SoftNexi

Windows · Web Browsers

LibreWolf for Windows

Privacy-hardened Firefox fork with telemetry stripped out and tracking protection, ad blocking, and fingerprint resistance enabled by default.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

LibreWolf is a community-maintained Firefox fork (Gecko engine) that starts from Firefox and removes Mozilla's telemetry, sponsored content, and default search deals, then layers in stricter privacy settings out of the box.

It bundles uBlock Origin-style content blocking and fingerprint-resistance settings enabled from first launch, rather than requiring users to install and configure extensions themselves, which is the project's main pitch versus configuring stock Firefox manually.

Because it's community-run rather than backed by a company, LibreWolf's release updates depend on volunteer maintainers rebasing onto new Firefox releases, which can lag behind Firefox's own security-patch schedule at times.

LibreWolf suits privacy-focused users comfortable with a rougher, community-maintained project who want Firefox's engine with maximum default hardening and no telemetry, accepting a less predictable update cadence and occasional site breakage from strict defaults.

Key features

  • Firefox-derived Gecko engine with telemetry and data collection removed
  • Built-in content blocking comparable to running uBlock Origin by default
  • Fingerprint-resistance settings enabled out of the box rather than requiring manual configuration
  • No sponsored tiles, default search deals, or Mozilla account ties
  • Community-governed, fully open-source project on GitHub

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit)
Architecture
x64 build
Account
No account or sync system tied to a vendor by default

How to install LibreWolf

  1. 1. Download from LibreWolf

    Go to librewolf.net/installation/windows and follow the documented installer or portable download link.

  2. 2. Run the installer

    Approve the UAC prompt if using the installer version; a portable ZIP option is also available.

  3. 3. Review default settings

    Open about:preferences to review the privacy and content-blocking defaults LibreWolf ships with.

  4. 4. Import bookmarks manually

    LibreWolf does not sync with a Mozilla account, so import bookmarks via a manual HTML export/import if migrating from another browser.

How to use it

  1. 1. Adjust per-site exceptions

    If a site breaks due to strict blocking, use the shield icon or content-blocking exceptions list to loosen protection for that site only.

  2. 2. Check the build date

    Compare the version shown in about:librewolf against the current Firefox release to gauge how current the security base is.

  3. 3. Install additional WebExtensions carefully

    LibreWolf supports Firefox-compatible extensions, but adding more can reintroduce some of the tracking surface the defaults are designed to remove.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from librewolf.net or its official GitHub releases; verify you're not on a lookalike domain.
  • LibreWolf is fully open source and its build process is publicly documented, which allows independent verification of its hardening claims.
Bundled software
The official installer/package does not bundle third-party software.
Privacy
LibreWolf's entire premise is minimizing telemetry and default data collection compared to stock Firefox. Because it's community-maintained rather than backed by a company with a dedicated security team, users should confirm the currently distributed build reflects a recent Firefox base before treating it as fully patched.

Known risks

  • Community rebase cadence can lag behind Firefox's own security releases at times; check the release date on librewolf.net before assuming you're current.
  • Strict default content and fingerprint blocking can break some sites' functionality, requiring per-site adjustments.

What's new

  • Current release

    LibreWolf rebases onto new Firefox releases on a community-maintained schedule. Check librewolf.net or its GitHub releases page for the current version before relying on it for security-sensitive use.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Strongest out-of-the-box privacy and fingerprint hardening among Firefox-based browsers
  • No telemetry, sponsored content, or vendor account ties
  • Fully open source and community auditable

Cons

  • Community-driven update cadence can lag behind Firefox's own security patches
  • Strict defaults occasionally break site functionality, requiring manual exceptions
  • No official cross-device sync system tied to a vendor

Verdict

LibreWolf is the strongest choice for users who want Firefox's engine with maximum privacy hardening applied by default and no vendor telemetry at all. The community update cadence and occasional site breakage are the price of that hardening.

Frequently asked questions

Is LibreWolf free?

Yes, LibreWolf is free and open source, maintained by community contributors.

Is LibreWolf safe to use?

The project is open source and widely reviewed, but as a community-maintained fork it can lag behind Firefox's own security patch schedule, so check the current build date before treating it as fully current.

Does LibreWolf sync across devices?

There's no built-in Mozilla-account-style sync; users who need sync typically use a self-hosted or third-party sync solution, or export/import bookmarks manually.

How is LibreWolf different from Waterfox?

Both are independent Firefox forks focused on privacy, but LibreWolf is fully community-governed and open source, while Waterfox is maintained by a small independent company.