How to Use Opera on windows 11 | Darren's Tech Tutorials

Windows 11 for Beginners: How to Download, Install, and Set Up the Opera Browser

Hi there! This is Darren O’Neil from Darren’s Tech Tutorials, and we’re back with another installment in our essential Windows 11 for Beginners series.

If you’re looking to try a powerful, feature-rich alternative to Chrome or Edge, the Opera browser is a fantastic choice. Opera is fast, secure, and includes built-in tools like an Ad Blocker and VPN functionality.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to make the installation process super easy. You’ll learn exactly how to download Opera, install it seamlessly on Windows 11, and get it set up for your first browsing session. Let’s dive in!

Downloading Opera: The Quick Start

Since Opera isn’t installed by default, we need to use the default browser—Microsoft Edge—to grab the installation file.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge

Start by opening your Microsoft Edge browser. This should be readily available and pinned to your Windows 11 taskbar by default.

Step 2: Search for the Installer

In the search bar at the top of the Edge window, type the following keywords and hit Enter:

Opera download

Step 3: Access the Official Download Page

Look for the official Opera website link. It will usually appear as the first result, labeled something like “Opera Browser | Fast, secure, and ready to block ads.”

Click on this link to navigate to the official download page.

Step 4: Download the Setup File

Once on the Opera site, click the prominent “Download Now” button.

The website will prepare the download and automatically save the Opera_Setup.exe file to your computer.

Pro Tip: If you ever lose track of a download, remember that your browser almost always saves files to your default Windows Downloads folder. You can access this via File Explorer at any time.

Installing Opera Browser on Windows 11

With the setup file downloaded, installing the browser is just a few clicks away.

Step 1: Run the Setup File

Locate the downloaded file, either through your browser’s download manager or directly in your Downloads folder. Click on the Opera_Setup.exe file.

Step 2: Accept Permissions

Windows 11 will likely prompt you with a security message asking, “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?”

Click Yes.

Step 3: Accept and Install

The Opera installer window will appear. It’s usually a simple process—review the terms (if desired), and then click the “Accept and Install” button.

The browser will now download any necessary components and install itself onto your Windows 11 system. This process may take a minute or two, depending on your internet connection.

Once complete, Opera will automatically launch, ready for its initial configuration!

Customizing Your New Opera Browser

When Opera opens for the first time, it walks you through a quick setup wizard to personalize your browsing experience.

1. Configure Appearance (Dark Mode/Light Mode)

Opera will first ask you to confirm your system settings for themes (light or dark mode). Choose the option that best suits your preferences and click Next.

2. Select Your Wallpaper

Next, you can choose a striking background wallpaper for your start page. Pick your favorite design and click Next. Don’t worry, you can always change this later!

3. Enable the Built-in Ad Blocker

One of Opera’s best features is its integrated Ad Blocker. We highly recommend activating this feature, as it speeds up your browsing and provides a cleaner experience without constantly seeing unwanted ads.

Make sure the Ad Blocker option is toggled On, and click Next.

Opera allows you to connect certain social media and chat apps directly into its sidebar (such as Messenger or WhatsApp). If you want to integrate these features now, select them.

If you prefer to keep your browser lean and handle this later, simply click the “Later” option.

5. Final Confirmation

Once you complete these steps, Opera will open to its full interface, maximized and ready for use! You’ll be greeted with the speed dial interface and all the features ready to go.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded, installed, and configured the Opera browser on your Windows 11 PC.

If you close the browser now, you’ll see a new Opera Browser shortcut on your desktop, ready for you to double-click whenever you want to start browsing. It really is that easy!

We hope this step-by-step tutorial was helpful in getting you set up with your new browser. If you found value in this guide, please hit that Like button and Subscribe to Darren’s Tech Tutorials for more clear, accessible Windows 11 guides.

If you run into any issues during the installation, or if you have a favorite Opera feature you want to share, let us know in the comments below! Thanks for watching!