If your hardware supports it, consider updating to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 (still supported) or switching to Linux Mint for long-term security. But until then – DuckDuckGo + Firefox ESR is your best friend.
You can also use DuckDuckGo with Mozilla Firefox:
If you need a modern, secure browser that still supports Windows 8.1 in 2026, consider these privacy-focused alternatives: Brave Browser duckduckgo browser download for windows 8.1
– it’s safer, officially supported, and works perfectly.
: The official installer is distributed as an MSIXbundle . If your hardware supports it, consider updating to
He noticed a small icon next to the address bar: a shield with a grade on it. He clicked it. A drop-down menu showed him everything the browser had blocked: 17 tracking scripts, 3 hidden ad trackers, and a persistent “fingerprinting” attempt from a data broker he’d never heard of.
The official is not compatible with Windows 8.1 . According to DuckDuckGo's official system requirements , the browser requires Windows 10 (May 2020 version) or later. : The official installer is distributed as an MSIXbundle
Download Firefox for Windows 8.1 today from mozilla.org, add DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials, and enjoy a safe, private browsing experience.