Optimized Brave Browser Installation

This article covers my preferred method of configuration and optimization for the Brave Browser, a privacy focused internet browser application, on Windows.

 

Brave Browser Installation

If you haven’t already done so, download Brave from their official website at: https://brave.com

Set as Default

Once downloaded, initiate the installation and when prompted select “Set Brave as default browser“. The “Defaults aps” section of Windows Settings will appear for Brave. Click the “Set default” button at the top right of the window then set any remaining default file types. below. I also use Brave as my default .pdf viewer to avoid using Adobe PDF Reader so I ensure to set .pdf to default open in Brave.

Import Settings

I select “Skip” when prompted to Import Settings as I do not use Internet Explorer or Edge for anything of importance.

Brave Search

While I use Brave Search as my primary search engine these days (with Google Search as my backup) I usually skip contributing (by selecting “Maybe later“) to Brave Search for my primary device. My other, less used devices, I join in.

Help make Brave better

I uncheck to disable the transmission of diagnostic reports because I don’t know what is being transmitted. No doubt there are other cutting edge users pushing the limits of the browser who have diagnostic reporting enabled.

However, I do choose to Share private and anonymous product insights. I want to ensure that the features I commonly enjoy are kept around. The only way to increase those odds is to show them that it is being used via anonymous product insights.

Selecting Finish will allow you full use of the Brave browser.

 

Brave Settings Configuration

After the initial configuration is complete, I adjust the browsers’ Settings as outlined below. To access the Settings menu click on the three horizontal lines (known as the Hamburger Menu) at the top right of the window. From there, select “Settings“.

Get started

• New Tab Page = Blank page

Appearance

• Appearance > Brave colors = Dark
• Appearance > Theme = GC Dark Mode Minimalist
  • I created this theme years ago and it still works well for my needs.
• Toolbar > Show home button = On
• Toolbar > Custom web address = https://endurtech.com
  • Set this to your desired homepage URL.
• Toolbar > Show bookmarks = Never
  • I use the Premium version of an extension for bookmark access called Bookmark Sidebar
• Toolbar > Show Brave News button = Off
• Toolbar > Show Leo AI button = Off
• Toolbar > Show Brave Rewards button = Off
• Toolbar > Show Brave Wallet button = Off
• Toolbar > Show Sidebar button = Off
• Toolbar > Show VPN button = Off
• Toolbar > Show autocomplete suggestions in address bar > Top sites = Off
• Toolbar > Use wide address bar = On
• Toolbar > Always show full URLs = On
• Tabs > Show tab search button = Off
• Tabs > Disable mute function in tab speaker icons = On
• Tabs > Show memory usage on tab hover preview card = Off
  • I don’t care how much memory a specific tab is using, this alone wastes computing power.
• Sidebar > Show Sidebar = Always
• Sidebar > Show Sidebar > Show on the left = On
  • I use the sidebar for quick handy links and it takes up very little space. On the left so it doesn’t interfere with the scroll bar on the right.

Content

• Content > Show Wayback Machine prompt on 404 pages = Off
  • I do not want to be showed potentially old / outdated information.

Shields

• Social media blocking > Allow Facebook logins and embedded posts = Off
  • I do not use Facebook.
• Social media blocking > Allow X embedded tweets = Off
  • I do not care for embedded tweets.

Privacy and security

• Privacy and security > Use Google services for push messaging = On
  • I believe this ensures notification delivery via my Gmail / Google Calendar / other open tabs using Google services. But I could be wrong.
• Data collection > Allow privacy-preserving product analytics (P3A) = On
  • I enable this so that Brave can see the features I am using to help increase the odds that they keep those features around in future releases.
• Data collection > Automatically send daily usage ping to Brave = Off
• Data collection > Automatically send diagnostic reports = Off

Web3

• No customizations

Leo

• No customizations

Sync

• I synchronize my Brave browser settings and data across my devices using this feature.

Search engine

• Search engine > Show search suggestions = Off
  • Disables ads from appearing within my search suggestions.

Extensions

• Extensions > WebTorrent = Off
  • While this feature works well, I have no regular need (unless downloading a Linux distribution) which is why I toggle it off.
• Manage extensions
  • My preferred extensions in no particular order:
    • Auto Clear Downloads
    • Bookmark Sidebar
    • Find & Replace for Text Editing
    • Scrnli Screen Recorder & Screen Capture
    • Strong Password Generator
    • uBlock Origin

Autofill and passwords

• No customizations

Languages

• No customizations

Downloads

• Downloads > Ask where to save each file before downloading = Off
  • I just want all downloads to enter my downloads folder.

System

• System > Continue running background apps when Brave is closed = Off
  • No thanks, when Brave is closed I am done.
• System > Use graphics acceleration when available > Off
  • This usually causes more problems than it helps.

 

Conclusion

As always, I welcome your thoughts, questions or suggestions on my article covering my preferred Brave Browser configuration and optimization settings.

You may support my work by sending me a tip using your Brave browser or by sending me a one time donation using your credit card.

Let me know if you found any errors within my article or if I may further assist you by answering any additional questions you may have.