Microsoft has declared that millions of European Internet Explorer (IE) users will have the choice to select an alternative browser from March 1.

According to the legal agreement Microsoft and Europe's Competition Commission in December 2009, Microsoft agreed to let Windows PC users across Europe install the web browser of their choice, rather than having Microsoft IE as a default.

Trial is already in progress in the UK, Belgium and France.

Statistics reveal that more than half of the world's internet users have IE as their default browser.

According to a blog posted by Dave Heiner, Microsoft's Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, the software update option will arrive automatically for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 customers.

"Users who get the choice screen will be free to choose any browser or stick with the browser they have, as they prefer", wrote Mr. Heiner.

Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Opera are the alternative browsers that people will be offered. Users will need to scroll to the right to see additional browsers.

Mozilla Foundation chair Mitchell Baker described the news as "an important milestone towards helping people take control of their online lives".

However, IE users in North America won't get a Web browser ballot.