Safari for Windows: Why It’s Still Relevant (and How to Use It)

Safari stands out for being one of the fastest web browsers, which combines excellent security with a smooth operating experience between macOS and iOS products. Numerous users hold memories of Safari being available for Windows use. Apple halted the distribution of Safari for Windows options in 2012, but several people continue searching for methods to utilize it on their systems. The following guide explains the reasons behind Safari’s Windows removal and provides methods to use it on modern Windows systems for testing, personal memories, and basic functionality.

Why was Safari Removed from Windows?

Safari for Windows entered the market in 2007 and operated through version 5.1.7, which Apple released in 2012. The following reasons explain why Apple decided to stop supporting Safari for Windows:

  • Low Popularity: Safari lost its appeal with Windows users because it failed to achieve wide acceptance on that platform. The majority of users chose Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers, which made Apple decide to drop further development.
  • Security Concerns: The discontinued update schedule of Safari for Windows created increasing security vulnerabilities in the application. Apple terminated the browser because they believed keeping an additional version would be more trouble than it was worth.
  • Apple’s Ecosystem Focus: Apple’s ecosystem strategy drives the company to maintain superior performance and security for macOS and iOS systems by avoiding interoperability through its product ecosystem.
  • Limited Developer Interest: Web developers and QA testers explored different methods to test Safari website compatibility, which diminished the necessity for a Windows version.
  • Lack of Advanced Features: Users were less interested in Safari for Windows because it lacked multiple modern features that similar browsers already provided at that time.
  • Performance Issues: Multiple users expressed disappointment with Safari’s inadequate performance level on Windows, which added to the reason people avoided using it.
  • Apple’s Strategic Shift: Apple transformed its strategic mission to enhance Safari primarily for macOS and iOS, so its ecosystem could achieve enhanced levels of integration.

Why Safari for Windows is Still Relevant

Safari for Windows continues to serve its purpose as a vital tool for web developers while testing web pages, even though Apple has officially discontinued maintenance updates.

Browser Compatibility Testing

The essential function of continuing to support Safari for Windows remains in browser cross-testing. Web developers need to guarantee website functionality across different browsers because this ensures users get a consistent web experience. The default Apple browser, Safari, creates visible distinctions among websites when compared to Chrome, Firefox, and Edge since it processes CSS differently, runs JavaScript, and manipulates media elements in unique ways.

The default position of Safari on macOS and iOS systems requires developers to examine website appearance and behavior within this platform. Developers who test their applications on Windows Safari achieve knowledge about the behavior of their websites across different Apple devices on their browsers. Safari for Windows continues to serve as a useful base for checking compatibility services even though Apple provides no updates to the browser.

Unique Features of Safari (and Their Importance)

A few Safari-specific characteristics exist that may continue to draw users to this browser platform. A few Safari-specific characteristics exist that may continue to draw users to this browser platform. For example:

  • WebKit Engine: The Safari browser utilizes WebKit Engine because it shares this rendering engine with its iOS browser counterparts. Developers conduct their application tests through WebKit because it possesses particular rendering attributes. The outdated Windows version serves developers by offering a useful platform to check WebKit compatibility with websites.
  • Energy Efficiency: Users appreciate Safari because its design elements help conserve energy. Safari’s improved energy efficiency presents value to Mac customers, although the benefit remains primarily Mac-specific. When running Windows and using Safari as your browser on a laptop or mobile device, you will see that Safari uses less energy than all other available browsers in the system.
  • Apple Ecosystem: Users who belong to the Apple ecosystem can benefit from Safari since it provides integrated features that work fluidly with Apple devices. Safari users benefit from bookmark, history, and open tab cross-device synchronization through iCloud across macOS and iOS. The Windows version of Safari does not support the full range of iCloud features, but it lets users access fundamental iCloud capabilities while browsing.

Security and Privacy Focus

Users appreciate Safari because it continuously implements privacy and security measures in its browser design. Users of the Windows version will enjoy extensive security functionality that includes these important elements:

  • Intelligent Tracking Prevention: Users have control over their privacy because Intelligent Tracking Prevention stops advertisers from following their web activities across sites. It improves the amount of personal information exposed when you browse.
  • Sandboxing: The Safari browser employs sandboxing technology to separate web contents from the operating system foundation, thus keeping system malware out of reach.

Safari continues to serve as a secure internet browsing solution for older operating systems since major security updates are no longer available for Windows platforms.

Performance and Speed

Safari gained its reputation from its fast operation, which includes both quick page loading and superior JavaScript performance. The rendering engine of Safari operates at one of the fastest speeds despite newer browsers like Chrome producing advancements. Safari for Windows stands out as a beneficial option because it offers users both fast performance and low system resource usage.

How to Use Safari for Windows in 2025

Safari for Windows has ceased its support services after discontinuation, while Apple provides no updates, meaning users must exercise caution when using this web browser. Two options exist for accessing Safari on Windows in this current period.

●      Downloading Safari for Windows

The official Safari browser download is unavailable from Apple because the company stopped supporting the Windows version, so users are limited in their ability to search for Safari on unauthorized websites. The practice comes with potential dangers because these websites distribute outdated versions and unsafe browser models.

Proceed with the download only from a verified source that operates as a trusted site or mirror. Older versions of Safari can be found in software repositories such as OldVersion.com and FileHippo, but users should exercise caution when choosing their download sources.

●      Alternative: Using Cloud Testing Tools

The outdated and unsupported status of Safari for Windows creates an opportunity to conduct tests within cloud-based testing solutions that reproduce Safari behavior. Platforms like LambdaTest offer access to real versions of Safari for both Mac and Windows environments. Such platforms enable you to execute real-time Safari tests on different operating systems alongside various devices, even though you do not have to resolve compatibility issues or security worries.

●      Compatibility with WebKit-Based Websites

Workers who develop websites using Safari for Windows systems find value in testing WebKit-based web pages through Safari. The Safari rendering engine drives essential testing of iOS compatibility for websites and applications, so developers need access to browsers that support WebKit.

How to Install Safari Back on Windows?

You can download the final Safari 5.1.7 version for Windows from manual sources despite Apple discontinuing official support. This particular version of Safari remains outdated because it does not receive security maintenance nor supports contemporary web features.

Steps to Install Safari on Windows:

  1. Download Safari 5.1.7 for Windows
  • The discontinued official download program of Safari 5.1.7 makes it necessary to acquire the software from legitimate third-party platforms. Consumers must select reputable websites to download from since improper choices may expose them to malware.
  1. Run the Installer
  • Open the downloaded file named SafariSetup.exe using a double click to begin installation.
  1. Follow Installation Prompts
  • Accept the terms and conditions.
  • Choose the installation location (default settings are recommended).
  • Click “Install” and wait for the process to complete.
  1. Launch Safari
  • After installation, you can find Safari in the Start menu. Open it and begin browsing.

Important Considerations:

  • Safari 5.1.7 does not receive security update releases thus lowering its capability to secure regular browsing sessions. Safari 5.1.7 should not be utilized for activities that need high security including online banking or account access.
  • The use of modern websites results in improper functionality due to out-of-date web standards.
  • Safari on Windows lacks features introduced in later versions, such as improved privacy tools and performance optimizations.

If your goal is just to test websites on Safari, there are safer alternatives, which we will discuss in the next section.

How to Access Safari on Windows? (Alternative Methods)

Since installing an outdated version of Safari on Windows isn’t ideal, here are safer and more effective ways to access Safari on a Windows PC:

1.    Using a Virtual Machine (Best for Developers)

One of the most effective ways to use Safari on Windows is through a virtual machine running macOS.

Steps:

  • Install virtual machine software like VirtualBox or VMware.
  • Download a macOS virtual machine image (ensure it is legally obtained).
  • Install macOS in the virtual machine and use Safari natively.

This method ensures you get the latest Safari version while keeping your Windows system secure. However, it requires a high-performance computer to run macOS smoothly.

2.    Using LambdaTest for Web Testing

If your primary purpose is testing websites in Safari, using LambdaTest is a great alternative. LambdaTest provides access to real macOS environments with the latest Safari versions, allowing you to test websites without installing anything on your Windows PC.

Benefits of LambdaTest:

  • Access real Safari browsers on macOS devices remotely.
  • Test websites across multiple Safari versions to check compatibility.
  • Run automated and live interactive testing without needing a Mac.
  • Ensure responsive design and performance consistency across different devices.

LambdaTest is particularly useful for developers and testers who need quick and accurate Safari testing without investing in Mac hardware.

3.    Using Cloud-Based macOS Services

Some cloud services provide remote access to macOS systems, where you can use Safari just like on a real Mac.

Examples:

  • MacStadium (https://www.macstadium.com/)
  • Xcode Cloud (for developers using Apple’s ecosystem)

These solutions are useful for developers needing direct access to macOS without owning Apple hardware.

Should You Use Safari on Windows?

While Safari for Windows is no longer officially supported, there are specific cases where accessing it might still be relevant:

  • Web developers who need to test website compatibility, ensuring their websites function correctly on Safari’s unique rendering engine.
  • Users are nostalgic for the Safari interface and willing to use an outdated version for personal or experimental use.
  • Researchers or students analyze browser evolution, test old web technologies, or study how Safari’s development has influenced modern web standards.
  • Cross-platform testers who want to compare website performance and functionality across different browsers to optimize user experience.
  • UI/UX designers who need to evaluate how Safari handles fonts, animations, and layouts differently than other browsers.

Using virtual machines or the LambdaTest browser testing service proves superior to installing outdated Safari due to security and performance considerations. Installing the Safari browser through a virtual machine enables users to access macOS updates while guaranteeing security integrity.

In Conclusion

The discontinuation of Safari for Windows by Apple in 2012 has not removed users’ interest in accessing this browser because of specific requirements. Upgrading the computer system with Safari 5.1.7 entails security vulnerabilities and compatibility problems; for a secure Safari environment simulation, users should either use virtual machines, LambdaTest service, or Edge’s developer tools.