Safari is Apple's sleek and efficient browser, beloved by many Mac and iPhone users. As a Windows user, I, too, was curious: could I bring that smooth Safari experience to my PC? Unfortunately, things aren't that simple. Safari hasn't been supported on Windows for over a decade, exposing users to security risks. So, what are your options now? In this guide, I'll walk you through the facts, safe methods, and even better alternatives based on what I've tested and used myself.
Part 1: What is Safari?
Safari is Apple's proprietary web browser, originally launched in 2003. It's known for its clean design, fast browsing speeds, strong energy efficiency on Apple devices, and privacy-first features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention. On macOS and iOS, it's the default browser, and honestly, it works seamlessly there. That's part of why some Windows users, like myself, have been tempted to see if it could run on a PC as well.
Apple Discontinued Safari for Windows
However, Apple officially discontinued Safari for Windows back in 2012. The last version released was Safari 5.1.7, and since then, there have been no updates, no security patches, and no support. This means:
It lacks modern web standards.
It's vulnerable to security threats.
Many websites may not display or function properly.
In short, it's frozen in time, and that's not ideal for browsing in 2025.
Why People Still Look for Safari on Windows
Even with the risks, I've noticed people (myself included) still Google "Safari for Windows." Why? Here are the most common reasons:
Developers want to test website compatibility with Safari.
Apple fans enjoy Safari's aesthetic and browsing feel.
Multi-device users want a consistent experience between Mac, iPhone, and Windows.
Curiosity: I'll admit, I just wanted to see how it felt running Safari on a non-Apple machine.
If you're in the same boat, the next section covers how you can install Safari, but with important warnings.
Part 2: How to download Safari on Windows
Although Apple no longer supports Safari for Windows, there are still a few workarounds if you're determined to try it. Just keep in mind: these methods are mostly for testing or nostalgia—not for everyday browsing. I've tried them myself, and here's how they work.
1. Download the old version (Safari 5.1.7)
This is the last version Apple released for Windows—way back in 2012. It's available from a few third-party sources and Apple's old support pages. But be cautious. It's outdated and potentially unsafe for regular browsing.
Step-by-step:
Step 1: Visit a reliable archive source (e.g., TechSpot).
Step 2: Download the installer for Safari 5.1.7.
Step 3: Run the .exe file and follow the on-screen installation prompts.
Step 4: Once installed, launch Safari from your Windows Start Menu.
It looks nostalgic, but the reality is harsh: many modern websites simply don't work right. No support for HTML5 or current security protocols makes this a risky choice for daily browsing.
2. Use online Safari testing platforms
If you're a developer or just want to see how your site looks in Safari, using an online testing tool like LambdaTest is much safer.
Step-by-step:
Step 1: Go to LambdaTest.com
Step 2: Sign up for a free account (you get limited testing minutes).
Step 3: From the dashboard, select Real-time Testing and Safari as your browser.
Step 4: Choose a macOS version and Safari build.
Step 5: Enter your URL and start the live test.
I use this for browser compatibility testing, and it works like a charm. It's not meant for casual browsing but is incredibly useful for checking layouts or behavior on Safari.
3. Run Safari via a Virtual Machine (VM)
For a more advanced and flexible setup, you can create a macOS virtual machine on your Windows PC and install the latest Safari there. This method mimics a full macOS system.
Step-by-step:
Step 1: Download a virtualization tool like VMware Workstation or VirtualBox.
Step 2: Create a new virtual machine and choose Apple MacOS as the guest operating system
Step 3: Set up the macOS environment and install Safari through the App Store.
This is the most "authentic" method, but it's time-consuming and somewhat risky in terms of licensing. If you just want Safari access for testing, I'd recommend the LambdaTest route instead.
Part 3. Better alternatives of Safari for Windows users
If you're like me and come to the conclusion that installing Safari on Windows isn't worth the hassle or risk, you're not alone. Thankfully, there are several modern browsers that not only outperform Safari's old Windows version but also provide great cross-platform syncing, performance, and privacy.
Here's what I've used and recommend:
1. Google Chrome – Fast, familiar, and highly compatible
Chrome is my go-to for speed and seamless syncing. It loads modern sites flawlessly, integrates with Google services, and syncs across my phone and desktop.
Great for Developers, multitaskers, and anyone deep in the Google ecosystem.
2. Microsoft Edge – The most underrated browser
Edge has really impressed me in recent years. It's built on the same engine as Chrome (Chromium), but it's lighter and has unique perks:
Vertical tabs
Collections for organizing research
Built-in AI tools like Copilot
Efficiency mode to save battery
Great for Office users, productivity nerds (like me!), and privacy-conscious Windows users.
3. Mozilla Firefox – Privacy-first and developer-friendly
Firefox is a long-time favorite for users who care about privacy and customization. It's open source, blocks trackers by default, and still gives great performance.
Great for Privacy lovers, coders, and people avoiding Big Tech.
4. Brave – Lightweight with built-in ad blocking
If you're tired of popups and slow load times, Brave is a fantastic choice. It blocks ads, trackers, and even YouTube ads by default.
Great for: Private, clutter-free browsing without extra plugins.
5. Cross-Browser Testing Platforms
If your interest in Safari is purely for testing or design validation, platforms like LambdaTest or BrowserStack are your best bet.
No installation is needed; just run Safari remotely in the cloud. I use this method frequently for client projects.
Why I Don't Recommend Using Safari 5.1.7
After trying it myself, I can confidently say it's outdated, glitchy, and insecure. It's better to move on and use a current browser that offers real-time syncing, security updates, and cross-platform compatibility.
Part 4. Best Free Office Suite for Windows – WPS Office
Having a secure, fast browser is step one, but if you're like me, you probably spend just as much time working with documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. That's where WPS Office becomes a game-changer.
I've used WPS Office for both client projects and personal work, and it consistently surprises me with its clean interface, powerful features, and compatibility. It's a true alternative to Microsoft Office without the steep price tag.
Why I Recommend WPS Office
Here's what makes it my go-to productivity suite on Windows:
Word Processing – Create, edit, and format documents with ease. It even opens Microsoft Word files flawlessly.
Spreadsheet Calculation – I use Excel-style features for budgeting, tracking data, and analysis.
Presentations – The slide editor is smooth and comes with ready-made templates that save me hours.
Cross-Platform Support – I can switch between my Windows laptop and Android phone and even use the browser version with zero compatibility issues.
No Ads, No Plugins, No Viruses – Unlike some "free" alternatives, WPS Office doesn't slow down your system or bombard you with ads.
Built-in AI Tools That Boost My Productivity
One of my favorite things about WPS Office is how AI is integrated right where I need it. Here's how I use these tools regularly:
Resume Writing – I recently tested WPS AI to polish a friend's resume, and it suggested cleaner formats and stronger action verbs within seconds.
AI Spell Check – It catches nuances that typical spellcheckers miss.
Research Paper Writing – This saved me tons of time when drafting my last article. It helps organize structure, refine tone, and even suggests citations.
AI PDF Analysis – I uploaded a lengthy PDF report with a summary, highlights, and even Q&A-ready content in minutes.
AI Slide Generation – This has made prepping client presentations so much easier. You just type in your topic, and it outlines key points with visuals.
I've used WPS Office for over a year now, and I honestly don't miss Microsoft Office at all. Whether I'm writing, analyzing data, or preparing slide decks, WPS covers it all, plus it keeps evolving with smarter tools.
And just like a good browser, it keeps my workflow clean, fast, and secure.
Part 5. FAQs
1. Why did Apple discontinue Safari for Windows?
Apple shifted its development focus to macOS and iOS, where Safari is deeply integrated with system features. Maintaining a separate Windows version became less of a priority, especially with rising competition from Chrome and Edge.
It made sense from Apple's perspective, but it left many of us cross-platform users without a native way to sync Safari across devices.
2. Is it safe to install Safari on a Windows PC?
Not really. Since Safari 5.1.7 hasn't been updated since 2012, it lacks essential security patches and modern web support. Installing it today is like using an antique lock on a modern vault.
I tried it briefly for testing purposes, but even basic websites felt broken, and I didn't feel safe browsing with it.
3. What are good alternatives to Safari on Windows?
I highly recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Brave, as they are all secure, fast, and constantly updated. They offer features like cross-device syncing, tracker blocking, and PDF viewing.
If you're doing office work, WPS Office is a fantastic companion. Its document viewer feels like a browser, and with AI features built-in, it's replaced most of my other tools.
Summary
If you're searching for Safari for Windows, you're not alone; I've been there too. But after exploring the options, here's the truth:
You can install an outdated version (Safari 5.1.7), but it's unsafe for daily use.
You should use tools like LambdaTest or Virtual Machines if you need Safari for testing.
You'll likely prefer modern browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Brave, each offering a better, safer experience on Windows.
And while you're optimizing your digital tools, don't stop at the browser. For a truly productive Windows setup, I highly recommend WPS Office. It's not just free; it's powerful, intuitive, and packed with AI tools that streamline everything from writing resumes to analyzing PDFs.
I've replaced a full Microsoft Office subscription with WPS Office, and honestly, I haven't looked back. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, it delivers what you need without the bloat or the bill.
