Internet Explorer is one of the first native web browsers for Windows. It is discontinued now and replaced by Microsoft Edge, which is faster and more secure. So, using Internet Explorer on Mac can get difficult as there is no official way to run it on macOS
One can not simply download Internet Explorer on their Macs as this browser doesn’t support macOS. But there are some ways to use IE as your default browser.
Keep reading to know about the hacks that can help you run the discontinued browser on your Mac.
Internet Explorer for Mac
If you are wondering how one can use the ancient Internet Explorer on macOS, you are in the right place. Yes, downloading this browser on an Apple device can be tricky, but it is possible through emulation or by installing Windows.
Below are some ways users can use the ancient browser on their Macs.
How to use Internet Explorer on macOS
Here are some ways users can use Internet Explorer/ Microsoft Edge on their Macs.
1. Install windows
The simplest way to run Internet Explorer on a Mac is to install Windows on your laptop. The latest version is Windows 11, which users can install using a virtual TRM chip. But, this method will have limitations.
For example, users can’t use all the features that Windows 11 has, and it won’t be compatible with many applications. Right now, Macs can only run the Windows ARM-compatible version and not the actual Internet Explorer.
Any website that requires ActiveX support needs Windows to operate.
In this case, virtual machines will help users utilize both Windows and macOS simultaneously. The easiest way to install Windows on Mac is using Parallels virtual machine.
- Visit Parallels website and select the edition you want to buy
- Click ‘buy now‘ and complete your order by filling in the required details
- Once the software installs, run it on your Mac and follow the instructions to download it
- Lastly, download the Internet Explorer application and use it on your Mac
2. Simulate IE
Downloading and installing Windows can get tricky, especially for new users. But, if you need an Internet Explorer for Mac, you can simulate IE on your web browsers. All you need to do is change your browser’s ‘user agent‘ settings, and you’ll be good to go.
It will trick the site into believing that you are using Internet Explorer for Mac while, in reality, you’ll be running other web browsers. This method will work with Safari, Google, Firefox, and iCab browsers.
To simulate Internet Explorer on different browsers, follow the below-mentioned steps.
A. For Safari browser
If you use Safari as your default browser, here’s how you can simulate Internet Explorer on it while searching the web:
- Open the Safari application on your Mac using the dock or spotlight search
- Then go to the Apple menu on the top left corner of the screen and click on the ‘Safari’ tab
- From the drop-down menu, select ‘Preferences’ and click the ‘advanced’ section
- Tick the ‘show develop menu in the menu bar option at the bottom of the screen and exit the windows
- You’ll notice the ‘develop‘ menu in the Safari menu bar. Click it and select ‘User agent‘
- You can then select the ‘Internet Explorer option. It will show Safari as IE on websites
Remember:
You will only view the ‘Internet Explorer option in the list if you’re running macOS Mojave or lower. In that case, select Internet Explorer 11 unless the websites specifically require the 9.0 or 10 version.
Also, if you are running macOS Monterey, Big Sur, or Catalina, you’ll have the option to simulate Microsoft Edge on Safari. Microsoft Edge is similar to Internet Explorer but is faster, more reliable, and more secure. Therefore, Microsoft recommends it over Internet Explorer.
B. For Google browser
If you regularly use Google chrome for searches, try simulating Internet Explorer on the Chrome browser. To do that, follow these steps:
- Open the chrome browser from the dock or use the spotlight search
- While the page is open, click on the view tab from the chrome menu bar
- In the drop-down list, select the developer tab and then select ‘Developer tools
- A panel will appear on the right side of the Chrome browser. Select ‘console’ from the list
- Scroll down to the bottom of the browser and tap on the three dots next to the console button
- A pop-up list will appear. Select ‘Network conditions‘
- Then go to the user agent section and de-select the ‘select automatically‘ option next to it
- Lastly, select the custom menu and choose the version of Internet Explorer you want to use
Remember that these settings will apply till you use the browser. Once you exit the application, the settings will revert to default. So, keep the tab maximized or minimized till you need to mask its identity.
Bonus Tip
If following this process to emulate Internet Explorer on your chrome browser seems confusing, you can use User-Agent Switcher from the chrome web store. This application will automatically help users choose which browser chrome will simulate.
C. For Firefox
Lastly, the Firefox browser can also emulate Internet Explorer on the web. Unfortunately, the process is long and complicated compared to the other two browsers. Therefore, a third-party tool like User-Agent switcher can make the process easy and swift.
The tool is an add-on for Firefox and will give users various options. For example, you can make your browser a cellphone or show a completely different operating system like Linus or Windows.
Conclusion
Internet Explorer is mostly an old way of browsing the web. With the introduction of fast and reliable web browsers, Internet Explorer could not keep up. But, even in 2022, a few programs and sites require Internet Explorer to work. You can use the methods mentioned above to run the browser on your Mac successfully.
