Most people don’t even know that a better browser than Chrome or Edge exists, and that’s a shame. If you're someone constantly juggling dozens of tabs, dealing with a clunky interface, or wishing you had more control over your digital workspace, you're not alone. I've seen this first-hand: so many users are overwhelmed by messy tab bars and stiff layouts. That’s where Arc for Windows steps in. It’s a productivity-focused browser, and I’ll guide you through why it's different and how to make it work for you.
What Is Arc for Windows and What Makes It Different?
Arc for Windows is a modern web browser developed by The Browser Company. Officially launched for Windows in April 2024, it’s based on Chromium but flips the entire traditional browsing model on its head. While most browsers focus on stacking tabs, Arc emphasizes organization, mental clarity, and efficient workflows.
Let me break down what sets Arc for Windows apart:
Vertical Sidebar
Instead of the typical horizontal tab row, Arc offers a sidebar that neatly organizes your tabs, bookmarks, history, and tools all in one place. It's a game-changer for those of us who thrive on visual order.
Spaces
Imagine having different browser profiles like "Work" or "Personal," but better. Arc lets you divide your life into distinct spaces, so you don’t end up mixing your Google Docs with your YouTube playlists.
Command Bar
Skip the menu maze. The Command Bar lets you open tabs, search, and take actions just by typing. It feels like a browser that listens to you.
Auto-Archive
This is a lifesaver. Arc automatically clears out tabs you haven’t touched in a while. So instead of drowning in 45 open tabs, you’ll actually find what you’re looking for.
Split View & Picture-in-Picture
Perfect for you if you’re a student or multitasker. Watch a tutorial while taking notes, or view two sites side-by-side without juggling windows.
Theme Customization
Arc for Windows aligns with Windows 11’s visual vibes. Its Mica and Acrylic theme compatibility gives it a sleek and modern feel.
Chromium Foundation
Love your Chrome extensions? You don’t have to give them up. Arc supports all of them.
Arc is intuitive. If you’re used to Chrome or Firefox, there’s a slight learning curve but only because Arc offers more. Once you get the hang of Spaces and the sidebar, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
How to Download Arc for Windows
If you’re ready to try Arc for Windows, the good news is that installation is quick and painless. You don’t need to be tech-savvy, just follow these simple steps, and you'll be up and running in minutes. From download to setup, the whole process is streamlined for ease, so you can jump right into exploring Arc’s unique features without hassle.
Step 1: First of all, head over to the official website of arc.download on your browser and Arc will automatically detect your operating system. Simply click the “Download Arc for Windows” option.
Step 2: Once downloaded, head over to the “Downloads” folder on the top right of your chrome screen. You’ll see a big, clear button. Click the “.exe” file to launch the application.
Step 3: It’ll take a few seconds to launch. Once done, Arc’s setup wizard is simple to follow. Just accept the terms and follow the prompts.
Step 4: This is optional but recommended. Signing in allows you to sync your settings, Spaces, and history across devices.
Alternative Method: Use Microsoft Store
You can also search "Arc Browser" directly on the Microsoft Store if you prefer downloading apps from there. However, you Windows should be able to meet the system requirement: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit).
Arc's onboarding process is genuinely user-friendly. It walks you through the interface so you can start organizing your workflow from day one.
Using WPS Office with Arc for Windows Workspaces
If you're juggling multiple tasks, writing documents, managing spreadsheets, or building slide decks; pairing it with Arc’s Spaces is a brilliant productivity combo. WPS Office offers a robust, lightweight alternative to bulky office suites, making it ideal for seamless daily use. Its intuitive interface and cloud-sync capabilities make it a natural fit for digital professionals.
Personally, I have to sit for long hours at my desk for work, and having a setup that stays light on my system but heavy on efficiency makes a huge difference. WPS Office offers a robust, lightweight alternative to bulky office suites, making it ideal for seamless daily use. Its intuitive interface and cloud-sync capabilities make it a natural fit for anyone who lives in documents all day.
By using WPS within Arc’s organized Spaces, I’ve created a clean, focused environment that helps me keep distractions low and productivity high. Here’s why WPS Office fits so perfectly with Arc Spaces:
Seamless Workspace Integration
WPS Office fits beautifully within Arc’s Spaces. For example, I have one Space just for “Work”, where tabs are neatly organized for WPS Writer, Spreadsheets, and PDF tools. It’s a small change, but it helps keep everything where it belongs.
Multitasking Friendly
Like Arc, WPS supports productivity. You can have multiple documents open in different tabs within the same Space; no need to clutter your desktop.
Free and Compatible
WPS Office runs smoothly on both Windows 10 and 11 and supports popular formats like DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX so no compatibility issues here.
I found WPS Office to have a minimal learning curve. It feels instantly familiar if you’ve ever used Microsoft Office. Everything is where you’d expect it to be, which means you can hit the ground running without a long adjustment period. It also pairs beautifully with Arc’s clean aesthetic and flexible Spaces system, making it easy to stay focused and organized. If your daily workflow involves handling a lot of documents, spreadsheets, or PDFs, combining WPS Office with Arc Spaces could be the smartest, simplest productivity upgrade you make this year.
FAQs
Q1: Is Arc available for all Windows versions?
No, Arc is only available for Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit systems).
Q2: Can I install Chrome extensions in Arc?
Yes, absolutely. Arc is built on Chromium, so it supports every Chrome extension natively.
Q3: How does Arc for Windows compare to Chrome or Firefox?
Arc introduces a totally different way to browse. It focuses on a clutter-free experience with tools like Spaces, a vertical sidebar, and auto-archiving. If Chrome and Firefox feel limiting or messy, Arc is a breath of fresh air.
Summary
Arc for Windows isn’t just another browser, it’s a smarter way to manage your digital life. With features like Spaces, a vertical sidebar, and split view, it cuts clutter and boosts focus. It’s fast, customizable, and supports all Chrome extensions. Pairing it with WPS Office makes even more sense, especially on low- to mid-spec systems. WPS is incredibly lightweight, yet fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats. It opens quickly, runs smoothly alongside Arc, and doesn’t hog resources, making the duo perfect for students, freelancers, or anyone looking for a sleek, efficient setup.
