Zen Browser 1.22b for Windows

Zen Browser 1.22b is a free, open-source web browser for Windows based on Mozilla Firefox. It keeps Firefox's engine and extension support but wraps them in its own interface focused on organising tabs and keeping the screen uncluttered. Zen is released under the Mozilla Public License 2.0, and you can download Zen Browser for Windows from zen-browser.app or its GitHub releases.

Who Zen Browser is for

Zen appeals to people who spend their day in the browser with many tabs open and want a tidier way to manage them than a long row across the top. Its design puts tabs and navigation to the side, leaving more vertical space for pages, and it lets you group work into separate spaces, for example one for a project, one for personal browsing. Users who like Firefox for its privacy stance and independent engine, but find its interface dated, are a natural audience. Developers and designers who want a clean, customisable browser also try it. It is less suitable if you need a browser managed by your company's IT department, depend on Chrome-only extensions, or prefer software that has been around for many years: Zen is a young project with frequent releases, and each release can change details of the interface. Because Zen follows Firefox closely, security fixes from Mozilla reach it through Zen's own updates, so keeping it up to date matters.

Key facts

Recent builds follow each other quickly: 1.22.1b on September 12, 2026, 1.22.2b on September 16, 2026 and 1.22.3b on September 23, 2026.

Installation

1. Go to the official Zen download page and choose the Windows installer.
2. Run it and follow the steps.
3. Import bookmarks and passwords from your old browser if you want.
4. Install your Firefox extensions from Mozilla's add-on site.

What changed in each build is listed in the Zen release notes.

Switching from another browser

Give Zen a week before judging it: the side layout and spaces take a little getting used to. Keep your old browser installed at first for sites that behave oddly, and set up sync if you want bookmarks and passwords on other devices.

Safety tips

Download Zen only from its website or GitHub. Browsers are a favourite target for fake installers because they handle passwords and payments. Turn on automatic updates so new security fixes arrive promptly.

Pros and cons

• Pro: tidy, tab-focused interface.
• Pro: Firefox engine and extensions.
• Pro: free and open source.
• Con: young project with frequent interface changes.
• Con: some sites tested only in Chrome may show quirks.

Alternatives

Mozilla Firefox itself is the obvious alternative, and our listings also include LibreWolf and Waterfox, other Firefox-based browsers. Vivaldi and Brave Browser offer extensive customisation on a Chromium base.