Chromium-based Arc Browser now available for Windows

Windows users who want more flexibility from their browser while still being able to use extensions from the Chrome Web Store can finally take Arc for a spin. This is not a beta or a test version, but a mature product that will receive improvements on a regular basis in a similar manner to its macOS and iOS siblings. Obviously, this new web browser for Windows is a free product.

While some might not have issues with this, it must be mentioned that new Arc users must create an account, and this first step is not an optional one. Unsurprisingly, this step is required for using the sync capability. Sadly, those who are not planning to use such features still have to create an account, and this is often perceived as a privacy risk. In addition to being able to use Chrome extensions, the fact that Arc is based on Chromium also means that every time a vulnerability is discovered in it, that issue will be present in Arc as well.

Those concerned about privacy and security should also know that Arc may contact users via email, and product usage data is collected automatically. More details can be found on this page. 

While the interface needs to be discovered and customized by each user to fully enjoy it, it should also be mentioned that uBlock Origin comes preloaded. Thankfully, it can be removed by those who are planning to use other ad blockers (or none at all).

Although support for Windows 10 will be added in the coming months, the Arc Browser for Windows is only available on Windows 11 for now. Speaking of Windows 11, some of its users might find Andy Rathbone's Windows 11 for Dummies a quite useful book. Available for Kindle, as well as in paperback and spiral-bound formats, this gude has reached its 5th edition and has a 4.4/5-star rating after 1,376 user votes.