Switching to GPM – Web Browser: A Step-by-Step GuideSwitching to a new web browser can feel like moving into a house with unfamiliar closets — the basics are the same, but finding your favorite mugs and arranging things the way you like takes time. This step-by-step guide will walk you through moving to GPM – Web Browser, covering installation, importing data, configuring privacy and performance settings, customizing the interface, installing extensions, and troubleshooting common issues. By the end you’ll be browsing confidently with a setup tailored to your needs.
Why choose GPM – Web Browser?
GPM positions itself as a fast, lightweight browser with a focus on privacy and user control. If you value clean performance, straightforward privacy settings, and low resource usage, GPM is worth trying. Before switching, consider what you rely on today (bookmarks, passwords, extensions, synced history) so you don’t lose anything important.
1) Preparation: inventory your current browser
Before you switch, make a quick list of what you need to move:
- Bookmarks/favorites
- Saved passwords and autofill data
- Browser extensions and any site-specific logins
- Open tabs or reading list items
- Custom settings (search engine, homepage, default download folder)
Back up anything critical — export bookmarks to an HTML file and make sure password managers (or built-in password export) are up to date.
2) Install GPM
- Download the installer: visit the official GPM website and choose the installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Run the installer and follow the prompts. On most systems you can accept default options.
- Launch GPM after installation completes.
If you’re on Linux and prefer a package manager, check whether GPM provides a repository or snap/flatpak package to simplify updates.
3) Import bookmarks, passwords, and settings
Most modern browsers support direct import from other browsers. In GPM:
- Open Settings > Profiles or Sync & Import (exact label may vary).
- Choose Import data and select your current browser.
- Select the items to import: bookmarks, saved passwords, search engines, cookies, and history.
- Confirm and wait for the import to finish.
If direct import isn’t available for passwords, export them from your old browser as a CSV (or use a password manager like Bitwarden/1Password to transfer securely) and then import via GPM’s password manager import tool.
4) Set your default browser and search engine
- In Settings > Default Browser, click “Set as default” so links open in GPM.
- Configure your preferred search engine under Settings > Search. You can add custom engines (useful for privacy-focused options like DuckDuckGo or Startpage).
5) Configure privacy and security
GPM emphasizes privacy; verify and adjust these settings:
- Tracking protection: Enable strict or balanced tracking protection depending on how many sites you want to block trackers on.
- Third-party cookies: Block or allow per-site. Blocking increases privacy but may break some sites.
- Send “Do Not Track”: Toggle if you prefer, but note compliance is voluntary.
- Site permissions: Review camera, microphone, location, and notification permissions and restrict as needed.
- Clearing data: Schedule or set GPM to clear cookies/cache on exit if you want ephemeral browsing.
Tip: Use a privacy audit extension (if available) to scan for trackers on frequently visited sites.
6) Sync across devices
If GPM offers a sync service:
- Sign in or create a GPM account in Settings > Sync.
- Choose which data to sync: bookmarks, passwords, open tabs, history, extensions.
- Repeat on other devices and sign in there to enable cross-device syncing.
If you prefer not to use a cloud account, consider a local or encrypted sync option if GPM supports it.
7) Extensions and add-ons
- Visit the GPM extension store or compatible extension repository.
- Install essential extensions: ad/tracker blockers (uBlock Origin), password manager, privacy tools, and productivity add-ons you rely on.
- After installing, pin or place frequently used extensions on the toolbar for quick access.
Note: Not all extensions from other browsers may be available or fully compatible. Test critical ones and look for alternatives if needed.
8) Customize the interface and shortcuts
- Themes: Switch between light/dark modes and install themes if supported.
- Toolbar: Rearrange buttons and enable a compact or full toolbar layout.
- New tab behavior: Set the new tab page to show a blank page, speed dials, or a personalized feed.
- Keyboard shortcuts: Review and customize shortcuts (Settings > Shortcuts) to match your previous browser for muscle memory.
9) Performance tuning
To keep GPM fast and responsive:
- Enable hardware acceleration if you have a compatible GPU (Settings > System).
- Limit background tabs/processes: enable tab discarding or sleeping for inactive tabs.
- Clear cache occasionally or set size limits for cache storage.
- Keep extensions to a minimum; each extension can increase memory and CPU use.
10) Troubleshooting common issues
- Import failed: Export bookmarks/passwords manually from old browser and import via GPM’s import tools.
- Extension missing: Search the GPM store for alternatives or check if GPM supports installing extensions from Chromium/Firefox stores.
- Sites broken after privacy settings changes: Temporarily disable tracking protection or allow cookies for that site.
- Sync not working: Sign out and back in, check network/firewall settings, or reset sync data.
11) Advanced tips
- Create multiple profiles for work, personal, or testing to keep cookies and sessions separate.
- Use container tabs or site isolation (if supported) to separate cross-site tracking.
- Regularly review permissions and installed extensions — pruning improves security and speed.
- Export bookmarks periodically as an extra backup.
Switching to GPM should be a gradual process: start by importing essentials and running GPM in parallel with your old browser until you’re confident everything works. With a few privacy tweaks and selected extensions, you’ll have a fast, secure browsing setup tailored to your needs.
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