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Disable Safari's 'Open Safe Files After Downloading' Feature

Protect your privacy by turning off this option

By Scott Orgera Scott Orgera Writer Scott Orgera is a former Lifewire writer covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications including MCSE, MCP+I, and MOUS. He is also A+ certified. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 7, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Apple Macs iPad Adjust the settings on your Mac to prevent it from opening downloads automatically. This settings change protects your privacy, even if it requires that small sacrifice of convenience. Instructions in this article apply to Safari for Mac and Safari 5.1.7 for Windows. Safari is no longer available for Windows PCs, and Apple no longer supports the Windows version.

How to Stop Mac From Opening All Downloads

The Safari browser contains a default feature that open all files it considers safe when the download is finished. Although it is convenient while enabled, this feature may adversely affect your online security. Safari considers the following file types to be safe files: Pictures Movies Sounds PDF files Text documents Disc images, such as DMG files Some other archive types It's safer to manually open downloaded files and scan them with antivirus software, but you must first disable the Open Safe Files setting in Safari.

Disable Safari' s ' Open Safe Files' Setting on MacOS

To disable the "Open Safe Files" setting on a Mac through Safari's preferences on a macOS computer: Open Safari on your Mac. Click the Safari menu and select Preferences. You can also open the preferences by pressing Command+comma on your keyboard. Click the General tab. Clear the Open "safe" files after downloading checkbox. Close the window to save your setting.

Disable Safari' s ' Open Safe Files' Setting on Windows

Apple discontinued its Windows version of Safari in 2012. Windows 10 does not support any version of Safari, but Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, and Windows XP SP2 and SP3 support the last version, which was 5.1.7. Unlike the setting in macOS Safari, the Windows option does not open the file automatically. Still, you can adjust a similar setting to prompt Windows to ask you before it downloads a file. This option inserts an extra step to consider if you want a file on your computer. Click the Gear icon. Go to the General tab. Clear the Always prompt before downloading checkbox. There is no way to configure Safari for Windows to automatically open downloaded files. Checking this box means that Safari will ask if you want to download a file. No check means that Safari automatically downloads safe files to the folder you specify in the Save downloaded files to field on this same screen. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire 8 Best Free Download Managers (Updated October 2022) How to Stop Autoplay Videos How to Use Firefox for Mac How to Find and Save iPad Downloads How to Activate the iPhone Debug Console or Web Inspector How to Send a Web Page With the Mac's Email Program How to Manage Tabbed Browsing in Safari for macOS The 4 Best Free Text Editors for Windows & Mac How to Check Spelling in Outlook How to Turn on Incognito Mode in Your Browser How to Control iPhone Safari Settings and Security How to Lock a Folder in Windows 10 How to Change Your Homepage in Safari The Top 10 Internet Browsers for 2022 How to Fix It When Safari Is Not Working on an iPad How to Install, Manage, and Delete Safari Extensions Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies