You can’t install a current, native version of Internet Explorer on macOS. To test in actual IE, use a hosted Windows browser session or a Windows environment you control. If you’re checking a legacy site for ongoing support, Microsoft’s current route is Internet Explorer mode in Edge on Windows—not IE on a Mac. An IE-emulation extension is only an approximation.
Choose a testing route
Start by deciding whether you need actual Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge’s IE mode, or only a rough rendering check. Also consider whether the test must reach a local development site and whether you need manual or automated testing.
| Route | What it tests | Best suited to | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosted Windows/IE browser session | A remote Windows environment with a selected browser version; confirm the provider’s current offering and that it is the actual IE version you need. | Quick interactive checks, teams without Windows test machines, or access to multiple browser versions. | Availability depends on the provider’s browser matrix and account terms. BrowserStack describes its IE sessions as real browsers in real environments, but says its IE Tab extension does not use actual Internet Explorer. BrowserStack’s guide |
| Local Windows environment or VM | A Windows setup you administer, with the browser or compatibility configuration available in that environment. | Repeated tests, local tooling, or targets reachable only from your environment. | You must set up and maintain Windows. The available setup depends on the Mac model and virtualization compatibility; there is no single VM recipe that applies to every Mac. |
| Edge IE mode on Windows | Microsoft Edge’s compatibility mode for legacy sites and applications. | Organizations maintaining sites that rely on IE-specific behavior. | It is an Edge feature on Windows, not Internet Explorer for macOS. Managed-device policy and Edge version can affect setup. Microsoft’s IE mode instructions |
| IE-emulation extension | An approximation rendered through another browser. | An early, low-cost visual check when exact IE behavior is not required. | Do not treat it as evidence of behavior in actual IE. BrowserStack says its IE Tab extension does not use the actual Internet Explorer browser. BrowserStack’s guide |
For any route, verify the browser or mode, the Windows version if relevant, whether it can reach the page under test, and whether the workflow is manual or automated. If the distinction between IE and IE mode matters to your compatibility claim, record which one you tested.
Use Edge IE mode if you have access to Windows
Microsoft’s general instructions configure IE mode in Edge on Windows. Exact controls can vary by Edge version and device policy.
The Tool Desk
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- In Edge, open
edge://settings/defaultBrowser. - Under Internet Explorer compatibility, allow sites to be reloaded in IE mode.
- Restart Edge.
- Visit the site, then select Settings and more (…) > Reload in Internet Explorer mode.
For Edge version 141 or higher on a non-enterprise device, Microsoft also documents adding a specific site under Settings > Default Browser > Add a page in Internet Explorer mode pages, then reloading it. An administrator may control these settings on managed devices. Check the installed Edge version and its current menu labels against Microsoft’s instructions.
A user-added site on the local IE mode list stays there for a default 30 days, and the list does not sync across devices, according to Microsoft Learn’s page last updated July 18, 2024. A site that stops opening in IE mode may need to be added again; a local entry will not follow you to another device. See Microsoft’s local site list documentation.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Automate IE mode tests on Windows
Microsoft’s documented IE mode automation setup uses Microsoft Edge, Selenium 4 or later language bindings, and Internet Explorer Driver version 4.0.0.0 or later. This tests IE mode in Edge; it does not install Internet Explorer on macOS. See Microsoft’s IE mode testing guidance.
For debugging, Microsoft documents using IEChooser with IE mode tabs. There is an important configuration trap: launching Edge with a remote-debugging command-line argument disables IE mode for that Edge session. A page may then run in Chromium instead, so a passing or failing result may not say anything about IE-mode compatibility. Confirm the mode indicator and test configuration before drawing a conclusion. Microsoft also notes that IE-mode tabs cannot be automated through the legacy InternetExplorer object. Details are in Microsoft’s IE mode DevTools documentation.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What IE support status means for your test
Microsoft says support for the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application ended June 15, 2022, for certain versions of Windows 10; that date is not a claim that every Windows edition reached end of support at once. For organizations with legacy dependencies, Microsoft recommends configuring sites to open in Edge IE mode. Microsoft states that IE mode will be supported through at least 2029 and that it will provide at least one year’s notice before retiring the mode. See Microsoft’s lifecycle information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or skip the browser setup
If you only need a screenshot of how a page looks, rather than proof of its behavior in Internet Explorer or IE mode, ScreenshotNeo can capture a URL with one GET request. It does not reproduce IE rendering, so it is not a substitute for the compatibility tests above. Its clean-shot flow accepts consent banners and removes more than 60 known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before capture; each step can be turned off. Bot checks, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits cost nothing, with the result identified in response headers. Its MCP server provides screenshot and page-information tools for AI agents.
Example cURL request, using the supplied API endpoint and documented parameters:
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpSee the ScreenshotNeo API documentation. The Free plan includes 1,000 screenshots per month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000. Sign up for free and get 1,000 screenshots a month with no card.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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