Internet Explorer has been the go-to browser for many Windows users for years. However, for Mac users, Safari or other browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are the preferred choices. But what if you need to use Internet Explorer for a specific website or application? In this article, we’ll guide you through how to run Internet Explorer on your Mac and discuss why you might want to.

Why You Might Want to Run Internet Explorer on Your Mac

There are a few reasons why you might want to use Internet Explorer on your Mac:

Compatibility: Some websites and web applications are built specifically for Internet Explorer and do not function well on other browsers. In such cases, you may need to use Internet Explorer to access those sites.

Workplace Requirements: Organizations may require employees to use Internet Explorer for specific tasks, such as running legacy software.

Preference: Some users simply prefer to use Internet Explorer and find it easier to navigate.

How to Run Internet Explorer on Your Mac

There are a few options to run Internet Explorer on your Mac:

Option 1: Use Safari’s Developer Tools

As we mentioned earlier, some websites require Internet Explorer to function properly. So how can you access such sites on your Mac? This is where Safari’s Developer Tools come in handy. Here’s how you can use them:

1. Open Safari and navigate to the website that requires Internet Explorer.
2. Right-click anywhere on the page and select “Inspect Element”.
3. In the developer tools window, click on “Responsive Design Mode” (the icon that looks like a phone and a tablet).
4. Change the user agent to Internet Explorer by selecting it from the dropdown menu.
5. Reload the page, and it should now appear as it would in Internet Explorer.

Option 2: Use a Virtual Machine

Another option is to use a virtual machine. A virtual machine is essentially a computer within a computer. It allows you to run a different operating system on your Mac, including Windows, and therefore, Internet Explorer. This is useful if you need to run software that only works on Windows or Internet Explorer.

Here’s how you can set up a virtual machine:

1. Install virtual machine software such as VirtualBox or VMware Fusion on your Mac.
2. Download a Windows ISO file from Microsoft’s website or use a Windows installation disc.
3. Create a new virtual machine in the virtual machine software and install Windows on it.
4. Once Windows is installed, you can install Internet Explorer and use it as you would on a Windows computer.

Option 3: Use a Remote Desktop Connection

A remote desktop connection allows you to connect to another computer and control it from a different location. This is useful if you need to access a Windows computer or server that has Internet Explorer installed.

Here’s how you can use a remote desktop connection:

1. Download a remote desktop client such as Microsoft Remote Desktop on your Mac.
2. Connect to the Windows computer or server that has Internet Explorer installed using the remote desktop client.
3. Once connected, you can open Internet Explorer and use it as you would on a Windows computer.

Conclusion

While Safari and other browsers are great options for Mac users, there are still some instances where Internet Explorer is necessary. Hopefully, this guide has shown you how to run Internet Explorer on your Mac and helped you understand why you might want to use it. Remember, there are a few options available, so choose the one that suits your needs best.