This setup runs entirely from a USB stick, leaves no forensic traces on the host Windows 8.1 machine, blocks trackers more aggressively than Chrome, and gives you 95% of the native DuckDuckGo browser experience.
Since the standalone browser cannot run on your system, you can achieve similar privacy protections through these methods: Browser Extensions: You can install the DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials extension on existing compatible browsers like Firefox. Search Engine Integration: Manually set DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo Browser Download for Windows 8.1 (Portable): Availability, Compatibility, and Alternatives
Does a DuckDuckGo Browser Portable Version Exist for Windows 8.1?