Chromium browser main logo

Chromium


The free and open-source project behind Google Chrome

Important news
The Chromium team has removed few LKGR builders. (sources: 407399 and chromium-dev)
Consequently, the Continuous repository and official site (LKGR) are not updated since Friday, 18 Mar 2016 (29 days ago).
Info:

Version

Here, you see your Chromium version.
Works only if your browser is based on Chromium like Google Chrome, Chromium browser, Opera...

Windows 10, 8, 7

Chromium is not available on Windows XP and Vista since version 50. For help, Portable (version 49) works fine.

1. Chromium for 64-bit Windows only

Reference: Current stable version (Google Chrome): 50.0.2661.75 (378081) • Wednesday, 13 Apr 2016

NIKSTABLE

Chromium (64-bit) of nik with all codecs enabled (online tester) and sync/nosync

Installer • Archive
No sync • No WebRTC • 50.0.2661.75 (378081) • Thursday, 14 Apr 2016

Installer • Archive
Sync available • 50.0.2661.75 (378081) • Thursday, 14 Apr 2016

Advice about these builds
Use the free and open-source chrlauncher to install, automatically update and launch Chromium. It is also possible to do a portable version ^^

Info:

NIKDEV

Chromium (64-bit) of nik with all codecs enabled (online tester) and sync/nosync

Installer • Archive
No sync • No WebRTC • 52.0.2709.0 (387294) • Thursday, 14 Apr 2016

Installer • Archive
Sync available • 52.0.2709.0 (387294) • Thursday, 14 Apr 2016

Advice about these builds
Use the free and open-source chrlauncher to install, automatically update and launch Chromium. It is also possible to do a portable version ^^

Info:

THE CHROMIUM AUTHORSDEV

Installer (64-bit)
mini_installer.exe • 51.0.2683.0 (381909, dba3b68) • Friday, 18 Mar 2016

Installation is silent. After 2 or 3 seconds, a shortcut will be automatically created on your desktop.

How to update it?
All of your settings, bookmarks, extensions, history, cookies will be saved. Do not worry!

  1. Download mini_installer.exe
  2. Close Chromium browser if opened
  3. Execute mini_installer.exe
  4. Wait for 2 or 3 seconds (Installation is silent)
  5. Open Chromium browser. It is updated!

Info:

THE CHROMIUM AUTHORSDEV

Archive (64-bit)
chrome-win32.zip • 51.0.2683.0 (381909, dba3b68) • Friday, 18 Mar 2016

The name of this archive is "chrome-win32.zip" but do not worry, it is really the 64-bit version!
Unzip it on your computer.

How to update it?
As Chromium gets updated quite a lot you may want to upgrade it. As the extensions get stored outside the main Chromium installation directory you can delete all the files in the installation directory and replace them with the contents of the latest zip file.

  1. Download chrome-win32.zip
  2. Close Chromium browser if opened
  3. Unzip chrome-win32.zip
  4. Delete all the files from your installation directory
  5. Move the files from the unzipped chrome-win32 directory to your installation directory
  6. Open Chromium browser. It is updated!

Info:

ALUISIOASGOLDDEV

Portable (64-bit)
ChromiumPortable.paf.exe • 50.0.2657.0 • Friday, 26 Feb 2016

This is an open-source and custom-built version of Chromium optimized for portable use. So, you can run it from an iPod, USB flash drive, portable hard drive, CD or any other portable media. You can take your bookmarks, extensions, themes and plugins with you. This portable version will leave no personal information behind on the machine you run it on.

Packaged in the PortableApps.com format by AluisioASG (Aluísio Augusto Silva Gonçalves), it can work as standalone software.

How to update it?
Nothing is written to the Windows registry. This version uses a specific subfolder (named "Data") directly in the main folder, for all user data. So, take care when you update it!

Info: official website and SourceForge directory

ZYCHOPATDISCONTINUED PROJECTDEV

Portable (64-bit)
Cr2Go.exe • 51.0.2662.0 • Saturday, 27 Feb 2016

Packaged by Zychopat (Muhammer Ayes), it can work as standalone software.
Follow the same instructions as above to install and update it. Note you can add custom command-line parameters by editing Parameters.ini file in the main folder of "chromium-to-go".

Info: SourceForge directory

CHOCOLATEYDEV

Package (64-bit)
51.0.2683.0 • Friday, 18 Mar 2016

Install and update Chromium with Chocolatey, a free and open-source package manager. It works like apt-get or yum on Linux.

To install it:
cinst chromium

Info: this official package uses my #api for updates: chromium::chocolatey.core.team.packages

2. Chromium for 64-bit and 32-bit Windows

Reference: Current stable version (Google Chrome): 50.0.2661.75 (378081) • Wednesday, 13 Apr 2016

THE CHROMIUM AUTHORSDEV

Installer (32-bit)
mini_installer.exe • 51.0.2684.0 (382014, 8f5eb4c) • Friday, 18 Mar 2016

Follow the same instructions as #windows-64-bit-installer.

THE CHROMIUM AUTHORSDEV

Archive (32-bit)
chrome-win32.zip • 51.0.2684.0 (382014, 8f5eb4c) • Friday, 18 Mar 2016

Follow the same instructions as #windows-64-bit-archive.

ALUISIOASGOLDDEV

Portable (32-bit)
ChromiumPortable.paf.exe • 50.0.2657.0 • Friday, 26 Feb 2016

Follow the same instructions as #windows-64-bit-portable-aluisioasg.

Info: official website and SourceForge directory

ZYCHOPATDISCONTINUED PROJECTDEV

Portable (32-bit)
Cr2Go.exe • 51.0.2662.0 • Saturday, 27 Feb 2016

Follow the same instructions as #windows-64-bit-portable-zychopat.

Info: SourceForge directory

WINPENPACKOLDDEV

Portable (32-bit)
X-Chromium.zip • 50.0.2655.0 • Saturday, 20 Feb 2016

Packaged in the winPenPack format, it can work as standalone software.

How to update it with an alternative update system?
Use the simple free and open-source cpf-update-win batch script to automatically update both Chromium and PepperFlash. The Chromium version will be 51.0.2684.0 because this update system (based on my #api) uses the #windows-32-bit-archive ^^

Info: official website and SourceForge directory

CHOCOLATEYDEV

Package (32-bit)
51.0.2683.0 • Friday, 18 Mar 2016

Install and update Chromium with Chocolatey, a free and open-source package manager. It works like apt-get or yum on Linux.

To install it on a 32-bit Windows:
cinst chromium

To install it on a 64-bit Windows:
cinst chromium --x86
More info about options and switches

Info: this official package uses my #api for updates: chromium::chocolatey.core.team.packages

Mac OS X

1. Chromium for 64-bit Mac OS X only

Reference: Current stable version (Google Chrome): 50.0.2661.75 (378081) • Wednesday, 13 Apr 2016

FREESMUGSTABLE

Installer (64-bit)
Chromium_OSX.dmg • 49.0.2623.112 • Friday, 8 Apr 2016

To install it, double click on Chromium_OSX.dmg file you have downloaded. Then drag its icon on Applications folder. You may then "Eject" and throw away this disk image.

How to update it?
The FreeSMUG team wrote an extension: Chromium Updater

Info:

THE CHROMIUM AUTHORSDEV

Archive (64-bit)
chrome-mac.zip • 51.0.2683.0 (381909, dba3b68) • Friday, 18 Mar 2016

Unzip it on your computer. Double click on the unzipped folder to open it. Drag its icon on Applications folder.

How to update it?
Use a free and open-source #updater tool.

Info:

2. Chromium for 64-bit and 32-bit Mac OS X

Chromium and Google Chrome are not available in 32-bit version for MAC OS X since version 39. (source)

Linux

Reference: Current stable version (Google Chrome): 50.0.2661.75 (378081) • Wednesday, 13 Apr 2016

Chromium OS


Chromium OS is the open-source operating system designed by Google that primarily runs web applications, using Gentoo as its foundation. It exists since 2009. Chromium is the default browser. Google Chrome OS (closed-source) is based on it.

Free and open-source releases:

STABLE

Ubuntu


To install the stable Chromium version:
  • use the Ubuntu Software Center
  • or type these commands:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:canonical-chromium-builds/stage
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install chromium-browser
(PPA info)

Info: Chromium on Ubuntu packages and source archives

STABLE

Debian


To install and auto-update Chromium, use these commands:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install chromium chromium-l10n
(chromium-l10n is only used for localization and is optional)

Info: Chromium on Debian wiki and Debian packages

STABLE

Linux Mint


There are different ways to install the stable Chromium version.

Based on Ubuntu:
Based on Debian (LMDE):

STABLE

Chromixium OS


Based on a custom Ubuntu LTS, Chromixium is a #chromium-os like.

Info: official website

STABLE

Mageia


Available in the official repository.

Info: Chromium on Mageia Application Database

STABLE

Fedora


Unavailable in the official repository. But you can install it! ^^

Info: Chromium on Fedora Project wiki

STABLE

Arch Linux


Available in the official repository.

Info: Chromium on Arch Linux wiki

STABLE

Gentoo


Available in the official repository.

Info: Chromium on Gentoo packages

STABLE

ALT Linux


Available in the official repository.

Info: Chromium on ALT Linux wiki (Use PROMT, Google Translate or MS Translator to translate it online)

STABLE

PuppyLinux


Available in the official repository.

Info: Chromium on PuppyLinux wiki and Puppy Linux Discussion Forum

STABLE

Slackware


Unavailable in the official repository. But you can install it! ^^
Check this article of Eric Hameleers to download and install the stable Chromium version.

BSD

Reference: Current stable version (Google Chrome): 50.0.2661.75 (378081) • Wednesday, 13 Apr 2016

STABLE

FreeBSD


Available in the official repository.

Info: Chromium on FreeBSD wiki

STABLE

OpenBSD


Available in the official repository.

Info: Chromium on OpenBSD ports

Android

Reference: Current stable version (Google Chrome): 49.0.2623.105 (369907) • Wednesday, 23 Mar 2016

There is no stable Chromium version for Android: chromium::google.play

THE CHROMIUM AUTHORSDEV

Archive (32-bit)
chrome-android.zip • 51.0.2684.0 (382014, 8f5eb4c) • Friday, 18 Mar 2016

This ZIP archive contains 2 packages:
Info:

iOS

Reference: Current stable version (Google Chrome): 49.0.2623.109 • Tuesday, 29 Mar 2016

Chromium on iOS is a big fake!

Check the official build instructions to understand that Chromium cannot use the existing content/implementation, which is based on V8/Blink and is multiprocess. Go your way! ^^

Notes

Obviously, you know that this site is not the Chromium official website. As a regular user (not an expert), I created it because I did not find a simple way to download good releases. I try to keep it as safe and fast as possible! ;) This is absolutely a non-profit site. Please, read the #privacy-policy (on the right side).

In short:
  • The official website is development oriented. Users are invited to download Google Chrome
  • The official download page gives to users mainly "Nightly" builds (using the official Snapshots repository)
  • This site (and especially its other page) give to users the best builds (using the official Continuous repository)

All downloads are from reliable sources only:
  • Google Storage → official builds (Check Chromium Buildbot ^^)
  • SourceForge → most of other free and open-source builds
  • well-known file hosting sites → few other free and open-source builds

Explanation...

1. Project

Chromium exists since 2008. It is the free and open-source project (#features) behind the famous Google Chrome browser. Intrinsically, Chromium is a Google project maintained by many authors (developers, engineers, graphic designers...) from Google, Opera, Yandex, Samsung, Intel, Nvidia, Adobe, Hewlett-Packard, BlackBerry...

2. Stable Chromium version

Officially, Chromium does not have a stable release. The official developers do not release it to end users. So it is continually in development. Google Chrome is the stable release... but is not open-source.

In fact, Chromium has a stable version. ^^
Example: The current stable version on #linux is 50.0.2661.75. It means there are 75 patches which correct many issues. Because Chromium is open-source (#source-code), anybody can build it. You must be a developer to do this. Just get the current stable version (50.0.2661.75) from the official Git repository and build it! Add new features, correct bugs...

The stable version is used in:

3. Development

Basically, Chromium has few versions every day, but you can stick with a version for about a month before you need to upgrade.

Snapshots builds are compiles of the Chromium code whenever there are submitted code changes. A snapshot build will be created as long as the code compiles successfully. Each snapshot build is then run through the automated tests. If that snapshot build successfully passes the automated tests, it is copied to the Continuous builds.

In resume:
  • Snapshots: Untested and may be unstable versions (known as "Nightly" builds). Official download page
  • Continuous: Tested and more stable versions (known as LKGR builds). Also used by Google Chrome channels: Canary, Dev, Beta and Stable.

4. Finally

Except for stable version, this site uses the official Continuous repository.

So I give you the opportunity to download only nice Chromium releases ;)
If you want, check the multilingual page: → download/

This entire website (#news and #api included) is auto-updated each hour by the server itself.

Thanks for your attention.
Have a good time! ;)

Features

Chromium vs Google Chrome.

Chromium browser has:
  • only open-source licenses (BSD license, MIT license, LGPL, MS-PL and MPL/GPL/LGPL tri-licensed code) plus unlicensed files. It is a FOSS project. A full list of software developed by third parties is available within the browser at chrome://credits
  • a blue-colored logo
  • the similar sandboxed processes as Google Chrome
  • the similar UI and settings as Google Chrome
  • the similar sync as Google Chrome, allowing to log in with a Google account and sync data
  • the built-in Chrome PDF Viewer, on Windows OS (known as PDFium)
  • the built-in Chromoting Viewer (To use it, you need to first install the Chrome Remote Desktop app)
  • the built-in Google Native Client
  • the built-in Print preview and print system
  • no stable version offered by the Google team (aka The Chromium Authors)
  • no digital signature
  • no auto-update system (Solutions: Use an #updater • Use PPA on #linux)
  • no built-in Flash player (Solution: Check the #flash part)
  • no support of proprietary codecs (AAC, MP3, H.264) (Solution: Check the #html5-audio-video part)
  • no user RLZ identifier
  • no user metrics (usage statistics) (opt-in option)
  • no crash report (opt-in option)
  • More details on the official site, focused on Linux.

Some developers maintain forks of Chromium that offer more features and enhancements. Thanks a lot for developers! ;)

And if you want to follow new Chromium features, check the Google+ posts of the Chromium Evangelist at Google

Flash

There is 1 type of Flash plugin for Chromium:
  • The PPAPI plugin: PepperFlash
  • The NPAPI plugin: Flash Player (#npapi)

PepperFlash is more secure because it works in sandboxed processes.

Great!
On Windows, Chomium find PPAPI Flash (.dll file) without command-line flags.
I tested on Win7 (64-bit) and WinXP (32-bit) with Chromium (32/64-bit) + Adobe's Flash installers → It works!

Now the tutorial is simpler:
  1. Install PepperFlash (PPAPI) from Adobe
  2. Check chrome://plugins
  3. Enjoy!

Jerry • Saturday, 7 Mar 2015

Now, the full installation tutorial...
(If Google Chrome is already installed, go directly to the step 3)

1. Get PepperFlash (PPAPI)

This plugin is a non-free (proprietary) software developed by Adobe, and distributed bundled with Google Chrome. So get it from the official sources: Adobe or Google.

1.1 From Adobe

Different official ways:
After install, the plugin path will be:
- On a 64-bit #windows:
  • C:\Windows\system32\Macromed\Flash\pepflashplayer64_[version].dll (64-bit version)
  • C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Macromed\Flash\pepflashplayer32_[version].dll (32-bit version)
- On a 32-bit #windows:
  • C:\Windows\system32\Macromed\Flash\pepflashplayer32_[version].dll (32-bit version)

1.2 From Google Chrome

Canary channel:
Optionally, get the Flash version number:
(If you want to see the correct version number on Chromium internal pages)
  • On all platforms, open the manifest.json text file in the PepperFlash folder.
  • On Windows, you can do a right-click → Properties → Version, on the .dll file

2. Change the plugin directory

If you want, prefer a short path for the plugin. It will be easier for the next step. ^^
Example on Windows: Put this .dll file in a path like C:\PepperFlash\ (Create the directory if needed)

3. Add command-line flags

By default, Chromium does not know PepperFlash exists.
Use these #command-line-flags:
  • --ppapi-flash-path=[plugin path]
  • --ppapi-flash-version=[plugin version]
  • And optionally --allow-outdated-plugins to disable browser notifications about outdated plugins

On #windows, create a Chromium shortcut. Then go to its properties and edit the target field:
--ppapi-flash-path="C:\PepperFlash\pepflashplayer.dll" --ppapi-flash-version="20.0.0.306" --allow-outdated-plugins

On #mac, you will need to launch it from the command-line (in the Terminal):
/Applications/Chromium.app/Contents/MacOS/Chromium --ppapi-flash-path=/Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/PepperFlashPlayer/PepperFlashPlayer.plugin --ppapi-flash-version=20.0.0.306&
The "&" at the end is not a typo. It is there to make sure Chromium is launched in a separate thread. Without the "&", Chromium would exit as soon as you quit the Terminal. Moreover, to simplify the Chromium launch, check How to create simple Mac apps from shell scripts (Archive: 1). Also see the #comment-566 and #comment-344.

4. Restart the browser

Relaunch it to apply changes.

5. Check the installation

6. Enjoy!

Now, even after browser updates, Chromium uses PepperFlash. ^^

NPAPI plugin support

Chromium build 45.0.2416.0 (331982) is the last version which still has NPAPI plugin support enabled via chrome://flags or group policy registry. (source • NPAPI deprecation)

Solutions to still use NPAPI plugins:
  • Switch to another browser like Firefox (Firefox: info about plugins, NPAPI deprecation)
  • or install an older Chromium version (Ex: 331982, 331959, 331938, 331935...)
  • or install the IE Tab addon which allows users to view pages using the IE layout engine

More info on site archives:

HTML5 audio/video

By default, Chromium does not support proprietary codecs (AAC, MP3, H.264/MP4) in the HTML <audio> and <video> elements.

Solutions:
  • On #windows-64-bit, use nik builds. All codecs are enabled ^^
  • or compile Chromium from #source-code
  • or install an older version having ffmpegsumo file (Ex: 333350, 333334, 333283, 333258...)
  • or choose other #browsers
  • On #linux, you can use Chromium with proprietary codecs

Before 4 June 2015, we used an alternative with the Google Chrome ffmpegsumo file and our Patch HTML5 Media extension. More info on site archives:

1. Check HTML5 audio/video support


If there is a video issue, disable hardware acceleration (see #browser-crash).

Advanced

1. Internal pages

To access to all internal pages, use chrome://about. Copy and paste this special URL directly into the address bar (omnibox).
Obviously, this special URL works only in Chromium and Google Chrome.

Few internal pages:
Note: About configuration settings, there is nothing similar to Firefox's about:config in Chromium.

Example: How to clear DNS cache?
Open chrome://net-internals/#dns and click on the Clear host cache button.

2. Keyboard shortcuts

To use keyboard shortcuts (on Windows, Mac and Linux), check this full list of official shortcuts... and this one if you are developer. Most of the shortcuts are similar to IE, Firefox or any other browser.

3. User data directory

About your bookmarks, profile... it is important to know where is stored your user data

4. Command-line flags

There are command-line flags (or "switches") that Chromium accept in order to enable particular features or modify otherwise default functionality.
Example: How to start Chromium directly in incognito (or private) mode on Windows?
Add flag at the end of the Chromium shortcut and restart the browser. (screenshot)
"C:\{...}\Chromium\Application\chrome.exe" --incognito

5. External extension installation

How to install an external extension?
  1. Get source .crx extension file of any Chrome extension directly from the Chrome Web Store via CRX Viewer, Give Me CRX, Chrome Extension Downloader or Crx4Chrome
  2. Go to chrome://extensions
  3. Drag and drop the .crx file on the page

If it does not work...
  1. Unzip the .crx file
  2. Go to chrome://extensions
  3. Drag and drop the unzipped folder on the page... or click on Developer mode then Load unpacked extension...

About updates:
  • You have to update manually
  • You can update when you want! ^^
  • If ever a new version sucks, just re-install the previous one

6. Source code

Before all, check the official guide for developers

Official links to easily get or see the full Chromium source code:
Interesting info:

7. Older version

Never update your browser with a very old version. It even does not start.

To install an older Chromium version:
  1. Uninstall your actual version
  2. Destroy the main folder, the #user-data-directory (and the registry entries, on Windows)
  3. About official builds, get your older version from the → download/ page or the Continuous repository
  4. Install it. Enjoy!

8. Browser crash

You have encountered a browser crash or issue :/

Few ways to help you:
- To disable hardware acceleration: - To disable/enable a browser feature: chrome://flags
- To disable plugins: chrome://plugins
- To check for conflicting software: chrome://conflicts
- To disable extensions/add-ons: chrome://extensions

Also you can use #command-line-flags: --disable-extensions, --disable-gpu, --disable-accelerated-video-decode...
Note that incognito mode disables all extensions by default.

API

This is a free and simple API for developers to update Chromium to the latest good build via a bash (shell) script, an add-on... Read my #notes.

Please, do not use this API to build other websites. To prevent abuse, the site can audit each API request.

GET request parameters:
  • os → (required) windows or mac or android
  • bit → (optional • 64 by default) 64 or 32
  • out → (optional • json by default) json or string or xml or revision

Response:
chromium → windows or mac or android →
  • architecture → (string) 64-bit or 32-bit
  • timestamp → (integer) Unix time of this release built on the Chromium Buildbot server
  • editor → (string) The Chromium Authors
  • channel → (string) dev
  • repository → (string) continuous
  • version → (string) (like xx.x.xxxx.x)
  • revision → (integer) Git revision's commit position
  • commit → (string) Git revision's commit hash

Basic examples:
Example to get the latest build with the out → revision parameter:

Browsers

This is my personal recommendation for desktop and mobile web browsers.

Open-source browsers:
Proprietary browsers:
  • Opera (Chromium based • Opera team has created some browser features like tabs, speed-dial, internal proxy... • It exists since 1994)
  • Vivaldi (Chromium based • Founded by former co-founder and CEO of Opera Software)
  • Google Chrome (Chromium based • Google is the official host of Chromium project)
  • Dolphin (Mobile browser for Android and iOS)
  • Safari on Mac

I do not recommend:
Why not recommended?
Because all of these browsers are closed-source, outdated and based on Chromium like Google Chrome and Opera... and most of the features they remove don't even exist in Chromium, in the first place. Control your personal info and #privacy yourself ^^

Moreover, InsanityBit explains this very well on his blog: SRWare Iron Browser – A private alternative to Chrome? (Archives: 1, 2)

Note if a new browser with "better privacy" than Google Chrome is based on Chromium and is fully open-source, it should be ok for me. But... Google is famous. Its private policy and marketing strategy are well known. So you have to ask you some questions. Do you trust in an unknown team more than Google? Is an outdated Chromium fork?
Few free and open-source Chromium forks:

Privacy

For a better privacy protection, use open-source #browsers like Chromium or Firefox. Do not forget: It is open-source does not mean it is secure and respects user privacy (and security ≠ privacy). But, if your browser is fully "open-source", it means that somebody with the capability can review the #source-code. With versioning tools like SVN or Git, it is easy for developers to find malicious code (Ex: Chromium downloads a Chrome extension as a binary without source code). Only an open-source code allows such defense. This is better for secure browsing and user privacy. While I recommend Firefox as the most reliable browser for privacy enthusiasts, Chromium is probably a reasonable alternative for everyday web browsing.

1. Browser update

The reason for updating to the latest version is security. As security threats are found, they are fixed. Using an old version may expose user to a number of security issues. Browsers are far more subject to hacking than other software.

2. Browser settings

Adjust all settings and advanced settings in chrome://settings:
  • Do not log in with a Google account
  • Do not save passwords in the browser (Prefer a free and open-source password manager like KeePass or Password Safe)
  • Enable incognito (or private) mode (Ctrl+Shift+N shortcut • Use a #flag to start Chromium in this mode)
  • Disable all options in the "Privacy" section because most of them uses an external Google service. Example: Google Safe Browsing about phishing and malware protection (chrome://settings → [Show advanced settings...] → Privacy)
  • Block third-party cookies and site data (chrome://settings/content → Cookies → Block third-party cookies and site data)
  • Prevent any plug-ins from running automatically (chrome://settings/content → Plug-ins → Let me choose when to run plugin content)
  • Do not allow any site to track your physical location (chrome://settings/content → Location → Do not allow any site to track my physical location)
  • Disable WebRTC to prevent IP address leaks by editing the "Preferences" file (Ref. #c67 and #c32)
  • Prevent canvas fingerprinting (Use the --disable-reading-from-canvas #flag) NEW

3. Hosts file

Modify your hosts file to prevent your OS from connecting to domains who serve ads, spyware and malware. This will increase your OS security and save bandwidth.

Note:

4. Search engines

Choose a web search/metasearch engine which respect your privacy:
If you are a web developer, do it yourself ^^

5. Extensions

Note: Extensions hosted on Chrome Web Store are updated via the Chrome update mechanism (cf. Chromium source code) which developers and users do not control. For a manual installation, read the #external-extension-installation section.

For Chromium (and Firefox):
Note:
  • Browser VPN: Do not use Hola! or ZenMate. Hola! is a botnet (more info on 8chan). ZenMate needs a free user registration. (Prefer to pay for a safe and secure VPN service... or use a free VPN service without registration)
  • If you use the popular Adblock Plus, disable "Acceptable Ads" option.
  • µBlock Origin (wiki) is pattern-based filtering, while µMatrix (wiki) is matrix-based filtering which gives you more control over the filtering process.

6. Tools

7. Tests

Reputable and reliable sites to show or prevent user data tracking:
Also, read the official Chromium privacy

Just a last thing: If you disable sandbox in Chromium (with the --no-sandbox #flag), the Google team says to use another browser like Firefox because Chromium without sandbox is very vulnerable and insecure. This setting must be used only by developers.

Malware

You have downloaded Chromium and your antivirus detect a malicious software like a virus or trojan. It is a false positive. The detection is generic (heuristic). There is absolutely no backdoor or other malware inside. Remember that the full #source-code is available! More on #privacy...

These reports are known for few years ago:
Advice:
  • Make sure you download Chromium from reliable sources (like on this site ^^)
  • Prefer an open-source #updater

Free tools to check your system:
Free online services (without registration) to check your file:
If you find an issue:
  • Contact your anti-virus or anti-malware support
  • Report it on the official Chromium supports. For links, see my #comment-1 below.

Chromium updater

To update Chromium automatically.

As always, never install a closed-source software especially if you have never heard it before! GitHub and its Gist service are good places to find good stuff. So, try these open-source Chromium updaters:

For Windows:
For Mac OS X:
Browser extensions:
Discontinued projects:
Thanks a lot for developers!
I do not support these tools. Please, contact the developers for thank, issue, help...

1082 comments

Quick access: #Read the latest comment

ADMIN
Jerry
7 Jul 2013, 05:52
Hello!
Now, you can post anonymously remarks and suggestions about this site. Do not hesitate! ;)

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10 latest comments

_M_
12 Apr 2016, 17:11
@Jerry: "Do not use Snapshot builds for web browsing. They can be very unstable, They only exist for testing, for developers"
I have been using snapshot build 383400 (win x86) for 15 days. Functioning perfectly with no problems whatsoever.
Anonymous (1068)
12 Apr 2016, 20:56
@Jerry: Ok, thanks for the reply.
ADMIN
Jerry
13 Apr 2016, 00:33
@1072: Sorry... but you can compile 32-bit LKGR builds yourself (#source-code). Nik, our devoted developer, compiles only 64-bit LKGR builds.

@_M_: I agree with the mention "It may be tremendously buggy" at the official site https://download-chromium.appspot.com/ So use Snapshot builds at your own risk ;) I encourage you to check buildbot result at https://build.chromium.org/p/chromium/builders/Win and copy your user data before to install a new one.
nik
13 Apr 2016, 03:41
In recent build, there have been an annoying bug with context/dropdown menu (https://bugs.chromium.org/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=602913#c2). So I think to skip it and check later for fix.
Anonymous
Anonymous (1077)
13 Apr 2016, 05:18
1072 @Jerry: Thank you but it's hard to compile 32 bit LKGR and I have not enough resource. Your site is famous maybe you can ask for a developer agree for build one time per week a build. I don't want and many other user switch to Firefox.
Anonymous
Anonymous (1078)
14 Apr 2016, 00:10
Just wondering .... how is that THE CHROMIUM AUTHORS DEV in on 51.0.2683.0 (381909) and Nik DEV is on 52.0.2705.0 (386294)?
I thought Nik's is refinement (no No sync • No WebRTC) of the latest chromium released.
Nik DEV is on 52.0.2705.0 (386294) - Should be tested and safe right? Just curious :)
Anyhow thanks Nik... all good so far for a light user who appreciate the 'extra security feature'
Thank Jerry for your awesome work here as always.
ADMIN
Jerry
14 Apr 2016, 04:09
@1078: Thanks for feedback! I already gave the answer on #comment-1030 ^^ (note this link will display all comments). I also updated the news at the #top of this page.

About safety: yes Nik builds are safe. Note Nik shares his guide to compile 64-bit Chromium yourself (see #source-code). You can also use online services to detect #malware and reliable sites to do privacy #tests
John
14 Apr 2016, 09:48
Thanks @nik for the fresh builds. :)
nik
14 Apr 2016, 12:41
btw the stable v50 is now finally support h265 (even 10bit)!
eliotime3000
Latest comment • 14 Apr 2016, 14:38
What about 32-bit Chromium dev builds? I see that 32-bit builds in continous branch are still outdated as in 64-bit builds.

I hope that I can build the dev version of Chromium.

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