A browser is a software application that allows you to access and navigate the internet. It retrieves, presents, and traverses information resources on the World Wide Web. Popular browsers include Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.
This article explains which browsers you can use and which is the default browser set by the University of Leeds.
Microsoft Edge is the default, supported web browser at the University of Leeds. It will be pre-installed and bundled with the base operating system on all university Windows-based devices, and it cannot and will not be removed by the end user.
In addition to Microsoft Edge, three other browsers are supported, depending on the university devices: Google Chrome, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
These browsers are not bundled with the base configuration, but some are available (See instructions below each device type).
Once installed, Chrome, Safari and Firefox will be patched automatically with no user input required. This ensures they remain secure and up to date with the latest security fixes and performance enhancements.
You can find further information about the browsers that we support for Windows devices below:
| Windows | Source | Automatic updates | Support level |
| Edge | Pre-installed | Yes | Full |
| Chrome | Installed with the client base image | Yes | Full |
| Firefox | Company Portal | Yes | Not supported |
| Safari | n/a | n/a | Not supported |
You can find further information about the browsers that we support for Mac devices below:
| macOS | Source | Automatic updates | Support level |
| Safari | Pre-installed | Yes | Full |
| Edge | Self Service+ | Yes | Full |
| Chrome | Self Service+ | Yes | Full |
| Firefox | Self Service+ | Yes | Not supported |
You can find further information about the browsers that we support for Linux (Red Hat) devices below:
| Linux (Red Hat) | Source | Automatic updates | Support level |
| Edge | Via Request | Yes | Full |
| Chrome | Installed with the client base image | Yes | Full |
| Firefox | Installed with the client base image | Yes | Full |
| Safari | n/a | n/a | Not supported |
The university’s IT Operations department will regularly monitor browser installations and usage to ensure compliance with this policy. Users are expected to keep their devices in line with the specified configuration and to promptly update or reinstall browsers as needed. Failure to comply with this policy may result in restricted access to university resources and services until the issue is resolved.