How to Install the Edge Alternative to Internet Explorer on Mac

Step 1: Go to the Official Microsoft Edge Download Page

Visit the official download page:
https://www.microsoft.com/edge

When you visit this page using Safari or any browser on your Mac, it will automatically detect your macOS version and offer the correct download link.

Step 2: Identify Your Mac’s Processor (Intel or Apple Silicon)

Edge is optimized for both Intel-based Macs and Apple Silicon (M1, M2, or M3).

Here’s how to check:

1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner.

2. Select “About This Mac.”

3. Under the “Overview” tab, look for “Processor” or “Chip.”

• If it says Intel, download the Intel version.

• If it says Apple M1/M2, download the Apple Silicon version.

Step 3: Accept and Download the Installer

1. Click the appropriate version (Intel or Apple).

2. Accept Microsoft’s terms and conditions.

3. Press “Accept and Download” in the bottom right.

Your download file will look something like:
MicrosoftEdge-xxx.xxx.xxx.pkg

Step 4: Install Microsoft Edge on macOS

1. Locate the .pkg file in your Downloads folder (use Finder to access it).

2. Double-click the installer to start the setup process.

3. If macOS asks for permission to access Downloads, click “OK.”

4. Follow the installation wizard and click “Continue” at each prompt.

5. Choose the install location (the default location is fine).

6. Click “Install” and enter your Mac login password if prompted.

The process takes less than two minutes.

First Time Setup: Making Edge Feel Like Internet Explorer

Once installed, Edge will offer a setup screen to customize your experience.

You can:

• Import bookmarks, history, and passwords from Safari or Chrome.

• Choose a layout style: Focused, Inspirational, or Informational.

• Enable IE Mode for accessing legacy websites:

  • Go to Settings > Default Browser > Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.

This feature is especially useful if you’re dealing with older government, enterprise, or school websites built for Internet Explorer.

How to Set Microsoft Edge as Your Default Browser on Mac

If you want the Microsoft browsing experience by default, here’s how to set Edge as your main browser:

1. Open System Settings on your Mac.

2. Go to Desktop & Dock > Default Web Browser.

3. Select Microsoft Edge from the list.

Now, all your web links will open directly in Edge.

Importing Browser Data from Safari or Chrome

You can easily transfer your existing data from Safari or Chrome:

1. In Microsoft Edge, click the three-dot menu (top right).

2. Go to Settings > Profiles > Import Browser Data.

3. Select your previous browser and choose what to import (bookmarks, passwords, extensions, etc.).

This helps you feel right at home with the new browser.

Bonus Tips: Making Microsoft Edge Feel Like Windows

To replicate the Windows feel:

• Install the Bing wallpaper extension.

• Enable dark mode from Settings > Appearance.

• Use the Snipping Tool alternative for macOS:
  Press Command + Shift + 4 to snip part of the screen.

What About Internet Explorer for Mac (Classic)?

There was an Internet Explorer 5 version for Mac, but it was discontinued in 2003. It’s now obsolete and won’t run on modern Macs.

For those searching for how to get Internet Explorer on Mac, the Edge browser is the official and modern replacement. Trying to emulate or install Internet Explorer through virtual machines is no longer recommended due to performance and security issues.

Troubleshooting Edge Installation on Mac

Issue: Download won’t open
Solution: Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and check under “Security” if macOS is blocking the download. Click “Allow Anyway.”

Issue: Edge runs slow on M1 Mac
Solution: Make sure you installed the correct version for Apple Silicon, not the Intel version.