DuckDuckGo Browser 0.169.3.0 for Windows

DuckDuckGo 0.169.3.0 for Windows is the desktop browser from the company behind the privacy-focused DuckDuckGo search engine, and you can download it free from duckduckgo.com. It is built for people who want private search and tracker blocking to be the default, not something they have to set up.

Who the DuckDuckGo browser is for

DuckDuckGo has run its search engine since 25 September 2008, with the promise of not profiling the people who use it. The Windows browser extends that idea to the whole browsing session. It suits people who already use DuckDuckGo search and would like the same approach everywhere, without installing extensions or learning privacy settings. It fits families and less technical users who want a browser where the safe choice is already made. And it appeals to anyone tired of cookie banners and trackers following them from site to site. It is a less natural fit for power users who depend on a large extension library or on deep integration with a particular ecosystem; they may prefer a Chromium or Firefox-based browser with add-ons. Many people install it as a second browser for everyday reading while keeping another one for work tools.

What to expect

• DuckDuckGo search set as the default.
• Tracker blocking on websites by default.
• A quick way to clear tabs and browsing data in one step.
• Import of bookmarks and passwords from other browsers.

Program details

Requirements

The browser is made for current versions of Windows, and some features may be missing on older builds of the system. Keeping Windows updated avoids most compatibility problems.

How to install

1. Open the official DuckDuckGo app page.
2. Choose the Windows browser and start the download.
3. Install it and open the browser.
4. Import bookmarks and passwords if you are switching from another browser.

New features are listed on the What's New page.

Safety

Download only from duckduckgo.com. A privacy browser from an unknown mirror defeats its purpose, because a modified build could collect exactly the data it promises to protect. Blocking trackers also does not stop phishing, so keep checking addresses before you log in anywhere.

Price

The browser and search are free. DuckDuckGo also sells an optional subscription with additional privacy services.

Pros and cons

• Pro: privacy protections switched on from the start.
• Pro: simple interface for non-technical users.
• Con: smaller extension support than mainstream browsers.
• Con: some sites expect trackers and behave oddly without them.

Alternatives

Brave Browser, Firefox, Mullvad Browser and LibreWolf are privacy-minded browsers for Windows in the same category.