Helium Official Download
About Helium
Helium is an open-source browser that emphasizes privacy and simplicity. It is built on Chromium and originally branched off from the ungoogled-chromium project. Unlike many browsers that require users to switch various things off themselves, Helium makes privacy protection the default: ads, trackers, cookie banners and third-party cookies are blocked out of the box, and some web APIs have noise added to resist fingerprinting. According to the developers, it makes zero network requests on first launch, includes no analytics and no built-in ads, and any request that needs to reach Helium's online services must be approved by the user.
In terms of features, Helium is compatible with Chromium extensions, and visits to the Chrome Web Store are relayed anonymously through Helium's services. It also offers vertical tabs, split view, tab groups, tab sleeping, custom keyboard shortcuts and the ability to install web apps. You can choose between several interface layouts and a borderless mode. Together these tools help keep a large number of open tabs manageable.
The built-in !bangs let you jump straight from the address bar to search results on more than ten thousand websites, skipping the step of opening a search engine first. On first run, Helium can also migrate important data from your previous browser, so switching does not mean starting from scratch.
The Windows version provides installers for both x64 and ARM64 architectures, as well as a ZIP package that needs no installation. With Helium services enabled, the browser can update itself automatically on Windows. The project as a whole is open source under the GPL-3.0 license, while code carried over from ungoogled-chromium keeps its BSD-3 license. Helium is free and is still in beta.
It is aimed at Windows users who want to keep using Chrome extensions but would like a quieter browser that tracks them less. Because protections are on from the start and online services require consent, it suits people who prefer to decide for themselves what their browser connects to.
Key features
- Ads, trackers and cookie banners blocked by default
- Fingerprinting protections
- No analytics or browser ads
- Chromium extensions with anonymised Web Store access
- Vertical tabs, split view, tab groups, tab hibernation
- Built-in !bangs
- x64 and ARM64 installers with auto-update
Official downloads
The SHA256 comes from the GitHub Release asset digest, so you can verify the file yourself. How to verify
The link points to the app’s official release channel; appwl does not rehost or modify files.
How to install
“Windows protected your PC”
SmartScreen shows this for apps without a paid signature. Click “More info”, then “Run anyway”.
Antivirus blocks it
Open-source apps are often flagged because they aren’t commercially signed. Check the SHA256 first, then allow it in your antivirus.
Won’t start, or a DLL is missing
Usually a missing runtime. Install Microsoft’s Visual C++ Redistributable (x64) and the .NET Desktop Runtime, then try again.
Check the file
Run this in Command Prompt and compare the result with the SHA256 listed for the cloud file:
certutil -hashfile "%USERPROFILE%\Downloads\file-name" SHA256Alternatives
Google Chrome
Firefox
Brave
Microsoft Edge
Changelog
Release notes
FAQ
How do I download Helium?
Helium is downloaded from its official channel: the “Official download” button on this page opens the official release page (github.com).
Is Helium free?
Helium license: GPL-3.0. appwl only lists official builds and charges nothing for downloads.
Which systems does Helium support?
This page offers Helium for Windows, version 0.20.3.1.
Is Helium from appwl safe?
appwl only lists official releases with their version and date. You can verify the SHA256 using the install tips on this page.