Is There a DuckDuckGo Browser for Windows 10?

DuckDuckGo does not have a standalone browser specifically for Windows 10. However, for users who prefer a privacy-focused browsing experience on Windows 10, there are still ways to integrate DuckDuckGo into your web browsing sessions. This article provides a detailed guide on how to use DuckDuckGo as your default search engine in popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, along with browser extensions that enhance your privacy during web navigation.

Using DuckDuckGo as Your Default Search Engine on Windows 10

Check for Updates: As of the last update in August 2023, DuckDuckGo does not have a standalone browser for Windows 10. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy the privacy features of DuckDuckGo by setting it as your default search engine in any of the major web browsers.

Setting DuckDuckGo as Default in Browser Extensions

One of the easiest ways to use DuckDuckGo for privacy-conscious browsing is by using browser extensions. DuckDuckGo offers extensions for major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. These extensions can block trackers and enforce encryption on supported websites, providing an added layer of privacy. To install the extension, follow these steps:

Open your web browser: Whether it's Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Go to the Extension Page: Click on the three vertical dots (for Chrome and Edge) or the Firefox menu, then select "Add-ons" or "Extensions." Search for DuckDuckGo: Use the search bar to find the DuckDuckGo extension and install it. Enable the Extension: Once installed, enable the extension to start using its features.

Example: Changing Default Search Engine in Firefox

For Firefox, the process to change the default search engine is straightforward:

Go to Settings: Click on the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner, then select "Settings." Search Section: Scroll down to the "Search" section. Change Default Search Engine: At the top, click on "Default Search Engine" and select "DuckDuckGo." If it is not listed, you can add it by clicking "Manage Search Engines."

Using Default Search Engine in Built-in Browsers

If you prefer to use the default browser on Windows 10, such as Microsoft Edge, you can set DuckDuckGo as your default search engine within the browser settings:

Open Settings in Edge: Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner and select "Settings." Privacy, Search, and Services: Scroll down to the "Privacy, search, and services" section. Set Search Engine: Click on "Address bar and search" and select "Search engine." If it is set to "Bing Recommended Default," click it and change it to "DuckDuckGo."

Alternative Options for Privacy

If you are looking for a more secure browsing experience, consider using the Brave browser. The Brave browser is built with privacy in mind and includes DuckDuckGo as its default search engine. By switching to Brave, you can benefit from additional privacy features such as privacy controls and ad blocking.

Conclusion

While DuckDuckGo does not have a standalone browser for Windows 10, you can still enjoy its privacy features by using it as your default search engine in major web browsers or installing its browser extensions. For those seeking a more secure browsing experience, the Brave browser is a great alternative.