Safari 5.1.7 for Windows

Safari 5.1.7 for Windows is an old Windows build of Apple's web browser, and before you download it you should know what it can and cannot do today. Current Safari releases are made only for Apple's own systems. Below are straight answers.

What is Safari?

Safari is the web browser developed by Apple Inc. Its first release came on 7 January 2003, and it has been the default browser on the Mac ever since, later also on the iPhone and iPad. For a period Apple also offered it for Microsoft Windows, but the Windows edition was discontinued on July 25, 2012, and 5.1.7 is where it stopped: Apple has released no Windows updates since then. On an Apple device, Safari is tightly woven into the system: bookmarks, passwords and open tabs sync through the Apple account, and the browser is tuned for battery life on laptops and phones. On Windows, however, you only get this historical version, which has none of the modern features and does not share tabs or passwords with current Apple devices. That makes it interesting mainly for web developers who test old sites, for people curious about the look of the classic Safari, or for legacy software that expects it.

Is Safari 5.1.7 safe to use on Windows?

Not for everyday browsing. A browser that no longer receives updates from its developer misses years of security fixes, and many modern websites will display incorrectly or refuse to load. If you install it for testing, avoid logging in to accounts and do not use it for banking or shopping.

Where can I get it?

Apple's official Safari page, apple.com/safari, now describes the Mac, iPhone and iPad versions only. The Windows file size is about 36.71 MB according to catalogue data. Be careful with third-party download sites that bundle old installers with adware; if you need the build for testing, scan the file with your antivirus before running it.

How do I install it?

1. Run the installer and follow the setup steps.
2. Untick any extra components you do not need.
3. Do not make it your default browser.
4. Uninstall it when your test is finished.

What are the system requirements?

No current requirements are published for the Windows build. It is a small program from the era of Windows 7 and earlier, and on modern Windows it may run with compatibility issues.

Is it free?

Yes. Safari has always been free; on Apple devices it comes preinstalled.

What are the pros and cons?

• Pro: lets developers see how old Safari rendered pages.
• Pro: small, simple installer.
• Con: no security updates for Windows.
• Con: many modern sites break in it.

What should I use instead on a PC?

For daily browsing on Windows, choose a supported browser from the same category: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge or Opera. If you want Safari itself, you need a Mac, iPhone or iPad.