Installing and Using Safari for Windows: Tips and Tricks

Safari for Windows is Apple’s web browser. It can be made to work on Windows systems. It is known for its speed and security. Safari for Windows started to give Windows users a new browser choice. Testers still use it and help make it better. 

Safari for Windows installation is easy. After installing, you can explore its features. Using Safari on Windows has many benefits. It blocks trackers to protect your privacy. It loads pages quickly and has a clean, simple design. You make use of extensions to manage more features.

This blog is a guide to Windows Safari. It will cover installation and usage. It will also share helpful tips. Whether new or experienced, this guide will help you use Safari for Windows well.

Installing Safari for Windows

Safari browser online is made for Apple. You can install it on Windows for testing and development.

• Download Installer: Visit the official Apple website and download the Safari installer.
• Run the Installer: Click the file and start installing. You can view the file in the downloads folder. Click Agree to accept the terms and continue.
• Choose Installation Location: Select a location for Windows installation of Safari. Use the default path or choose a preferred one.
• Custom Installation Options: Review the custom options. Choose additional features or plugins if needed.
• Complete Installation: Click “Install” to start the installation. Wait for the process to finish.
• Launch Safari: Open Safari from the desktop shortcut or start menu. Ensure it runs smoothly.
• Verify Installation: Open a few websites to check Safari. Test various features to confirm a successful installation.

Using Safari for Windows

Here are the key features that you should note while using Safari for Windows:

• Compatibility: Be aware that the Windows version of Safari browser online is outdated. Some modern web technologies and websites may need to be fixed.
• User Interface: Safari offers a clean and simple user interface. This can be beneficial for users who prefer a minimalist browsing experience.
• Performance: While Safari is optimized for macOS, performance on Windows may vary. It may be slower and more efficient than other browsers on Windows.
• Security: The outdated Safari browser online version on Windows may have security vulnerabilities. Regular updates are not provided, so exercise caution when browsing.
• Bookmarks and Extensions: You can manage bookmarks easily within Safari for Windows. The availability of extensions may be limited compared to other browsers like Chrome or Firefox.
• Testing and Development: Developers can use Safari for Windows to test website compatibility. This helps ensure that MacOS users’ websites function correctly on Safari.
• Alternative Solutions: Consider using virtual machines or cloud-based environments. Cloud-based testing services or platforms can provide a more current version of Safari for testing purposes. Go for LambdaTest, an AI-powered test orchestration and execution platform that allows manual and automated testing across over 3000 real devices, browsers, and operating system combinations.

You can Conduct interactive cross-browser testing on real Safari browsers online using actual machines. Ensure your website or web application’s cross-browser compatibility on Safari versions from 5.1 to the latest.

Tips & Tricks for Efficient Usage of Safari for Windows

Here are the common tips and tricks that can help while you use the Safari browser online:

Utilize Safari Extensions

Extensions enhance Safari’s functionality. They add features and improve your browsing experience.

• Install Extensions from Safari Gallery: Find useful extensions in the official Safari Extensions Gallery. They are safe and compatible with Windows Safari.
• Ad Blockers: Use ad blocker extensions to eliminate unwanted ads. It improves page load times and reduces distractions.
• Password Managers: Integrate a password manager extension. It helps you securely save and autofill passwords.
• Note-Taking Extensions: They help you save web content directly to your notes.
• Social Media Tools: Add social media extensions for quick sharing. They help you post content directly from Safari.

Manage Bookmarks Efficiently

Proper bookmark management saves time. It helps you quickly access your favorite websites.

• Organize with Folders: Create folders for different categories. Group similar bookmarks for easy access.
• Use Bookmark Bar: Place frequently visited sites in the bookmark bar. It allows one-click access to your top sites.
• Use Descriptive Names: Give your bookmarks clear, descriptive names. It makes them easy to identify.
• Delete Unnecessary Bookmarks: Regularly review and delete old bookmarks. Keep only those you need and use.

Use Reader Mode

This mode provides a better reading experience. It removes ads and other distractions.

• Activate Reader Mode: Click the reader button in the address bar. It activates Reader Mode for the current page.
• Customize Appearance: Adjust text size, font style, and background color. This improves readability and comfort.
• Print or Save Articles: Print or save articles directly from Reader Mode. This keeps the clean, distraction-free format.
• Highlight and Annotate: Use tools to highlight and annotate text. This helps in studying and referencing content.
• Read Offline: Save articles in Reader Mode for offline reading. This is useful when you have no internet access.

Enable iCloud Sync for Cross-Device Browsing

iCloud Sync keeps your browsing data in sync. Access bookmarks, history, and open tabs on all your devices.

• Sign In to iCloud: Sign in with your Apple ID in Safari settings. This enables iCloud sync for your browsing data.
• Sync Bookmarks: Ensure bookmarks are enabled in iCloud settings. This keeps your bookmarks consistent across devices.
• Sync Open Tabs: Access open tabs from other devices. Use the tab overview button to view synced tabs.
• Sync Reading List: Keep your reading list updated across devices. 
• Sync History: This allows you to find previously visited sites easily.

Customize the Toolbar for Quick Access

Customizing the toolbar makes browsing more efficient. Add or remove buttons based on your needs.

• Add Useful Buttons: Add buttons for frequently used features. This includes Print, Share, and Extensions.
• Rearrange Toolbar Items: Drag and drop toolbar items. Manage the items in a way that suits your workflow.
• Remove Unused Buttons: Remove buttons you rarely use. This keeps the toolbar clean and uncluttered.
• Show Full Address: Enable the full address option. This shows the complete URL in the address bar.
• Add Favorites: Add your favorite websites to the toolbar. This provides quick access with a single click.

Take Advantage of Safari’s Privacy Features

Safari for Windows offers robust privacy features. They help protect your online activities.

• Enable Private Browsing: Use private browsing to prevent history tracking. This keeps your browsing activities private.
• Disable Cookies: Manage cookies in settings. Block all cookies for improved privacy.
• Intelligent Tracking Prevention: Enable this feature to block trackers. It prevents websites from tracking your activity.
• Manage Website Data: Regularly clear website data. This removes stored cookies and cache, enhancing privacy.

Use Tab Management Features

Efficient tab management improves your browsing. It helps you keep track of multiple open tabs.

• Pin Tabs: Pin frequently used tabs to the left. They stay open and accessible even if you close other tabs.
• Group Tabs: Group similar tabs together. This helps you organize and switch between related tabs easily.
• Mute Tabs: Mute tabs play audio. Right-click the tab and select mute to silence it.
• Close Other Tabs: Close all other tabs except the current one. Right-click the tab and select Close Other Tabs.
• Reopen Closed Tabs: Reopen recently closed tabs. Right-click the tab bar and select Reopen Closed Tab.

Leverage Safari’s Built-in Developer Tools

Developer tools are useful for web development. They help you inspect and debug websites.

• View Source Code: Use the Developer Tools to view a website’s source code. This helps in understanding its structure.
• Monitor Network Activity: Track network requests and responses. This helps identify performance issues.
• Debug JavaScript: Use the JavaScript console for debugging. It provides error messages and interactive commands.
• Test Responsive Design: Simulate different device screens. This helps ensure your website is mobile-friendly.

Optimize Safari Performance and Speed

Optimizing Safari for Windows improves its performance. It ensures faster browsing and smoother operation.

• Clear Cache: It removes temporary files and frees up space.
• Disable Unnecessary Extensions: This reduces memory usage and improves speed.
• Update Safari: Keep Safari updated to the latest version. Updates include performance improvements and bug fixes.
• Manage Open Tabs: Keep the number of open tabs minimal. Too many tabs can slow down performance.
• Use Activity Monitor: Check Safari’s resource usage in Activity Monitor. Identify and address high resource-consuming activities.

Explore Safari’s Advanced Security Features

Safari for Windows offers advanced security features. These features help protect your online activities and data.

• Sandboxing: Each web page runs in its sandbox. This prevents harmful code from affecting your device.
• Secure Browsing with HTTPS: Safari automatically uses HTTPS when available. This ensures a secure connection to websites.
• Password Monitoring: Safari checks if your passwords are compromised. It alerts you to change them if necessary.
• AutoFill Security: AutoFill uses strong, unique passwords. This secures your login information across websites.

Use Safari’s Reading List

This feature helps you to save articles to read later. It is a convenient way to manage content you want to revisit.

• Add Articles to Reading List: Click the share button and choose Add to Reading List. This saves the article for later.
• Offline Reading: Reading List articles are available offline. This allows you to read saved content without an internet connection.
• Organize Your Reading List: Use folders to categorize your saved articles. This makes it easy to find and manage them.
• Mark as Read: Mark articles as read when you finish them. This keeps your Reading List organized and up-to-date.
• Sync Across Devices: Your Reading List syncs with iCloud. Access your saved articles on any of your Apple devices.

Utilize Safari’s Privacy Report

Safari’s Privacy Report shows how websites track you. It provides insights into Safari’s tracking prevention features.

• View Privacy Report: Click the shield icon in the address bar. This opens the Privacy Report for the current website.
• Trackers Prevented: The report shows the number of trackers blocked. This helps you understand your privacy protection level.
• Identify Tracking Domains: See the specific domains attempting to track you. This highlights which websites use trackers.
• Monitor Over Time: View a summary of trackers blocked over time. This provides an overview of your browsing privacy.
• Understand Privacy Practices: The Privacy Report explains how trackers work. You can make informed decisions about your privacy with the report. 

Conclusion

Installing Safari for Windows is straightforward. Follow the steps provided to get Safari up and running on your device. Once installed, explore the various features and settings to customize Safari.

For online browsing, Safari remains a top contender. It provides fast load times and a clean interface, ensuring an enjoyable user experience. Explore more tips to further enhance your use of Safari. From keyboard shortcuts to privacy reports, numerous ways to optimize your browsing exist.

A note for testers: Ensure you know all Safari features and settings. This will help you provide accurate feedback and identify any potential issues.