Testing websites on various browsers is essential for developers, and having Safari for Windows can help with this compatibility. Apple’s Safari browser, intended for running on macOS and iOS platforms, is not natively supported on Windows. Workarounds do exist. This blog provides clear, step-by-step instructions for how to use Safari on Windows-based machines, using easy-to-understand technical terms relevant to developers, testers, and enthusiasts. 

You’ll master techniques such as virtual machines, cloud testing, and emulators to access Safari, ensuring your websites function flawlessly for everyone. These techniques allow you to test and debug without requiring a Mac.

Understanding Safari’s Availability on Windows

Windows Safari existed in the past, but Apple ceased support in 2012 after version 5.1.7. This obsolete version has no capability for modern web standards, hence rendering it useless for testing websites today. Developers need more recent versions of Safari to ensure a similar experience for macOS and iOS users, as Apple updates Safari in sync with its operating systems. A more ingenious solution includes using a virtual machine or cloud services to run Windows.

Moreover, using an old version poses security risks due to missing updates, so modern alternatives are essential. Options like Windows emulator tools or remote testing services provide access to real Safari browsers. Understanding these limitations helps you choose the best method for your testing needs. This sets the stage for exploring practical solutions.

Why Test Websites on Safari

Website testing on Safari ensures proper operation for macOS and iOS users, as Safari is their system’s default browser. The developer must validate both functionality and rendering while testing website performance for Safari users, as this browser remains a popular choice for accessing websites. For instance, CSS styles or JavaScript behaviors may vary on Safari versus Chrome or Firefox. This makes cross-browser testing critical for a smooth user experience.

Additionally, Safari’s unique rendering engine, WebKit, can display websites differently, so specific tests are required to catch issues early. Using Safari for Windows solutions, such as cloud testing or emulators, helps developers spot and fix these problems. By testing on Safari, you ensure your website looks great and works well for all users. This leads to better user satisfaction and broader reach.

Challenges of Running Safari on Windows

Running Safari for Windows is tricky because Apple no longer develops or supports Safari for Windows operating systems. Version 5.1.7 of this browser is now obsolete because it can no longer support current web standards, including HTML5 and advanced CSS standards. Developers face major security issues, together with unreliable test outcomes during the 5.1.7 installation. This forces reliance on alternative methods to access current Safari versions.

Furthermore, Windows machines lack native macOS environments, complicating direct Safari installation without workarounds like virtual machines or cloud services. These solutions often require technical setup or subscriptions, adding complexity and cost. Overcoming these challenges involves choosing reliable tools to emulate or access Safari effectively. This ensures accurate testing despite Apple’s restrictions.

Using Virtual Machines for Safari Testing

Virtual machines enable macOS to run on Windows, allowing you to use the latest version of Safari for testing. With VMware Workstation or VirtualBox, a virtualized macOS environment is created, in which you can install Safari. For example, download a macOS image, set up the virtual machine, and running Safari will be like running it on a Mac. This method offers a native Safari experience for accurate testing.

Moreover, virtual machines require a legal macOS license and a powerful computer to run smoothly without lag. Setting up involves configuring hardware settings, such as RAM and disk space, which can be technical. By using a virtual machine as a Windows emulator, developers test websites on real Safari versions, ensuring compatibility. This approach is reliable but demands setup effort.

Cloud-Based Testing with Real Safari Browsers

Cloud-based platforms like LambdaTest provide access to real Safari browsers without the need to install macOS on Windows. These services run Safari on actual macOS devices, letting you test websites from your Windows browser. For instance, you select a Safari version and device, and then interact with it remotely in real-time. This eliminates the need for local setups.

Additionally, cloud platforms support multiple Safari versions and devices, ensuring comprehensive testing for web and mobile apps. They integrate with tools like Selenium for automated testing, saving time. Using cloud services as an alternative to a Windows emulator simplifies access to Safari for Windows, offering accuracy without hardware demands. This makes testing efficient and accessible for teams.

Safari Emulators for Windows

Safari emulators mimic Safari’s behavior on Windows, offering a lightweight way to test websites without macOS. Tools like Comparium or online emulators simulate Safari’s rendering engine, letting you check how pages display. For example, you load a website in an emulator to spot CSS or JavaScript issues specific to Safari. This is faster than setting up virtual machines.

However, emulators are not always accurate, as they cannot fully replicate real Safari browsers, which can potentially miss subtle bugs. They are best for quick checks rather than final testing. Using a Windows emulator, such as an online Safari emulator, helps developers efficiently perform initial compatibility tests. This provides a convenient starting point for Safari testing.

Setting Up a Virtual Machine for Safari

Setting up a virtual machine to run Safari for Windows involves installing virtualization software and a macOS image. Download tools like VirtualBox, then obtain a legal macOS installer from Apple’s App Store for compliance. Create a new virtual machine, allocate resources such as 8 GB of RAM and 100 GB of storage, and install macOS following the prompts. Once macOS is ready, launch Safari for testing.

Moreover, ensure your computer has enough power to run the virtual machine smoothly, which will help avoid performance issues during testing. After setup, you can test websites directly in Safari to check rendering and functionality. This Windows emulator approach provides a reliable way to access current Safari versions on Windows. It requires time but delivers accurate results.

Enabling Safari’s Develop Menu

Safari’s Develop menu offers web testing tools on macOS, although it can be accessed on virtual machines. Open Safari after macOS virtualization in VirtualBox is complete, and enable the “Show Develop menu” option in the Advanced tab of Safari Preferences. This option allows users to view web elements while inspecting or to simulate iPhone devices. This aids in debugging website issues.

Furthermore, the Develop menu supports responsive design testing, checking how sites adapt to different screen sizes. It also integrates with Web Inspector for detailed analysis. By using a virtual machine as a Windows emulator, developers can access these tools on Windows, which enhances Safari testing for Windows. This feature is essential for precise web development.

Using iCloud to Sync Safari Data

The iCloud application for Windows offers a feature to synchronize Safari bookmarks and history across multiple devices, covering you for your Windows testing. Download the iCloud app from Apple’s website, install it, and sign in using your Apple ID. Then, ensure you synchronize with iCloud Drive and Safari so you can access bookmarks on Safari from your virtual machine. This ensures consistent test data.

Moreover, iCloud keeps your testing environment aligned with macOS or iOS setups, improving accuracy. For example, you can test the same bookmarked sites across platforms. Using iCloud with a Windows emulator, such as a virtual machine, supports seamless Safari for Windows workflows. This helps developers maintain continuity during cross-browser testing.

Risks of Using Outdated Safari Versions

Using Safari 5.1.7, the latest version of Safari for Windows, is risky due to its lack of modern security updates. This outdated browser cannot handle new web standards, leading to inaccurate test results for modern websites. For example, it may fail to render advanced CSS or JavaScript correctly. This misleads developers about site performance.

Additionally, version 5.1.7 has known vulnerabilities, which can expose your system to malware or exploits during testing. Developers should avoid it and opt for virtual machines or cloud platforms for the current Safari versions. Relying on outdated software undermines the reliability and security of testing. This highlights the need for modern testing solutions.

Best Practices for Safari Testing

Effective Safari testing on Windows requires planning to ensure accurate and efficient results for web compatibility. Use cloud platforms like LambdaTest for quick access to real Safari browsers, and combine with virtual machines for in-depth macOS testing. For example, test critical features on LambdaTest, then verify complex issues in VirtualBox. This balances speed and thoroughness.

Furthermore, integrate automated testing tools like Selenium to run repetitive tests across Safari versions, saving time. Regularly check test results for rendering or functionality issues unique to Safari’s WebKit engine. Following these practices with Windows emulator tools ensures your website performs well for Safari users. This leads to high-quality, cross-browser compatible software.

Alternatives to Safari for Windows Testing

When running Safari for Windows is not feasible, alternatives like Chrome’s DevTools or online testing services help. Chrome’s DevTools can emulate devices and browsers, approximating Safari’s rendering for quick checks. For example, you select an iPhone profile to test responsive design. This is fast but less accurate than real Safari.

Moreover, tools like LambdaTest offer cloud-based Safari testing, with real browsers for reliable results. These alternatives complement Windows emulator solutions, offering flexibility for developers without access to macOS. By exploring these options, you ensure compatibility testing without relying solely on Safari. This broadens your testing capabilities effectively.

Testing Websites on Real Safari Browsers from Windows Machines

LambdaTest enables developers to test websites on real Safari browsers from Windows machines, bypassing unreliable Safari for Windows emulators. Using LambdaTest’s cloud platform, you access actual Safari versions, from 5.1 to 17, running on macOS, ensuring pixel-perfect compatibility without the need for virtual machines. 

For example, you can test a website’s responsiveness on Safari 16 directly from your Windows browser. The LambdaTest Tunnel allows you to test local or private websites securely, enhancing flexibility. With over 120 integrations, including Jira and Slack, you can report bugs instantly, streamlining workflows. 

Features like in-built Safari DevTools, network throttling, and geolocation testing help verify performance across conditions. Windows emulator alternatives, such as LambdaTest, ensure accurate results and support automated Selenium scripts for faster, parallel testing. Accessibility testing ensures WCAG compliance, making websites inclusive. Trusted by leading companies, LambdaTest’s real-device cloud simplifies testing Safari for Windows, delivering seamless user experiences across all Safari versions.

Conclusion

Running Safari for Windows is achievable using virtual machines, cloud platforms like LambdaTest, or Windows emulator tools like Playwright. These methods overcome Apple’s discontinuation of Safari for Windows, ensuring accurate testing with modern Safari versions. 

Virtual machines offer native macOS environments, while cloud services provide quick access to real browsers. Emulators and alternatives like Chrome’s DevTools support rapid checks. Start with LambdaTest for ease, and then explore VirtualBox for more in-depth testing. How will you test your website on Safari to reach more users? Try these solutions today and share your testing journey.