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Download Brave for Windows from the official Brave website. It is a free Chromium-based browser with Shields on by default: ads, trackers, fingerprinting attempts and many cookie prompts are blocked without extra extensions.
Official download: brave.com/download
Platform: Windows
Licence: Free
Publisher: Brave
Use the official installer or the Microsoft Store listing. Skip “Brave offline setup”, “full version free” and random GitHub-lookalike mirrors unless you are taking a signed build from Brave’s own project pages.
Brave download for Windows
- Open brave.com/download.
- Choose the Windows download.
- Run the installer (or continue in Microsoft Store if you started there).
- Wait for Brave to open when setup finishes.
- Import bookmarks and passwords from Chrome, Edge or another browser if you want a clean switch.
The Windows installer picks the right build for your PC. Brave is also available for macOS, Linux, Android and iOS from the same site or the official app stores.
Beta and Nightly builds exist for people who want features early. Everyday use should stay on the stable Windows download.
What Brave is
Brave is a privacy-first desktop browser built on Chromium, so most websites and many Chrome extensions work as usual. The difference is what is already on: Shields, HTTPS upgrades, fingerprinting defences, private windows, and optional tools such as Brave Search, Leo AI, a wallet and a paid VPN.
It suits anyone who wants fewer ads and less tracking without installing uBlock, a separate tracker list and a cookie-banner blocker one by one.
Brave Shields
Shields is the core of Brave. On a typical site it can:
- Block ads and trackers
- Limit fingerprinting
- Control cross-site cookies
- Upgrade connections to HTTPS
- Hide or block many cookie-consent pop-ups
You can leave Shields on the default standard level, tighten them globally, or relax them on a site that breaks. Per-site controls sit behind the lion icon in the address bar. Custom filter lists and an element blocker are there if you need them.
Blocking extra scripts often makes pages feel faster and uses less data. If a shop, bank or video site misbehaves, set Shields to allow that site rather than turning protection off everywhere.
Search, private windows and Tor
Brave Search is an independent search engine you can set as default. You can keep Google or another engine if you prefer.
Private windows do not keep local browsing history in the usual way. Brave also offers private windows with Tor, which routes that window through the Tor network. That is useful for extra anonymity on a single window. It is slower than normal browsing and is not a substitute for careful operational security.
Leo AI, wallet and other built-in tools
Leo is Brave’s optional browser AI for summaries and questions in a side panel. You can ignore it.
Brave Wallet is a built-in crypto wallet. Use it only if you need it; you do not have to set it up to browse the web.
Other extras include Brave News, Playlist for saving media, Brave Talk for calls, a sidebar, and Brave Rewards (BAT) if you choose to see privacy-preserving ads and support sites. None of these are required for normal browsing.
Brave VPN
Brave Firewall + VPN is a paid add-on. It can encrypt traffic for the whole device, not only the browser, and uses a no-logs policy Brave publishes and has had audited. Shields stay free. Do not confuse the free ad blocker with a full VPN.
How to install Brave on Windows
- Go to brave.com/download.
- Download Brave for Windows.
- Open the file and let setup finish.
- Import data from your old browser when asked, or skip and start empty.
- Pin Brave to the taskbar and set it as default later if you want.
If SmartScreen or antivirus warns you, confirm the file came from brave.com before you allow it.
Brave vs Chrome and Edge
Brave uses the same engine family as Chrome, so page compatibility is close. Chrome is simpler if you want Google’s defaults and account. Edge is already on Windows and ties into Microsoft services. Brave is the better default when you care about ads and trackers being blocked on day one.
You can keep Edge or Chrome installed. Brave can import favorites in about a minute.
Is Brave free and safe?
Yes. The Windows browser is free from brave.com. Open-source desktop code is published for review. Download only from Brave or the Microsoft Store. Unofficial “Brave browser offline installer” packs are the risk.
Sync across devices uses an optional Brave sync chain. You do not need a Google account to use the browser.
Brave for Windows FAQ
Where do I download Brave for Windows?
From brave.com/download. That is the official page.
Does Brave work on Windows?
Yes. Use the official Windows download on a supported PC.
Does Brave block ads without extensions?
Yes. Shields does that by default. You can still add extensions if a site needs them.
Is Brave the same as Chrome?
It is Chromium-based, not a reskin of Google Chrome. Google services are limited or proxied where Brave can do so.
Is the VPN free?
No. Shields are free. Brave Firewall + VPN is a subscription.
Can I import bookmarks from Chrome or Edge?
Yes, during or after install.
Download Brave for Windows from the official Brave site, install it, and browse with Shields on so ads and trackers are blocked without a pile of extra extensions.