Want Chrome's engine, compiled for your specific processor and without the bits Google removed? Thorium is a Chromium fork with compiler optimizations and options tailored to different processor instruction sets.
Thorium uses compiler tuning and CPU-specific builds
Thorium applies compiler optimizations, including link-time optimization and profile-guided optimization, to its Chromium code. The project also offers builds for different SIMD instruction sets, including SSE3, SSE4, AVX, and AVX2. Choose a build that matches the processor; an instruction-set-specific build may not run on a CPU that lacks those instructions.
JPEG XL and media support are built in
Thorium restores JPEG XL image support and enables it by default. Its Windows build also includes Widevine and broad codec support, including HEVC/H.265. FTP URL handling is restored and enabled by default as well.
Privacy settings and classic Chrome controls are available
The browser enables Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control by default, and includes DNS over HTTPS patches. Thorium also keeps full URLs visible in the address bar, including trailing slashes, and uses a local New Tab Page regardless of the selected search engine.
For a familiar browser layout, Thorium shows the home button and bookmarks bar by default. Two optional interface settings are available through chrome://flags:
- The chrome://flags/#thorium-2024 flag brings back the classic Chrome look.
- The chrome://flags/#download-shelf flag restores the old download bar.
- Parallel downloading is enabled by default.
Pros
- CPU-tuned builds include SSE3, SSE4, AVX, and AVX2 variants
- JPEG XL support is enabled by default
- Includes Widevine and HEVC/H.265 support on Windows
- Offers privacy controls such as Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control
Cons
- Some builds target specific CPU instruction sets, so compatibility depends on the processor
System requirements: Windows 10, Windows 11
Does Thorium support JPEG XL images?
Yes. JPEG XL support is restored and enabled by default.
How can I switch to the classic Chrome interface?
Open chrome://flags/#thorium-2024 and enable the flag.
Does Thorium include Widevine and HEVC support?
Yes. The Windows build includes Widevine and HEVC/H.265 support.