Use a supported browser to ensure optimal performance, accessibility, and security in Brightspace. D2L recommends that all users access Brightspace using the latest version of a supported browser.
Most browsers automatically update to the latest version by default. To ensure you are always running the latest browser version, set your browser to auto-update.
D2L performs key application testing to ensure that Brightspace performs as expected when new browser versions are released.
Brightspace requires your browser to enable both JavaScript and cookies.
About naming
We classify browser versions as Supported, Legacy, Unsupported (Warning), and Unsupported (Blocked).
The following table describes browser classification levels.
Browser classification levels
| Classification |
Description |
Update schedule |
Browser age |
|---|
| Supported |
D2L supports these versions through testing and defect investigation. |
January and July |
Roughly 3 months old |
| Legacy |
D2L does not provide browser- or version-specific bug fixes and does not perform in-depth testing. |
January and July |
3 years to 3 months old |
| Unsupported (Warning) |
D2L does not provide technical support or testing for these versions. |
January and July |
5 years to 3 years old |
| Unsupported (Blocked) |
These browser versions cannot access Brightspace. |
July only |
Older than 5 years |
D2L updates supported and unsupported browser versions twice yearly in January and July. Announcements appear in the Brightspace Platform Release Notes before changes take effect.
Supported browsers
Supported browsers are the latest major versions of the following:
- Safari 26 and newer (released September 2025)
- Chrome 140 and newer (released September 2025)
- Edge 140 and newer (released September 2025)
- Firefox 143 and newer (released September 2025)
Note: Starting in 2025, Safari version numbers align with the calendar year of release.
Desktop computers
Brightspace is supported on the following desktop platforms using the latest supported browser versions.
The following table indicates supported desktop platforms and browsers.
Supported desktop platforms and browsers
| Platform |
Safari |
Chrome |
Edge |
Firefox |
|---|
| macOS |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Windows |
N/A |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Tablets and mobile devices
Brightspace is supported on the following mobile platforms using the latest supported browser versions.
The following table indicates supported mobile platforms and browsers.
Supported mobile platforms and browsers
| Platform |
Safari |
Chrome |
Edge |
Firefox |
|---|
| iOS (iPhone and iPad) |
Yes |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| Android phones and tablets |
N/A |
Yes |
N/A |
N/A |
Legacy browsers
Browser versions within the following ranges are classified as Legacy:
- Chrome 106 (released September 2022) to 139 (released August 2025)
- Edge 106 (released October 2022) to 139 (released August 2025)
- Firefox 105 (released September 2022) to 142 (released August 2025)
- Safari 16 (released September 2022) to 18 (released September 2024)
|
Important: If you use a Legacy browser, you will see a pop-up message stating “Your browser is looking a little retro” each time you log in.
|
Unsupported browsers
Unsupported (Warning)
- Chrome 81 (released April 2020) to 105 (released May 2022)
- Edge 81 (released April 2020) to 105 (released May 2022)
- Firefox 74 (released March 2020) to 104 (released August 2022)
- Firefox ESR 102 (released June 2022) and older
- Safari 14 (released September 2020) to 15 (released September 2021)
|
Important: If you use a browser on the Unsupported (Warning) list, a full-screen Unsupported browser warning appears during login, which you can dismiss.
|
Firefox ESR support
- ESR 140 (current)
- ESR 128 (previous)
Special extended support
- ESR 115 (receiving security updates until March 2026; support status will be re-evaluated in July 2026)
Unsupported ESR
Unsupported (Blocked)
- Chrome 80 (released February 2020) and older
- Edge 80 (released February 2020) and older
- Firefox 73 (released February 2020) and older
- Firefox ESR 60.7 (released May 2019) and older
- Safari 13 (released September 2019) and older
- Microsoft Internet Explorer (all versions)
- Microsoft Edge Legacy (all versions)
|
Important: If you attempt to access Brightspace using a blocked browser, a full-screen Unsupported browser warning appears and prevents you from logging in.
|
Unsupported technologies
As of December 31, 2020, Adobe no longer supports Flash Player and blocked Flash content from running in Flash Player on January 12, 2021. For more information, refer to Adobe Flash Player End of Life.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my browser is outdated?
Chrome: Navigate to the menu > Help > About Google Chrome.
Firefox: Navigate to Help > About Firefox.
Safari: Navigate to the Safari menu > About Safari.
Edge: Navigate to Settings and more > Settings > About Microsoft Edge.
These screens display the browser version number and inform you if it is the latest version. Depending on the browser, you may have the option to update.
What steps should I take if my browser is outdated?
On a computer, update your browser from the screen that indicates whether your browser is up to date. In some cases, you may not be able to update due to organizational policies or device limitations. Contact your help desk for assistance.
On a mobile device, navigate to the App Store or Play Store, open the Updates section, and select your browser.
Will I receive a warning before my browser is no longer supported?
Brightspace provides a warning during login if your browser is on a Legacy or Unsupported list.
How far in advance does Brightspace know when a browser version is at risk of losing support?
D2L publishes the list of supported browsers 90 days before changes to the Legacy and Unsupported lists occur to provide an opportunity to proactively update browsers.
Troubleshoot browser issues
Brightspace Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
If Brightspace isn’t working properly, try these quick fixes first:
1. Refresh the page
- Press Ctrl + R (Windows) or Cmd + R (Mac).
- If that doesn’t work, try a hard refresh:
- Windows: Ctrl + Shift + R
- Mac: Cmd + Shift + R
2. Check your internet connection
- Try opening another website to confirm your internet is working.
- If pages won’t load, restart your Wi-Fi router/modem.
- Move closer to your router or switch to a wired connection if possible.
- Avoid streaming or large downloads during quizzes, tests, or uploads.
- If your connection drops often, it may cause Brightspace to time out or log you out.
3. Log out and back in
- Log out of Brightspace completely.
- Close your browser.
- Reopen the browser and log back in.
- Avoid having multiple Brightspace tabs open at the same time.
4. Clear cache and cookies
Clear your browser cache and cookies if you notice any of the following:
- A blank/white page
- Pages not loading
- Buttons missing or the page looks incorrect
After clearing cache/cookies, close and reopen your browser and try again.
5. Check your browser zoom
If content looks too large, too small, or cut off, reset zoom to 100%:
- Windows: Ctrl + 0
- Mac: Cmd + 0
Brightspace works best at 100% zoom.
6. Disable browser extensions
- Ad blockers and privacy/script-blocking extensions can cause blank pages or missing tools.
- Try opening Brightspace in a private/incognito window. If it works there, an extension may be causing the issue.
- Disable extensions and try again.
7. Restart your computer
- If your browser keeps crashing or freezing, restart your computer.
- Open a supported browser and try Brightspace again.
Still not working?
Contact your IT Help Desk and include:
- Your browser name and version
- Your device type (Windows, Mac, Chromebook)
- A screenshot of the issue or error message
- The course name and what you were trying to do