QQ Browser for Windows

QQ Browser 21.5.9239.400 is a web browser for Windows developed by Tencent, the company behind QQ and WeChat. People download QQ Browser mainly when they use Chinese websites and Tencent services every day and want a browser that is built around them.

What QQ Browser is

Tencent's browser history goes back to 15 November 2000, when its first release appeared, and the product has changed its engine and design several times since. The current Windows version uses a Chromium-based engine, so modern sites display as they would in Chrome, and it can switch to a compatibility mode for older Chinese portals that were built for Internet Explorer. What makes QQ Browser different from international browsers is its integration with the Tencent world. You can sign in with a QQ or WeChat account to sync bookmarks and settings, open QQ services from the toolbar, and use built-in tools such as a file manager, document viewer, translation, screenshot tool and video features. The start page shows Chinese news and shortcuts, and search defaults are set for the Chinese market. The interface is available primarily in Chinese, which matters for users outside China. Tencent publishes updates in a version log on the official site.

Main features

• Chromium engine with a compatibility mode for older sites.
• Sign-in and sync through QQ or WeChat.
• Built-in tools: screenshots, translation, document viewing.
• Video and download helpers.
• Versions for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.

How to install

1. Open the official site browser.qq.com and download the Windows installer.
2. During setup, uncheck any additional software and default-browser options you do not want.
3. Launch the browser and sign in with QQ or WeChat if you need sync.
4. Review privacy settings, including data collection and sync options.

The installer is about 282.60 MB according to catalogue data.

Privacy and security

Security researchers have criticised earlier versions of QQ Browser for how they transmitted user data. Before relying on it for sensitive work, read the privacy policy, limit sync and consider what data you are comfortable sharing with the service.

Who it suits

QQ Browser makes the most sense for students and workers in China, people who move between QQ, WeChat and Chinese web services all day, and users abroad who need Chinese sites to work smoothly. If you rarely visit Chinese sites or cannot read the interface, a mainstream browser with a full English interface will be much easier to use and to configure for privacy.

Price

QQ Browser is free.

Pros and cons

• Pro: tight integration with QQ and WeChat.
• Pro: compatibility mode for older Chinese sites.
• Pro: many built-in tools.
• Con: interface mainly in Chinese.
• Con: privacy concerns raised by researchers.
• Con: very large installer.

Alternatives

For international use, our site has Microsoft Edge, which also offers an Internet Explorer mode, plus Chromium, Opera and Whale Browser. Vivaldi is another Chromium-based option.