4 Ways to Download a Browser on Windows Without a Browser

So you’ve got a fresh Windows install—or maybe your browser just vanished—and now you’re stuck: you need to get online, but you don’t have a browser to download one. It sounds like a paradox, but there are workarounds. Here are four practical ways to download a browser on Windows without already having one installed.

1. Use the Microsoft Store

If you’re running Windows 10 or 11, you’re in luck: the Microsoft Store is built in and doesn’t require a browser to access. Just follow these steps:

• Click the Start menu and open the Microsoft Store.
• Search for browsers like Opera, Firefox, or Brave.
• Click Get to install directly.

Not every browser is listed, but many popular ones are.

2. Use Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt

This one’s for the slightly more technical crowd, but it works even without a browser:

• Open PowerShell (search for it in Start).
• Use the Invoke-WebRequest command to download the installer. For example, to get Chrome:

Invoke-WebRequest "https://dl.google.com/chrome/install/latest/chrome_installer.exe" -OutFile "$env:USERPROFILE\Downloads\chrome_installer.exe"

• Then run the installer from the Downloads folder.

If the URL is correct, the file will download without ever opening a browser.

3. Transfer the Installer via USB

The old-school way still works and might be your best option if you’re offline or dealing with a locked-down system.

• On another computer, go to the browser’s official website and download the installer.
• Transfer the file to a USB drive.
• Plug it into your Windows machine and install.

Pro tip: Always use the official source to avoid shady versions of browsers bundled with malware.

4. Use the Built-in Internet Explorer (for older versions of Windows)

If you’re running an older version of Windows, like Windows 7 or 8, it might still have Internet Explorer installed—even if you don’t see it.

• Hit Windows Key + R, type iexplore, and hit Enter.
• If it opens, go straight to your browser of choice and download.

Just remember: Internet Explorer is ancient, so use it only to download a modern browser—don’t browse the web with it.

Final Thoughts

Not having a browser isn’t the end of the road. Windows gives you just enough tools to get one up and running again. Whether you prefer using PowerShell, the Microsoft Store, or a USB drive, you’ve got options.

Got a preferred method? Drop it in the comments or let us know what worked for you.