Zen Browser 1.18.6b – What the New Build Changes for Everyday Users
The fresh 1.18.6b build shuffles a few UI quirks, drops the config folder into the proper Linux spot, and patches some long‑standing sync bugs. Below is a quick run‑through of what actually matters when you upgrade.
Extension bar gets its own lane
If you’ve ever watched extensions crowd the address field in single‑sidebar mode, you’ll notice they now drop down beneath the url bar instead of hijacking the site control panel. The move clears up that cramped look I’ve seen after installing a handful of ad blockers and password managers. It doesn’t add any new functionality, but at least the toolbar stays readable.
Config files follow XDG standards
On Linux the browser now respects the XDG Base Directory Specification, meaning all settings live in ~/.config/zen. The old ~/.zen folder is still honored if it’s present, so a sudden “where did my preferences go?” panic is unlikely. For power users who dot‑file everything, this alignment makes backup scripts simpler; for casual folks the change is invisible.
Split‑tab drag now asks where to split
Dragging a tab to the window’s center used to always split it vertically. The latest build pops up a tiny prompt asking whether you want the new pane on top or below. It feels like a small UI polish, but after a night of wrestling with stacked panes in my own workflow, that extra option saved me a few mouse clicks.
Double‑search result for raw URLs
When you type a bare domain or full URL into the bar, Zen now shows a second suggestion: “Search for <text> on <your engine>.” It’s handy if you accidentally hit space after a typo and still want a quick web search without clearing the field first. Not groundbreaking, but it prevents that momentary brain‑freeze.
New ‘--blank-window’ flag
Command‑line fans can now launch Zen with --blank-window, which opens a fresh window free of pinned tabs, spaces, or any session restore baggage. It’s perfect for testing extensions in isolation or just starting a clean browsing session without the usual startup clutter.
Crash recovery respects unpinned tabs
Previously, disabling “Restore previous session” still left Zen pulling back unpinned tabs after a crash – a confusing mix‑up that made me think my settings were being ignored. The fix now obeys the toggle, so a clean start truly stays clean unless you explicitly ask for a restore.
Bookmark sync with Mozilla accounts finally works
Syncing bookmarks through a linked Mozilla account was flaky for months; some users reported missing folders after a restart. The new patch restores reliable two‑way syncing, which is a relief for anyone who relies on Zen as their primary browser across devices.
Overall, the 1.18.6b update feels like a collection of sensible housekeeping moves rather than headline‑grabbing features. If you’ve been living with the old extension overflow or have been annoyed by inconsistent crash restores, this version is worth the quick upgrade.
Release Zen Browser build - 1.18.6b (2026-02-12)
Zen Stable Release New Features Overflowing web extensions will now appear below the urlbar instead of being added back into the site control panel. This only happens in single-sidebar mode.
Release Release build - 1.18.6b (2026-02-12) · zen-browser/desktop
