Google Chrome and Brave both run on Chromium, but Brave adds ad and tracker blocking to the browser itself instead of leaving it to extensions. This page covers the Windows build, version 156.1.98.63, released on October 30, 2026.
Brave Software Inc and the MPL-2.0 licence
Brave is developed by Brave Software Inc, which has a site at brave.com. The browser is free and carries the MPL-2.0 licence.
The package ID is Brave.Brave. The catalog files it under web browsers and under lightweight web browsers.
Blocking ads and trackers by default
Brave blocks ads and trackers that slow pages down and intrude on privacy. That is its main feature. The developer also describes it as a different way of thinking about how the web can work.
Windows build size and Chromium 156 base
The Windows download is 160.1 MB. The current release is built on Chromium 156.0.8078.80, so it shares its engine generation with other Chromium browsers.
Check the minimum Windows version and hardware requirements on the official project page before installing.
What's new in 156.1.98.63
The October 30, 2026 release upgrades Chromium to 156.0.8078.80. The changelog lists no other changes.
Brave pros and cons
Pros
- Blocks ads and trackers, according to the store description
- Free to use
- Open-source MPL-2.0 licence
- Built on Chromium 156.0.8078.80
- Updated on October 30, 2026
Cons
- The 160.1 MB download is sizeable for a browser in the lightweight category
- Limited feature detail beyond ad and tracker blocking
- Check Windows system requirements on the project page
Is Brave safe?
The Windows installer for Brave comes straight from github.com, the official server, and is not kept on our side. Brave Software Inc publishes it under the MPL-2.0 licence. We have no scan result to share, so we make no extra safety claims beyond the source and the licence.
How to install Brave
- Press the download button to get the official file.
- Run the installer you saved and confirm the Windows security prompt if the publisher matches.
- Follow the setup steps, then start Brave from the Start menu.
