SharePoint is where government teams store, share, and collaborate on documents. While Safari is macOS’s native browser, accessing SharePoint often works better with Microsoft Edge. Here’s why and how to set up the optimal browser configuration for your government SharePoint sites.
Why Safari Struggles with SharePoint
Safari is an excellent browser, but SharePoint was built by Microsoft for Microsoft browsers. Common Safari issues include:
- Document co-authoring may not function properly
- Some web parts don’t render correctly
- File upload/download issues occur more frequently
- Authentication loops and sign-in problems
- Modern SharePoint features may be unsupported
- Integration with Office apps is less seamless
Microsoft Edge for Mac: The Solution
Microsoft Edge for Mac provides the best SharePoint experience while remaining a capable general-purpose browser.
Installing Edge on Your Government Mac
- Check your agency’s software portal first for an approved Edge installation
- If not available, download from microsoft.com/edge
- Install and launch Edge
- Sign in with your government Microsoft account when prompted
Why Edge Works Better
- Built on Chromium with Microsoft optimizations for their services
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 authentication
- Office document preview and editing works correctly
- Better support for SharePoint’s modern features
- Enterprise features for government environments
Configuring Edge for Government Use
Set SharePoint as a Favorite
Bookmark your agency’s SharePoint sites for quick access. Click the star icon in the address bar and organize SharePoint sites in a dedicated folder.
Enable Enhanced Security Mode
Edge offers enhanced security settings suitable for government work:
- Go to edge://settings/privacy
- Enable “Enhance your security on the web”
- Select “Balanced” or “Strict” protection
- Add exceptions for trusted government sites if needed
Configure Browser Sync
If your agency allows, sync Edge settings across your devices:
- Go to edge://settings/profiles/sync
- Sign in with your government account
- Choose what to sync (favorites, passwords, settings)
SharePoint Features That Work Better in Edge
Document Libraries
Uploading, downloading, and managing files in SharePoint document libraries is more reliable in Edge. Drag-and-drop uploads work consistently, and the file viewer displays documents correctly.
Co-Authoring
Real-time co-authoring in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents opens properly in their web apps when using Edge. You’ll see other users’ cursors and changes update smoothly.
Lists and Forms
SharePoint lists, Microsoft Lists, and Forms render correctly in Edge. Data entry, filtering, and views function as designed.
Power Platform Integration
Power Apps and Power Automate embedded in SharePoint work best in Edge. If your agency uses these tools, Edge is essential for proper functionality.
When Safari Still Works Fine
Safari handles basic SharePoint tasks adequately:
- Viewing documents (read-only)
- Navigating site pages
- Downloading individual files
- Reading news and announcements
- Basic search functions
If you only need to read content, Safari works. For editing and collaboration, switch to Edge.
Troubleshooting SharePoint Access
Authentication Loops
If you keep getting prompted to sign in:
- Clear browser cookies and cache
- Sign out of all Microsoft accounts
- Close all browser windows
- Reopen and sign in fresh
Page Not Loading Correctly
Try these steps:
- Hard refresh: Command+Shift+R
- Disable browser extensions temporarily
- Try InPrivate/private browsing mode
- Clear site-specific data
“Something Went Wrong” Errors
SharePoint’s generic error message usually means:
- Session timeout—sign in again
- Permission issue—contact site owner
- Browser incompatibility—try Edge
- Temporary service issue—wait and retry
Edge Extensions for Productivity
Consider these Edge extensions for government work (verify agency approval):
- Microsoft 365: Quick access to Office apps
- Collections: Save and organize research
- Read Aloud: Have pages read to you
- Web Capture: Screenshot and annotate pages
Maintaining Both Browsers
Keep both Safari and Edge updated:
- Safari updates through macOS System Updates
- Edge updates automatically or through your agency’s update system
Use Safari for general browsing and non-Microsoft sites. Use Edge for SharePoint, Teams web, and other Microsoft 365 services. This approach gives you the best of both browsers while ensuring SharePoint works reliably for your government collaboration needs.
