on Windows 7. While Internet Explorer 9 has surpassed its contemporary rivals, Microsoft concedes that Internet Explorer 8 is still the most popular web browser among Windows 7 users.

Last month it was a different story, with Mozilla's Firefox holding top spot, falling dramatically from first to third spot in just one month. Statcounter's latest figures also echo Net Applications' figures of Firefox's decline, with the analyst firm claiming that Google's Chrome has overtaken Firefox.

Microsoft is working to build up interest for Internet Explorer 10 (IE10), which it expects to release with Windows 8. At present IE10 is in developer preview status and is available only to those who download the Windows 8 beta.

Microsoft will be pleased that even without the help of preinstalling IE9 on Windows 7, IE9 still has managed to overtake Chrome and Firefox with the help of Windows Update and its web site.