Apple Safari is a web browser developed by Apple Inc., originally designed for macOS. However, it was also made available for Windows from 2007 until 2012, with the final supported version being Safari 5.1.7. Although Apple no longer supports or updates Safari for Windows, some users may still have it installed—either as part of legacy software installations or due to outdated system setups.
If you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, and want to uninstall Apple Safari, this guide will walk you through multiple methods to safely and completely remove the browser from your system.
Each method includes:
- A detailed explanation of the process,
- Notes on 32-bit vs. 64-bit systems,
- Compatibility considerations for Windows 10 and Windows 11,
- Drawbacks of each method,
- Estimated success rates.
Method 1: Uninstall via Control Panel (Standard Approach)
Steps:
- Open the Control Panel
- Press
Windows + R, typeappwiz.cpl, then press Enter. - Alternatively, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
- Locate Apple Safari in Installed Programs
- Scroll through the list and look for Apple Safari, Safari, or Bonjour Service (often installed alongside Safari).
- Initiate Uninstallation
- Click the entry and select Uninstall.
- Follow the prompts in the uninstaller wizard carefully.
- Restart Your Computer (if prompted)
- Some components may require a reboot to finalize removal.
Notes:
- Works identically on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
- Fully compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- Ensure no active Safari processes are running during uninstallation.
Drawbacks:
- May leave behind registry entries, cached data, or Bonjour service files.
- Does not always remove all supporting components like Apple Software Update or QuickTime if they were installed separately.
Success Rate:
- Estimated success rate: 70–75% for basic removal without additional cleanup.
Method 2: Manual Removal and Profile Cleanup
Why Use This Method?
The standard uninstaller may not fully remove all traces of Apple Safari, especially user settings, cache files, or related services. This manual method ensures that leftover files and folders are deleted.
Steps:
- End Any Active Safari Processes
- Open Task Manager (
Ctrl + Shift + Esc). - Go to the Processes tab and end any tasks related to
Safari.exe.
- Uninstall via Control Panel Again
- Repeat the uninstallation using the Control Panel method to ensure core files are removed.
- Delete User Data Manually
- Navigate to common directories where Safari stores user data:
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\SafariC:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Apple Computer\SafariC:\Program Files\Safari(for 64-bit installations)C:\Program Files (x86)\Safari(for 32-bit installations)
- Clean Up the Windows Registry (Advanced)
- Use tools like CCleaner, Wise Registry Cleaner, or Revo Uninstaller Free to scan for and delete orphaned registry entries related to “Safari” or “Apple”.
Notes:
- Be cautious when editing the registry; always create a backup before proceeding.
- This method is particularly useful if Safari was installed manually or as part of an older Apple software bundle.
Drawbacks:
- Time-consuming and technically complex.
- Risk of accidental deletion of unrelated registry entries.
- No guarantee that all components will be removed unless done thoroughly.
Success Rate:
- Estimated success rate: 90–93% when combined with registry scanning and file deletion.
Method 3: Use Perfect Uninstaller Software (Third-party Solution)
Why Use Perfect Uninstaller?
Perfect Uninstaller is a powerful third-party application designed to remove stubborn programs that resist standard uninstallers. It performs deep scans of the file system and registry to eliminate every trace of the targeted application.
Steps:
- Download and Install Perfect Uninstaller
- Visit the official website of Perfect Uninstaller and download the latest version compatible with your system (ensure it’s a verified source).
- Run the installer and follow setup instructions.
- Launch the Program
- Open Perfect Uninstaller after installation.
- Scan Installed Programs
- The program will display a list of all installed applications.
- Locate Apple Safari in the list.
- Select and Uninstall Safari
- Highlight the entry and click Uninstall.
- Wait while the tool removes all associated files, folders, and registry entries.
- Perform Registry Cleanup (Optional)
- Use the built-in Registry Cleaner feature to remove residual entries related to Safari.
- Reboot Your System
- Restart your PC to finalize the uninstallation process.
Notes:
- Fully compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
- Works seamlessly on Windows 10 and Windows 11, but always check for OS compatibility before downloading.
- Always run in administrative mode for best results.
Drawbacks:
- Risk of accidentally removing critical system files or registry entries if misused.
- Potential for downloading malicious clones; only use trusted sources.
- Some advanced features may require a paid license.
Success Rate:
- Estimated success rate: 95–97%, especially effective for persistent or partially uninstalled programs.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Method for Uninstalling Apple Safari
Each method for uninstalling Apple Safari offers its own advantages and limitations:
- Control Panel Uninstallation is the most straightforward option and works well for basic removal tasks, though it often leaves behind remnants that could affect future installations or system stability.
- Manual Removal and Profile Cleanup provides a deeper level of uninstallation, especially useful when dealing with corrupted installations or leftover files.
- Perfect Uninstaller serves as a powerful alternative when other methods fail or when you suspect incomplete uninstallation. However, caution is advised due to potential risks involved with third-party tools.
As an experienced IT professional, I recommend starting with the standard Control Panel uninstallation. If that fails to fully remove Apple Safari, proceed with manual file deletion and registry scanning. Only use third-party solutions like Perfect Uninstaller when necessary, and always verify the source before downloading.
⚠️ Important Reminder: Never leave your system unprotected. Ensure you have an alternative browser ready to use immediately after uninstalling Safari. Back up your system before performing deep uninstallations or registry edits.
By following this structured approach, you can safely and effectively remove Apple Safari from your Windows 10 or Windows 11 system, whether you’re upgrading to modern browsers or simply decluttering unused software.