If you’re stuck on Windows 8.1 and care about privacy, switch your browser’s default search to DuckDuckGo today. It’s free, light, and keeps Microsoft from peeking at everything you look up.

Accessible via the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons page. 2. Set DuckDuckGo as Your Default Search Engine

| Feature | Win 8.1 (Extension) | Win 10/11 (Future App) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | Private Search | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | Fire Button (Clear Data) | ❌ No (manual) | ✅ Yes | | Cookie Pop-up Protection | ✅ Yes (via extension) | ✅ Yes (built-in) | | Global Privacy Control | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | Performance on Old Hardware | ✅ Great (lightweight) | ❓ Unknown (likely heavier) |