Safari is a web browser developed by Apple Inc. based on the WebKit engine. The first desktop version of the browser was released in the year 2003 with Mac OS X Panther, and its mobile version was released in 2007.
It is the default browser of all Apple’s devices, similar to the Internet Explorer of Windows. Initially, the Safari web browser was available for Windows, but later, Apple discontinued the browser since 2012. This means you will not get the latest updates of the browser for Windows PCs.
To use Safari on Windows, you need to install the older version of it even though it is officially not available. Unlike other web browsers, Safari comes with a basic design along with an impressive set of features to make web browsing fast and smooth.
Its user-interface is easy to understand without any complexity so that anyone with basic knowledge can start using it.
Features of Safari for Windows:
One of the best features of the Safari browser is that it provides a wide browsing Window, which gives more viewing space and better browsing experience. You will enjoy surfing the web as the interface is the same as in any Apple device.
Some of the other features of Safari are listed below:
1. Superfast web-browsing
The Safari browser is fast as compared to its other competitors. It’s also a highly secure browser. But you might face some difficulties as there are no recent updates available.
2. Consume less energy
Unlike Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer, the browser consumes less energy and thus enhances the battery life of your laptop.
3. Bookmark your favorite websites
Similar to Google Chrome, you can pin your favorite sites on the browser. It helps in saving time when you are doing some research work.
4. Mute tab feature
With the help of this feature, you can mute any particular tab. By doing so, you will not get disturbed by the annoying audio advertisements.
5. Built-in Airplay Support
Airplay connects your TV and web browser so that you can stream videos on the big screen. Just select the device and click on the Airplay icon, your video will start streaming on the device chosen. All you need to make sure that the devices are connected through the same internet network.
There are two ways to use Safari on a Windows computer. First, by using the old version of Safari by downloading and installing the file and the other by using online service to use Safari with Mac OS X environment.
If you are a developer, designer, or UI tester and need to check browser compatibility for the project, then it becomes inevitable to download Safari on Windows.
How to Install and Use Safari Browser on Windows PC
Note – As we have already stated that the Safari browser has been discontinued, and therefore, you will not get the latest version of the browser. Hence, in this method, we will discuss how to install Safari 5.17.
Step 1: The first thing you need to do is get the setup file of the Safari browser for Windows. You have to download the file using the third-party sources as there is no official site available to do so.
You can download Safari using the following link – Download Safari for Windows.
Step 2: Once you click the link, the download process will start. It might take a few minutes to download the setup file depending upon your internet speed.
Step 3: Now exact the file. All the required files which are necessary to install Safari can be found there.
Step 4: Click on the setup file to install the browser on the PC.
Step 5: Now, follow the necessary instructions to complete the installation process.
You’re done with the complete installation process of the Safari’s browser on your Windows PC. Now, enjoy surfing on a new platform.
However, make sure that you do not perform essential tasks on the browser, such as making payments, transferring money, accessing your bank account, online shopping, etc.
This is because this version of Safari is quite old and may be prone to many vulnerabilities. The modern web browsers have updated security settings. There use Safari only if it is critically inevitable.
How to Use Safari on Windows PC using Online Service
Step 1: Open the site “crossbrowsertesting” on any other browser on your Windows computer.
Step 2: The next step is to create a free account and log in.
Step 3: On the left sidebar, go to the “Live Testing” option and click on “Start a Live Test.”
Step 4: Then, under the desktop tab, click on the drop-down menu and select the Mac OS X version.
Step 5: After selecting the Mac OS X version, you would see that Safari 11 is automatically selected.
Step 6: Now, just enter the website URL in the text field and click on “Run Test” to load the website.
There are many features available on the top menu bar, such as scaling, screen recording, snapshot, resolution, and others.
This method is not suitable for daily usage. However, it is convenient for developers and testers as this Safari is much more safe and secure than downloading the older version of Safari.
You will not get a smooth browsing experience as there might be a lot of lags due to a slow internet connection. But for a developer and tester, this method is beneficial because getting different devices is very tedious.
Conclusion
Safari is the most recommended browser for Apple devices. It would be great if Apple continued the browser support for Windows devices as well. It would have made life a lot easier for people as well as for designers, developers, and UI testers who work on different browsers to check the compatibility of their project.
