When you ask for an Internet Explorer for Mac download 2020, you might get a few weird looks here and there. The browser was replaced with Microsoft Edge, so it no longer receives any updates.
Why are you asking to download Internet Explorer for Mac when it was known as a lousy option among all competitors? The truth is: Internet Explorer is a dependable and easy-to-use browser. Both Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer are secure. The only problem is that page loading takes longer when you compare it to the speed of Google Chrome and Safari.
But if you want to use Internet Explorer for Mac, who are we to stop you? The problem is: Microsoft is stopping you.
Back in the days, there was an Internet Explorer for Mac download. The Mac version was built with a separate code base. Despite the few documented drawbacks, it was really good. After it was discontinued and most people transferred to browsers built on new standards, a few users kept asking: can you download Internet Explorer on a Mac?
Let’s talk about your options. Can you use Internet Explorer for Mac or is it better to settle for an alternative?
Alternatives to Internet Explorer for Mac
If you’re not absolutely set for an Internet Explorer for Mac download, you should first try an alternative.
- Safari
Apple’s default browser is fast, reliable, and convenient to use. Its search bar doubles as a converter and calculator, so it’s nice that you don’t need an additional app or a new website for that. For example, if you type 5lbs in kg in Safari’s search bar, you’ll instantly see the result. Google Chrome does the same thing.
Safari also has a great dictionary feature. If you right-click any word on the page you’re reading and click Look Up, you’ll get an explanation from a dictionary and thesaurus.
The best about Safari is that it syncs your history and bookmarks to iCloud, so you can access your preferred pages from any Apple device you’re using. We must also mention the touch ID. If you’re using a MacBook with a touch ID, you won’t have to type your passwords over and over again. You’ll safely log into your profiles with your fingerprint. Google Chrome doesn’t have that feature. And even if you were able to download Internet Explorer for Mac, you couldn’t expect such an advanced functionality.
- Google Chrome
Google Chrome is the most frequent alternative to Internet Explorer for Mac. IE is usually requested by users who don’t want to rely on Apple’s default browser. That makes Chrome a good option.
Chrome is great because of its built-in task manager. If any process is slowing your browser down, you can kill it and speed up your work. Speaking of speed, it’s the fastest browser around.
The ability to install extensions is also great. You can use add-ons for productivity, timing, planning, pinning, ad-blocking, and more. In essence, you’re creating a browser that suits your personal needs.
But let’s see: what if you don’t want Safari or Chrome? What if you are very specific in your question: can you download Internet Explorer on a Mac?
Let’s see what you can do about that.
Tips: How to Run Internet Explorer for Mac
Here’s your straightforward answer: there is no option of Internet Explorer for Mac download 2020. It’s an old browser that no longer gets any updates. Unless you’re running an ancient macOS, there’s no point in trying to work with Internet Explorer for Mac.
Microsoft Edge, on the other hand, is available for macOS. It’s the replacement of Internet Explorer for Mac download. It’s a modern, fast browser that fixed most of the flaws that were obvious for IE. It gives you more control over the information you share. It improves your security and privacy. Edge is not as fast as Safari and Chrome, but it’s certainly faster than IE.
You don’t like Microsoft Edge? You’re still settled on Internet Explorer for Mac download 2020?
You can simulate the IE experience on your Mac. Here’s how you can do that:
- Open Safari and go to its Advanced Preferences
- There’s a “Show Develop menu in menu bar” option. Check it!
With this small change, you can use Safari to directly access developer tools. You’ll be able to empty caches and inspect websites this way. However, you’ll also be able to make Safari look like Internet Explorer.
- Access Safari and open its Develop menu
- In user Agent, you’ll be able to choose the browser you’d like to simulate. The options include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer, and more.
- Choose the IE version you’d like to simulate
There you go! Maybe you didn’t download Internet Explorer for Mac, but you’re still able to feel like you’re using the browser through Safari. Macs are cool like that. They give you all options you need, regardless of the fact that you’re trying to simulate a browser that no one uses anymore.
There’s something even better about Macs: there’s always a plan B.
You can also use a virtual machine to run Internet Explorer. To do that, you’ll need to install Windows on your Mac. When you get Windows running, you’ll be able to use any program developed for that operating system.
Keep in mind that this is a complex, and often an unnecessary thing to do. If you’re determined to set up your virtual machine, this is how you do it:
- Get your virtual machine software. VMware Fusion is the most recommended option. You’ll also need to get the (rather expensive) license to run Windows.
- Launch the software and start the installation process. You’ll get an option to create a new custom virtual machine.
- In the dialogue window, drag and drop the Windows ISO file, and click Finish.
Once you relaunch your virtual machine, you’ll be able to setup and run Windows on it. You don’t have to use the virtual machine at all times. You’ll only launch it when you want to use Internet Explorer or another Windows program that you miss.
What to Do When You Need Internet Explorer for Mac Download 2020
Back in the 90s, Macs ran Internet Explorer as their default browser. But when Safari was introduced, everything changed. We realized that browsing could get faster and more convenient. IE was lagging behind Safari and Chrome for a long time, until Microsoft finally dropped it.
Some users still wonder: can you download Internet Explorer on a Mac? There’s no app available for download, but you can use Microsoft Edge as a replacement. Chrome and Safari are even better as alternatives. If you absolutely need IE, you can follow the steps described above and run it on a virtual machine or simulate IE through Safari.
