If you would like to Install Arc on Windows and, while you're at it, fine-tune the privacy and performance options.You've come to the right place. This browser is making waves, and while it's still based on Chromium, it offers a different way to navigate the web, heavily focused on organization, productivity, and personalization. At the same time, many companies are connecting their Windows machines to Azure Arc to centralize management, security, and updates, so it makes sense to understand both worlds.
Throughout this guide we will see, in detail, How to install Arc on Windows step by step, how to adjust it to protect your privacy and optimize its performanceand also how it fits into environments where Azure Arc is the brain that orchestrates servers, virtual machines, and data services. The goal is for you to be able to use Arc on your personal or work PC with complete confidence, understanding both the everyday use aspect and the context of security, governance, and updates in hybrid infrastructures.
What is Arc and why is it attracting so much attention?
Arc is a web browser created by The Browser Company It was first launched on macOS around 2022 and has gradually made its way into Windows 11 as well. Its mission is clear: to take on giants like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox, but with a very different approach in terms of interface, tab organization, and workflow.
Instead of imitating the classic design with the typical address bar at the top And with online tabs, Arc restructures everything around a sidebar where tabs, favorites, spaces, pinned pages, and shortcuts to web services coexist. This way of working requires a slight shift in mindset, but in return, it gives you a sense of control and organization that many users find very comfortable.
Behind the project is a team with former employees of companies like Instagram, Tesla, or GoogleThis is evident in the attention to user experience. Arc isn't just "another Chromium," but adds automations, split views, visual page customization, and AI-powered features that aim to make browsing smarter.
Since it became available on Windows, the browser has been receiving Constant updates with new features and stability improvementsThis makes it a real alternative to traditional browsers. However, to get the most out of it, it's advisable to properly configure its default settings, especially regarding privacy, performance, and tab management.
Download and install Arc on Windows from the official website
For most users, the easiest way to get Arc on their PC is Download the installer from The Browser Company's official websiteThe process is very similar to any other modern browser and is straightforward.
The first step is to access the project's official website and Download the executable file for WindowsOnce you have it in your downloads folder, simply double-click to start the wizard. The installer will copy the necessary files and get your browser ready to use in just a few minutes.
During the installation process, Arc will suggest make it your default browser on WindowsThis means that any link you open from other applications (email, messaging, documents, etc.) will open directly in Arc. If you want to try this without changing your default browser yet, you can decline this option and change it later in Windows settings.
Once the installation is complete, the first time you open Arc you will be asked create an account or log inRegistration is free: you only need to provide a name, email address, and password. This account is used to synchronize certain elements and to receive updates as new features are added to the browser.
When you complete the registration, the Arc's main interface is very clean and centered on the left side panel.From that moment on you can start importing bookmarks, setting your favorite pages and decide if you want to use Arc daily or as a secondary browser while you get used to how it works.
Install Arc on Windows using an .msix package and developer mode
In some environments (for example, on locked work computers, or if you want Install Arc within a VeraCrypt encrypted volumeIt might be more advantageous to use the .msix package directly instead of the standard installer. This method gives you more control over the exact location of the browser files.
Step 1: Download .msix
The trick is to download the Latest .msix version from Arc serversExtract it and register it manually in Windows. The URL pattern usually follows a structure similar to this (the version number is just one example):
https://releases.arc.net/windows/prod/1.1.2.27976/Arc.x64.msix
Normally you need to know the full version stringYou can obtain it from a previous Arc installation (in the check for updates section), or by checking the announcements that the company itself posts on channels like Reddit or Discord. Another option is to open the Arc.appinstaller file with a text editor, where the exact path to the .msix file is usually found.
Step 2: Unzip the file
Once the .msix file has been downloaded, the next step is Extract its contents using a compression program like WinRAR or 7-Zip. in the folder where you want Arc installed. This is useful if, for example, you want the browser to live within an encrypted volume that you can lock at the end of your workday.
To allow Windows to register applications from loose files, you'll need to go to the Settings app and temporarily enable the Developer mode in Developer settings (In Windows 11, this appears as "Use Developer Features" or similar). This mode allows you to install apps from any source, including those registered directly from a manifest.
Step 3: Run the file
With Developer Mode enabled, open a PowerShell window in the folder where you extracted the Arc contents and run a command similar to this, adjusting the path to the appxmanifest.xml file:
Add-AppxPackage -Register PATH\To\appxmanifest.xml
If you get an error related to Windows Runtime or SDK dependenciesYou will need to install the appropriate version of the Microsoft SDK from the official website to meet those requirements. Once installed, run the previous command again.
This installation doesn't always show a clear success message, and it may seem like nothing has happened, but normally it Arc will appear in the Start menu After a few seconds. From that moment you can open the browser normally and, if you want, deactivate Developer Mode to leave the system as it was.
When a new version is released, you can repeat the same process: Download the updated .msix file, extract the files replacing the old ones, and run the registration command again. with the new path. Your data and settings should be preserved, because they reside in user directories that file replacement does not delete.
Interface, tabs, and organization in Arc
Once installed, the first thing that stands out is that Arc breaks with the classic browser interfaceThere's no address bar at the top with an endless row of tabs here, but a left-hand panel that acts as the operations center.
On that panel you see your open tabs, favorites, workspaces, and pinned pagesYou'll also find quick access to services like Gmail and Google Calendar, which Arc includes by default for easy access to these frequently used services. This layout requires more use of the side of the screen, but it frees up the top and gives a tidy desktop feel.
The tabs in Arc are much more flexible than usual. You can create Pinned tab folders, tabs that close automatically if they haven't been used for a while and various automations aimed at preventing you from ending up with dozens of useless tabs taking up memory.
Another powerful feature is the ability to split the window to view multiple pages at the same timeThis is great if you work comparing information or keeping a document and an online tool in view. All of this is controlled from the sidebar or keyboard shortcuts, such as Ctrl + T to open a new tab with a small search box.
In addition, Arc allows personalize the visual appearance of the websites you visitApplying themes or styles that suit your tastes. This not only has an aesthetic component, but also a practical one: a clearer or more organized interface can help you concentrate better when browsing for many hours a day.
Max: the artificial intelligence integrated into Arc
One of the distinguishing features of this browser is Arc Max, a artificial intelligence function integrated into the browser itselfTo activate it, simply type "Arc Max" in the Arc address bar and follow the instructions.
Once enabled, Arc Max is able to Read and understand the content of the page you are visitingFrom there, you can ask it specific questions about what appears on the screen and get quick answers without having to manually review the entire text, which is extremely useful in long articles, technical documentation, or extensive reports.
Arc Max also integrates with ChatGPT for resolving more general queries or when the information on the page is insufficient. This allows you, for example, to request a summary of a document, ask for further explanation of a complex concept, or compare data without leaving the current tab.
Another of Max's striking features is the smart link previewInstead of opening each link in a new tab to see what it's about, AI can generate a short summary of the destination content, saving you time and preventing your browser from getting cluttered with irrelevant tabs.
Finally, Arc Max helps to Organize tabs and downloads more intelligentlyIt detects what you open and download to try and keep your workspace tidy. This type of automation fits perfectly with the browser's overall philosophy, which focuses on reducing clutter and letting you concentrate on what's important.
Arc configuration, privacy, and performance options
In the upper left corner of the interface you will find a button that opens the main menu of ArcFrom there you can access the settings section, where it is recommended to spend a few minutes reviewing privacy settings, performance and general browser behavior.
In the privacy section, it's worth reviewing the handling cookies, website permissions, and browsing dataAlthough Arc inherits much of the Chromium base, its own settings allow you to fine-tune what you share, which trackers you block, and how local data is handled—something that is especially relevant if you use the browser in a corporate environment or with sensitive information.
To improve performance, it's a good idea to adjust the managing inactive tabs and freeing up memoryTabs that close automatically after a period of inactivity and automated session cleanup can prevent the browser from consuming resources unnecessarily, which is very useful on computers with less RAM or when you tend to open many pages at once.
Arc also lets you modify keyboard shortcuts, download behavior, and visual appearanceThis indirectly impacts your productivity. A browser that responds exactly as you want, with well-designed shortcuts and a pleasant theme, can make all the difference during long days in front of the computer.
Although Arc is not a browser specifically focused on extreme privacy (as some more radical projects might be), it does offer sufficient tools to have reasonable control over your dataMaintaining a balance between comfort and protection, and combined with good safety practices and a well-managed environment, it can seamlessly integrate into demanding scenarios.
What is Azure Arc and how does it fit with Windows and the Arc browser?
Azure Arc is a Microsoft platform designed for unified management Resources that can be in your own data center, in other clouds or in Azure: physical and virtual servers, Kubernetes clusters and data services such as SQL Server, among others.
In a world where it is increasingly common to have hybrid and multicloud architecturesThe biggest problem is usually visibility and governance: scattered security policies, separate monitoring tools, regulatory compliance that is difficult to demonstrate… Azure Arc tries to solve all this by offering a centralized control plane from the Azure Portal.
Among its main advantages is the centralized management of local and cloud resources, the ability to extend Azure security policies to your entire infrastructure, integration with automation and DevOps tools (such as Terraform or GitOps) and the ability to scale without having to migrate all your workloads to Azure.
In addition, Azure Arc enables models such as Windows Server Pay-as-you-gowhere you can license servers based on their actual usage, and offers extended security updates for older versions such as Windows Server 2012/R2 or SQL Server 2012/2014, which reduces the risk of vulnerabilities in systems that have not yet been modernized.
In this context, the Arc browser can simply be the tool for accessing the Azure portal and Arc management dashboardsIf you take care of its privacy, performance, and security settings, you'll have a modern browser to manage an equally modern hybrid resource orchestration platform.
Connect Windows Server machines to Azure Arc using the graphical wizard
For administrators working with Windows Server, Microsoft offers a Integrated graphical assistant that allows you to add servers to Azure Arc in a fairly guided way, without the need for complex scripts in the most basic scenarios.
This assistant is responsible for checking that They meet all the prerequisites necessary and automatically downloads and installs the latest version of Azure Connected Machine (AzCM) agent, which is the key component for the server to be able to communicate with Azure Arc.
When the onboarding process is complete, the assistant redirects you to the representation of that Windows Server within the Azure PortalFrom there you can treat it just like any other resource enabled for Azure Arc: apply policies, monitor its status, integrate it into Update Management, etc.
It's important to know that if the Windows Server machine is already running on Azure As a native virtual machine, it is not necessary to enable it with Azure Arc, because it is already part of the Azure environment and is managed with the standard tools of the cloud platform.
In Windows Server 2022, the Azure Arc configuration is installed as an optional feature. of the system, and you can remove it from the Remove Roles and Features Wizard. However, in Windows Server 2025 and later, the Azure Arc installer becomes a “feature on demand”Therefore, the steps to enable or remove it differ between versions.
Prerequisites for Azure Arc-enabled servers
Before launching the Azure Arc wizard on a server, you should make sure that The basic prerequisites are metto avoid errors midway through the process.
First of all, you need a active Azure subscriptionIf you don't have one, you can always create a free account to start working and testing without compromising your production environment.
It is also essential to have a Azure account with appropriate permissions To register resources in the tenant and subscription you'll be using. Without these permissions, the wizard won't be able to create the server representation in Azure or associate it with the corresponding resource group.
From the customer's point of view, the configuration of The Azure Connected Machine agent requires authentication in Azure.The most convenient way is to use a modern browser like Microsoft Edge for interactive authentication, but if the machine does not have a compatible browser, you can use device code authentication from another computer.
In addition, you need to check the network requirements, ports and connectivity standard procedures for the agent to communicate with Azure Arc endpoints. This includes allowing outbound traffic to relevant Azure services and ensuring that no corporate filters are blocking necessary connections.
Start the Azure Arc installation wizard on Windows Server
In Windows Server, the most direct way to launch the Azure Arc Installation Wizard It is done through the system tray icon located at the bottom of the screen, provided that the Azure Arc installation feature is enabled (it is enabled by default in many installations).
Another option is to open it from a Server Manager pop-up window or find it in the Start menu. Once open, the general workflow usually follows these steps, which the wizard itself guides you through:
First, an introductory window is displayed where the Advantages of connecting the machine to Azure ArcWhen you are ready to continue, you advance to the next screen, where the wizard automatically checks whether the prerequisites for installing the AzCM agent on the server are met.
After installing the agent, you press the button Setup A window will then appear explaining the steps needed to finish configuring the Azure Connected Machine agent. Simply follow the guide until you reach the authentication step.
On the corresponding screen you choose the suitable Azure cloud (public, government, etc.) and click “Sign in to Azure.” Enter your credentials or follow the organizational authentication flow as appropriate.
Then, you fill the Resource details: tenant, subscription, resource group, and the name the server will be displayed under in AzureOnce the configuration is complete and the onboarding process is finished, all that remains is to click on "Finish".
To check the result, you can go to Server administrator and review the Azure Arc Administration field in the Local Server view. If everything has gone well, the status should appear as “Enabled”, indicating that the machine is successfully connected to Azure Arc.
Azure Arc Server Manager functions and status
Within Server Manager, the Azure Arc Management field not only gives you visibility into the server's status, but also acts as entry point for different functions depending on the current state of the machine.
If Azure Arc setup program is not yet presentClicking "Enabled" or "Disabled" will launch the Add Roles and Features Wizard, from which you can add the Azure Arc configuration as a system feature.
When the Azure Arc setup program is already added but the Azure Connected Machine agent has not yet been installedClicking on “Disabled” triggers the execution of AzureArcSetup.exe, which is the installation wizard for the agent.
In the event that both the installer and the agents are already deployedSelecting “Enabled/Disabled” runs AzureArcConfiguration.exe, the executable responsible for reconfiguring the agent, for example, to change the subscription or resource group where the machine is registered.
In addition to the Server Manager panel, the icon of the The Azure Arc system tray acts as an indicator of connection statusIf a red symbol appears, it means that the Azure Connected Machine agent is not installed on the machine, and therefore it is not properly connected to Azure Arc.
When the status is correct, you can click on that icon and select the option “View machine in Azure”This directly opens the corresponding view in the Azure Portal. From there, the machine is managed like any other Azure Arc resource, with access to policies, monitoring, and security tools.
Automatic SQL Server connection to Azure Arc and extension control
One of the strengths of Azure Arc is that, when Connect to a Windows or Linux server that has Microsoft SQL Server installed.SQL instances can be automatically registered in Azure Arc, greatly simplifying inventory and management.
This integration allows you to obtain a detailed inventory of instances and databasesas well as applying additional management functionalities, security policies, and centralized monitoring. As part of the connection process, Azure Arc deploys a specific extension on the enabled server and applies new roles and permissions to SQL and databases.
If for any reason you don't want this Automatic SQL Server connection to be performed On a specific server, you can control behavior using tags. During the server connection to Azure Arc, add a tag with the name ArcSQLServerExtensionDeployment and value Disabled.
This way you can combine servers where you want to manage SQL Server from Azure Arc with others where you prefer to keep it separate, for compliance reasons, internal architecture or any other technical decision.
Azure Update Management and Arc-enabled servers
Azure Update Management is a built-in feature in Azure Automation manages updates for Windows and Linux systems., both on machines within Azure and on servers enabled with Azure Arc in on-premises environments or other clouds.
The great value of this tool is that it provides a single panel to assess the status of updates across your entire fleet of machines, regardless of where they run. You can quickly see which servers are up to date, which have critical updates pending, and schedule patch deployments in a controlled manner.
Thanks to Azure Arc, Update Management can handle homogeneous Azure machines, on-premises servers, and resources in other cloudsThis greatly simplifies operations in hybrid and multicloud environments. You don't have to switch between different management consoles or manually replicate policies.
By combining this with a modern browser like Arc, you can Manage your upgrade plans, review reports, and launch automations from a user-friendly web interface., leveraging shortcuts, multiple views, and AI features to analyze documentation and security alerts more quickly.