It’s difficult to choose a browser that is better for Safari if you have an iPhone or a Mac. It is extremely fast, requires minimal resources, and protects the user’s privacy. However, if you use Safari on a PC, the Cupertino-based tech company won’t allow you to install Apple’s top browser on Windows. This is a problem when you have gear that includes cross-platform products. In 2012, Apple stopped developing Safari browser for windows. But what happens if you are a web developer or tester using Windows machines, and have to run manual or automated end-to-end tests using Safari browser?
However, you can install older versions of Safari on Windows 10 and 11, but we strongly advise against it due to security and compatibility issues. Using iCloud for Windows, you can sync your Safari browsing data to Chrome or Edge on Windows. This is the best and most secure option. Another option is to set up macOS on your computer and use Safari in that manner.
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Steps To Download And Install Safari Browser On Your Windows
The final version of Safari for Windows (Safari V.5.1.7) was stopped by Apple in 2012. Problem? It is slow, outdated, and not compatible with many web apps, and it poses security risks. It doesn’t allow you to sync browsing data, so it is not an option if you need access to bookmarks or passwords.
These steps will guide you through installing Safari on Windows 10/11. We recommend avoiding Safari if you don’t want to see how Safari looked almost a decade ago.
1. You can download the Safari installer via a software download portal like Uptodown or Filehippo. It is 36.7MB in size. Apple has discontinued support for Safari for Windows. You can’t obtain it from an official source.
2. Double-click on the SafariSetup executable.
3. On the Safari Setup’s welcome screen, select Next.
4. Accept the license agreement, and then select Next.
5. Indicate whether you wish to make Safari your desktop shortcut. You can also choose whether you want Safari to be your default browser (we recommend that you do not select this option). To continue, select Next.
6. Select an install directory or leave the default path and then select Install.
7. Wait for Safari to install Safari on your computer. Then, select Finish.
You can open Safari after installing it by double-clicking on the Safari image on your desktop. You can also open Safari by clicking the Start menu’s program list.
Safari for Windows is almost ten years old and doesn’t seem out of place. The URL bar is at the top (you can’t use this to perform searches however), the bookmarks strip beneath, and the dedicated Search bar is in the left corner. New tabs default display frequently visited sites in thumbnail format. You can switch between them and your browsing history using the Top Sites and History tabs.
The Safari menu is accessible by clicking on the cog-shaped icon in the upper right corner. Here you can customize the toolbar and access your browsing history. You can also launch a private browsing session.
Selecting Preferences will open the Preferences pane. This allows you to change the homepage, choose a default search engine and adjust privacy settings. You can also manage extensions (though extensions support is not available).
The browser doesn’t allow you to sign in with your Apple ID. This makes it impossible for you to sync browsing data between your iPhone and Mac. Apple would probably have stopped you from signing into it if this functionality had been available previously.
The browser began to show signs of age during our Safari tests on Windows. Many websites took too long to load. Web apps like YouTube and Google Maps simply didn’t work or required us to change to a compatible browser. It was almost inoperable for web browsing.
Safari for Windows hasn’t had security updates for almost a decade. We recommend that you stop using it for sensitive activities like banking and shopping.
Make Use Of macOS Virtual Machine
Virtualization software is the only way to get the latest version of Safari for your computer. The process isn’t easy. First, VM software does not support Mac’s operating systems, so the installation process is dependent on other software. It takes up a lot of disk space and consumes system resources. Virtual machine guests also tend to run slower than the host operating system.
You can still install macOS by following these macOS Virtualbox instructions on GitHub. This script allows you to install macOS Catalina via Bash script. The following steps have been simplified:
1. It’s easy to download and install Oracle VM VirtualBox for your computer (it’s completely free).
2. You can download and install with these dependencies (you will be able to select them during installation).
- bash
- coreutils
- gzip
- unzip
- wget
- xxd
- dmg2img
3. Download the macOS-guest-VirtualBox.sh bash script from GitHub.
4. Start the Cygwin Terminal. Drag and drop the bash code and hit .
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to install macOS as a virtual machine on your computer.
After the setup, you can launch Safari by clicking the Safari icon in the Mac’s Dock. It’s important to first update macOS and Safari before you do this. Open the Apple menu, then select System Preferences > Software update > Update Now.
Safari Browser Testing On Windows Via Lambda Test
Lambda Test is a cloud-based cross-browser automation testing platform that provides an online browser farm that includes 3000+ browsers and OS combinations, as well as users already installed. You can choose your browser version and operating system to render the website in seconds.
LambdaTest also offers many other features, such as screenshot sharing, sharing, recording videos, and the generation of detailed reports. You can mark bugs with text to speed testing and share the results with your team.
Say no to Safari VM! Cross Browser compatibility testing on all safari browser versions across real browsers and operating systems.
Cross-browser testing can be done live on real Safari browsers. Cross-browser compatibility for website and web apps on all versions of Safari browsers, from Safari 14 through Safari 5.1.
Your Selenium automation scripts can be run on a Selenium grid that includes real Safari browsers online, running on real hardware. You can increase your browser coverage, test websites on Safari browsers for desktop and mobile browsers online, and reduce test execution by parallel testing.
Online desktop safari browser emulators are not only insecure, but they are also very difficult to use and update. You can now test your website with real Safari browsers running on Windows using LambdaTest cross-browser testing cloud.
LambdaTest is compatible with all OS-browser combinations, but it can also serve as a Safari tester on Windows. To keep with the post theme, we’ll be using LambdaTest for windows with Safari.
i) To open Safari on Windows, register for free on the LambdaTest platform.
ii) Go to Real-Time Testing.
iii) Enter the test URL, and choose the browser like Safari, browser version, and operating system.
iv) Then press START to render the website on the selected configuration.
Next, you will see Safari running with a live interactive session. It allows you to test your system as if it were local.
This method is simple, fast, and can be used to publish or unpublished websites. This process does not consume additional primary memory. Users only need a web browser and good internet connectivity.
Hopefully, this blog has helped you know the helpful steps to use the safari browser for windows.
