Virtual Lab Environment (VLE) – Browser Compatibility Check and Troubleshooting Guide

Supported Web Browsers

The VLE Browser Compatibility Check evaluates your current browser to determine whether it meets the requirements for accessing virtual labs.

The following browsers can be evaluated by the compatibility tool:

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari (macOS)

Important: Browser support depends on the results of the compatibility check. Using a browser listed above does not guarantee that every VLE requirement will pass.

Browser Troubleshooting Instructions

Google Chrome

If your compatibility check reports that third-party cookies are blocked:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click the three-dot menu and select Settings.
3. Select Privacy and security.
4. Click Third-party cookies.
5. Under sites allowed to use third-party cookies, add the VLE website and any required related domains.
6. Refresh the VLE page.
7. Run the Browser Compatibility Check again.

Microsoft Edge

If your compatibility check reports that third-party cookies are blocked:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three-dot menu and select Settings.
3. Select Privacy, search, and services.
4. Review cookie and tracking prevention settings.
5. Allow the cookies required by the VLE, using site-specific permissions where available.
6. Refresh the VLE page.
7. Run the Browser Compatibility Check again.

Mozilla Firefox

If your compatibility check reports that third-party cookies are blocked:

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
2. Navigate to the VLE website.
3. Click the shield icon beside the address bar.
4. Turn off Enhanced Tracking Protection for the trusted VLE website, if needed.
5. Refresh the page.
6. Run the Browser Compatibility Check again.

Apple Safari (macOS)

Safari includes privacy protections that may restrict third-party cookies and cross-site authentication. These settings may interfere with certain VLE features.

Allow Cookies

1. Open Safari on your Mac.
2. In the menu bar, select Safari → Settings.
3. Select the Advanced tab.
4. Make sure Block all cookies is not selected.
5. Return to the VLE and refresh the page.

Allow Cross-Site Tracking When Required

If the Browser Compatibility Check reports that third-party cookies are blocked:

1. Open Safari → Settings.
2. Select the Privacy tab.
3. Locate Prevent cross-site tracking.
4. Temporarily uncheck Prevent cross-site tracking.
5. Return to the VLE website and refresh the page.
6. Run the Browser Compatibility Check again.

Privacy Note: Disabling Prevent cross-site tracking reduces Safari's privacy protections across websites. Restore the setting after your lab session. If the check still fails, try another supported browser or contact Support.

Allow Pop-Ups in Safari

1. Open the VLE website in Safari.
2. Select Safari → Settings.
3. Click Websites.
4. Select Pop-up Windows.
5. Locate the VLE website in the list.
6. Change the setting to Allow.
7. Refresh the VLE page.

Clipboard Troubleshooting in Safari

If clipboard functionality is not working:

1. Ensure Safari is updated.
2. Return to the VLE and attempt to copy or paste again.
3. Approve any clipboard or paste permission prompt displayed by Safari.
4. If your Mac displays a permission or security prompt, review it and allow the requested action when appropriate.
5. Run the compatibility check again.

Full-Screen Troubleshooting in Safari

If full-screen functionality fails:

1. Make sure you are using an updated version of Safari.
2. Open the VLE in a standard Safari window.
3. Maximize the browser window and retry the lab's full-screen control.
4. If the issue persists, try another browser that passes the compatibility check.

Safari on iPhone or iPad

Students accessing the VLE from an iPhone or iPad may encounter additional browser or device limitations.

To review Safari's privacy settings:

1. Open Settings on your device.
2. Select Apps → Safari (or Safari directly on older versions).
3. Under Privacy & Security, review Prevent Cross-Site Tracking.
4. If necessary for troubleshooting, temporarily disable the setting and rerun the check.
5. Restore the privacy setting when finished.

Important: Mobile devices may not meet all VLE requirements. Passing the browser checks does not guarantee that virtual desktop or application features will function on a mobile device.

What to Do After Changing Browser Settings

After making changes to Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari:

1. Return to the VLE Browser Compatibility Check page.
2. Refresh the page.
3. Review the results of each test.
4. Confirm that the previously failed checks now display Passed.
5. Continue into the Virtual Lab Environment when the required checks pass.

Need Additional Assistance?

If you continue experiencing problems, please submit a Support Ticket.

1. Click Copy Results on the Browser Compatibility Check page.
2. Take a screenshot showing the results, including any failed checks.
3. Open a Support Ticket through the UMGC support portal.
4. Paste your copied results into the ticket description.
5. Attach the screenshot.
6. Briefly describe the issue.

Example of Copied Results

Browser
  Supported browser: Firefox 159 (Passed)
  Cookies: Allowed (Passed)
  Third party cookies: Blocked (Failed)
  Clipboard: Allowed (Passed)

Connection
  Connection to lab servers: Connected (Passed)
  Connection speed: Good (Passed)

Pop ups and full screen
  Pop ups: Allowed (Passed)
  Full screen: Supported (Passed)

Device
  Screen size: Meets minimum (Passed)
  Device clock: Correct (Passed)

If you need further assistance, please click Copy Results and paste the copied information into a Support Ticket, along with a screenshot of your Browser Compatibility Check results.

Providing both items helps the Support Team identify failed browser requirements and troubleshoot your issue more efficiently.