release: v0.3.5 — persistent context, Windows zip fix, community PRs

- Add launch_persistent_context() Python + JS with examples
- Document persistent context API in both READMEs
- Bump version to 0.3.5
- Credit @evelaa123 and @yahooguntu in CHANGELOG

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -6,6 +6,23 @@ Changes are tagged: **[wrapper]** for Python/JS wrapper, **[binary]** for Chromi
 
 ---
 
+## [0.3.5] — 2026-03-04
+
+- **[wrapper]** Add `launch_persistent_context()` and `launch_persistent_context_async()` (Python) — persistent browser profiles with cookie/localStorage persistence across sessions, avoids incognito detection (thanks [@evelaa123](https://github.com/evelaa123), [@yahooguntu](https://github.com/yahooguntu) — PRs #22, #17)
+- **[wrapper]** Add `launchPersistentContext()` (JS/TS) — same feature for JavaScript with full type support
+- **[wrapper]** Fix Windows zip extraction failure when primary download server is down — file handle leak caused `ERROR_SHARING_VIOLATION` on fallback download (thanks [@evelaa123](https://github.com/evelaa123) — PR #23)
+
+## [0.3.4] — 2026-03-04
+
+Binary v14: auto-spoof restored with seed, wrapper simplified to match.
+
+- **[binary]** Restore full auto-spoof when `--fingerprint=seed` is set — all randomized properties now derive from the seed consistently
+- **[binary]** Auto-inject random fingerprint seed at startup if none provided. Binary is stealthy with zero flags
+- **[binary]** 26 source-level C++ patches (up from 25)
+- **[wrapper]** Simplify default stealth args — remove flags the binary now auto-generates. Wrapper still sets platform profile on Linux and `--no-sandbox`
+- **[wrapper]** Fix timezone in `launch_context()` — use Playwright's per-context timezone instead of binary flag, fixing mismatch when creating new browser contexts with geoip
+- **[wrapper]** Clarify README platform detection behavior
+
 ## [0.3.3] — 2026-03-03
 
 All platforms now run Chromium 145 v2 with 25 patches. Windows x64 added.

README.md

@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ Drop-in Playwright/Puppeteer replacement for Python and JavaScript.<br>
 Same API, same code — just swap the import. <strong>3 lines of code, 30 seconds to unblock.</strong>
 </p>
 
-- 🔒 **25 source-level C++ patches** — not JS injection, not config flags
+- 🔒 **26 source-level C++ patches** — not JS injection, not config flags
 - 🛡️ **CDP stealth built-in** — uses [Patchright](https://github.com/Kaliiiiiiiiii-Vinyzu/patchright) to reduce Playwright's automation footprint
 - 🎯 **0.9 reCAPTCHA v3 score** — human-level, server-verified
 - ☁️ **Passes Cloudflare Turnstile**, FingerprintJS, BrowserScan — 30/30 tests
@@ -104,14 +104,16 @@ page.goto("https://example.com")
 
 > ⭐ **Star** to show support — **[Watch releases](https://github.com/CloakHQ/CloakBrowser/subscription)** to get notified when new builds drop.
 
-## What's New in v0.3.0
+## What's New in v0.3.4
 
-- **Chromium 145** — latest stable, 25 fingerprint patches (up from 16). All platforms
-- **9 new patches** — screen dimensions, device memory, audio, WebGL, and more
-- **SHA-256 checksum verification** — binary downloads are verified for integrity
-- **CDP hardening** — audited and patched known automation detection vectors
+- **All 4 platforms** — Linux x64, macOS arm64, macOS x64, and Windows x64 all on Chromium 145
+- **26 fingerprint patches** — 10 new patches since v142 (screen, device memory, audio, WebGL, auto-spoof, and more)
+- **Stealthy with zero flags** — binary auto-generates a random fingerprint seed at startup. No configuration required
+- **Deterministic seeds** — `--fingerprint=seed` produces the same identity across launches for session persistence
 - **Full stealth audit** — every patch reviewed for detection vectors, multiple fixes shipped
 - **Timezone & locale from proxy IP** — `launch(proxy="...", geoip=True)` auto-detects timezone and locale
+- **SHA-256 checksum verification** — binary downloads are verified for integrity
+- **CDP hardening** — audited and patched known automation detection vectors
 
 See the full [CHANGELOG.md](CHANGELOG.md) for details.
 
@@ -179,7 +181,7 @@ CloakBrowser is a thin wrapper (Python + JavaScript) around a custom-built Chrom
 3. **Every launch** → Playwright or Puppeteer starts with our binary + stealth args
 4. **You write code** → standard Playwright/Puppeteer API, nothing new to learn
 
-The binary includes 25 source-level patches covering canvas, WebGL, audio, fonts, GPU, screen properties, hardware reporting, and automation signal removal.
+The binary includes 26 source-level patches covering canvas, WebGL, audio, fonts, GPU, screen properties, hardware reporting, and automation signal removal.
 
 These are compiled into the Chromium binary — not injected via JavaScript, not set via flags.
 
@@ -237,7 +239,7 @@ asyncio.run(main())
 
 ### `launch_context()`
 
-Convenience function that creates browser + context with common options:
+Convenience function that creates browser + context in one call with user agent, viewport, locale, and timezone:
 
 ```python
 from cloakbrowser import launch_context
@@ -249,8 +251,31 @@ context = launch_context(
     timezone_id="America/New_York",
 )
 page = context.new_page()
+page.goto("https://protected-site.com")
+context.close()
 ```
 
+### `launch_persistent_context()`
+
+Same as `launch_context()`, but with a persistent user profile. Cookies, localStorage, and cache persist across sessions. Also avoids incognito detection by services like BrowserScan.
+
+```python
+from cloakbrowser import launch_persistent_context
+
+# First run — creates the profile
+ctx = launch_persistent_context("./my-profile", headless=False)
+page = ctx.new_page()
+page.goto("https://protected-site.com")
+ctx.close()  # profile saved
+
+# Next run — cookies, localStorage restored automatically
+ctx = launch_persistent_context("./my-profile", headless=False)
+```
+
+Supports all the same options as `launch_context()`: `proxy`, `user_agent`, `viewport`, `locale`, `timezone_id`, `color_scheme`, `geoip`.
+
+Async version: `launch_persistent_context_async()`.
+
 ### Utility Functions
 
 ```python
@@ -274,7 +299,7 @@ CloakBrowser ships a TypeScript package with full type definitions. Choose Playw
 ### Playwright (default)
 
 ```javascript
-import { launch, launchContext } from 'cloakbrowser';
+import { launch, launchContext, launchPersistentContext } from 'cloakbrowser';
 
 // Basic
 const browser = await launch();
@@ -296,6 +321,13 @@ const context = await launchContext({
   timezoneId: 'America/New_York',
 });
 const page = await context.newPage();
+
+// Persistent profile — cookies/localStorage survive restarts, avoids incognito detection
+const ctx = await launchPersistentContext({
+  userDataDir: './chrome-profile',
+  headless: false,
+  proxy: 'http://user:pass@proxy:8080',
+});
 ```
 
 > **Note:** Each example above is standalone — not meant to run as one block.
@@ -352,7 +384,7 @@ The binary is **stealthy by default** — no flags needed. It auto-generates a r
 | **`--fingerprint=seed`** | Deterministic identity from the seed. Same seed = same fingerprint across launches. Use this for session persistence (returning visitor). |
 | **`--fingerprint=seed` + explicit flags** | Explicit flags override individual auto-generated values. The seed fills in everything else. |
 
-The binary detects its platform at compile time — a macOS binary reports Apple GPU and macOS screen (1440x900), a Linux binary reports NVIDIA GPU and 1080p screen. Override with `--fingerprint-platform` for cross-platform spoofing (e.g. Linux binary appearing as Windows).
+The binary detects its platform at compile time — a macOS binary reports as macOS with Apple GPU, a Linux binary reports as Linux with NVIDIA GPU. The **wrapper** overrides this on Linux by passing `--fingerprint-platform=windows`, so sessions appear as Windows desktops (more common fingerprint, harder to cluster). Use `--fingerprint-platform` for cross-platform spoofing when running the binary directly.
 
 > **Tip: Use a fixed seed when revisiting the same site.** A random seed makes every session look like a different device — which can be suspicious when hitting the same site repeatedly from the same IP. For reCAPTCHA v3 Enterprise and similar scoring systems, a fixed seed produces a consistent fingerprint across sessions, making you look like a returning visitor:
 > ```python
@@ -364,7 +396,7 @@ The binary detects its platform at compile time — a macOS binary reports Apple
 
 ### Default Fingerprint
 
-Every `launch()` call sets these automatically. Defaults are **platform-aware** — macOS runs as a native Mac browser, Linux and Windows use the Windows fingerprint profile:
+Every `launch()` call sets these automatically. The **wrapper** applies platform-aware defaults — on Linux it spoofs as Windows for a more common fingerprint, on macOS it runs as a native Mac browser:
 
 | Flag | Linux/Windows Default | macOS Default | Controls |
 |------|--------------|---------------|----------|
@@ -437,10 +469,10 @@ browser = launch(args=[
 
 | Platform | Chromium | Patches | Status |
 |---|---|---|---|
-| Linux x86_64 | 145 | 25 | ✅ Latest |
-| macOS arm64 (Apple Silicon) | 145 | 25 | ✅ Latest |
-| macOS x86_64 (Intel) | 145 | 25 | ✅ Latest |
-| Windows x86_64 | 145 | 25 | ✅ Latest |
+| Linux x86_64 | 145 | 26 | ✅ Latest |
+| macOS arm64 (Apple Silicon) | 145 | 26 | ✅ Latest |
+| macOS x86_64 (Intel) | 145 | 26 | ✅ Latest |
+| Windows x86_64 | 145 | 26 | ✅ Latest |
 
 The wrapper auto-downloads the correct binary for your platform.
 
@@ -450,12 +482,14 @@ The wrapper auto-downloads the correct binary for your platform.
 
 **Python** — see [`examples/`](examples/):
 - [`basic.py`](examples/basic.py) — Launch and load a page
+- [`persistent_context.py`](examples/persistent_context.py) — Persistent profile with cookie/localStorage persistence
 - [`recaptcha_score.py`](examples/recaptcha_score.py) — Check your reCAPTCHA v3 score
 - [`stealth_test.py`](examples/stealth_test.py) — Run against all detection services
 - [`fingerprint_scan_test.py`](examples/fingerprint_scan_test.py) — Test against fingerprint-scan.com and CreepJS
 
 **JavaScript** — see [`js/examples/`](js/examples/):
 - [`basic-playwright.ts`](js/examples/basic-playwright.ts) — Playwright launch and load
+- [`persistent-context.ts`](js/examples/persistent-context.ts) — Persistent profile with cookie/localStorage persistence
 - [`basic-puppeteer.ts`](js/examples/basic-puppeteer.ts) — Puppeteer launch and load
 - [`stealth-test.ts`](js/examples/stealth-test.ts) — Full 6-site detection test suite
 
@@ -463,9 +497,9 @@ The wrapper auto-downloads the correct binary for your platform.
 
 | Feature | Status |
 |---------|--------|
-| Linux x64 — Chromium 145 (25 patches) | ✅ Released |
-| macOS arm64/x64 — Chromium 145 (25 patches) | ✅ Released |
-| Windows x64 — Chromium 145 (25 patches) | ✅ Released |
+| Linux x64 — Chromium 145 (26 patches) | ✅ Released |
+| macOS arm64/x64 — Chromium 145 (26 patches) | ✅ Released |
+| Windows x64 — Chromium 145 (26 patches) | ✅ Released |
 | JavaScript/Puppeteer + Playwright support | ✅ Released |
 | Fingerprint rotation per session | ✅ Released |
 | Built-in proxy rotation | 📋 Planned |
@@ -577,6 +611,10 @@ You do NOT need `playwright install chromium`. CloakBrowser downloads its own bi
 patchright install-deps chromium
 ```
 
+**macOS: Blocked on some sites that pass on Linux**
+
+The macOS fingerprint profile has known inconsistencies that aggressive bot detection catches. If a site blocks you on macOS but works on Linux, switch to a Windows fingerprint profile by passing `stealth_args=False` and manually setting `--fingerprint-platform=windows` with matching GPU flags (see [Fingerprint Management](#fingerprint-management) for the full flag list).
+
 **reCAPTCHA v3 scores are low (0.1–0.3)**
 
 Avoid `page.wait_for_timeout()` — it sends CDP protocol commands that reCAPTCHA detects. Use native sleep instead:

cloakbrowser/__init__.py

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ Usage:
     browser.close()
 """
 
-from .browser import launch, launch_async, launch_context
+from .browser import launch, launch_async, launch_context, launch_persistent_context, launch_persistent_context_async
 from .config import CHROMIUM_VERSION, get_default_stealth_args
 from .download import binary_info, check_for_update, clear_cache, ensure_binary
 from ._version import __version__
@@ -20,6 +20,8 @@ __all__ = [
     "launch",
     "launch_async",
     "launch_context",
+    "launch_persistent_context",
+    "launch_persistent_context_async",
     "ensure_binary",
     "clear_cache",
     "binary_info",

cloakbrowser/_version.py

@@ -1 +1 @@
-__version__ = "0.3.3"
+__version__ = "0.3.5"

cloakbrowser/browser.py

@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ Usage:
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import logging
+import os
 from typing import Any, Literal
 from urllib.parse import unquote, urlparse, urlunparse
 
@@ -159,6 +160,200 @@ async def launch_async(
     return browser
 
 
+def launch_persistent_context(
+    user_data_dir: str | os.PathLike,
+    headless: bool = True,
+    proxy: str | None = None,
+    args: list[str] | None = None,
+    stealth_args: bool = True,
+    user_agent: str | None = None,
+    viewport: dict | None = None,
+    locale: str | None = None,
+    timezone_id: str | None = None,
+    color_scheme: Literal["light", "dark", "no-preference"] | None = None,
+    geoip: bool = False,
+    **kwargs: Any,
+) -> Any:
+    """Launch stealth browser with a persistent profile and return a BrowserContext.
+
+    This persists cookies, localStorage, cache, and other browser state across
+    sessions by storing them in ``user_data_dir``. Also avoids incognito detection
+    by services like BrowserScan (-10% penalty).
+
+    Args:
+        user_data_dir: Path to the directory where browser profile data is stored.
+            Created automatically if it doesn't exist. Reuse the same path across
+            sessions to restore cookies, localStorage, cached credentials, etc.
+        headless: Run in headless mode (default True).
+        proxy: Proxy server URL (e.g. 'http://proxy:8080' or 'socks5://proxy:1080').
+        args: Additional Chromium CLI arguments.
+        stealth_args: Include default stealth fingerprint args (default True).
+        user_agent: Custom user agent string.
+        viewport: Viewport size dict, e.g. {"width": 1920, "height": 1080}.
+        locale: Browser locale, e.g. "en-US".
+        timezone_id: Timezone, e.g. "America/New_York".
+        color_scheme: Color scheme preference — 'light', 'dark', or 'no-preference'.
+            Default: None (uses Chromium default, which is 'light').
+        geoip: Auto-detect timezone/locale from proxy IP (default False).
+            Requires ``pip install cloakbrowser[geoip]``.
+        **kwargs: Passed directly to playwright.chromium.launch_persistent_context().
+
+    Returns:
+        Playwright BrowserContext object backed by a persistent profile.
+        Call ``.close()`` when done — this also stops the Playwright instance.
+
+    Example:
+        >>> from cloakbrowser import launch_persistent_context
+        >>> ctx = launch_persistent_context("./my-profile", headless=False)
+        >>> page = ctx.new_page()
+        >>> page.goto("https://protected-site.com")
+        >>> ctx.close()  # Profile is saved; re-use path next run to restore state.
+    """
+    from patchright.sync_api import sync_playwright
+
+    binary_path = ensure_binary()
+    timezone_id, locale = _maybe_resolve_geoip(geoip, proxy, timezone_id, locale)
+    chrome_args = _build_args(stealth_args, args, timezone=timezone_id, locale=locale)
+
+    logger.debug(
+        "Launching persistent stealth Chromium (headless=%s, user_data_dir=%s)",
+        headless,
+        user_data_dir,
+    )
+
+    context_kwargs: dict[str, Any] = {}
+    if user_agent:
+        context_kwargs["user_agent"] = user_agent
+    context_kwargs["viewport"] = viewport or DEFAULT_VIEWPORT
+    if locale:
+        context_kwargs["locale"] = locale
+    if timezone_id:
+        context_kwargs["timezone_id"] = timezone_id
+    if color_scheme:
+        context_kwargs["color_scheme"] = color_scheme
+    context_kwargs.update(kwargs)
+
+    pw = sync_playwright().start()
+    context = pw.chromium.launch_persistent_context(
+        user_data_dir=os.fspath(user_data_dir),
+        executable_path=binary_path,
+        headless=headless,
+        args=chrome_args,
+        ignore_default_args=["--enable-automation"],
+        **_build_proxy_kwargs(proxy),
+        **context_kwargs,
+    )
+
+    # Patch close() to also stop the Playwright instance
+    _original_close = context.close
+
+    def _close_with_cleanup() -> None:
+        _original_close()
+        pw.stop()
+
+    context.close = _close_with_cleanup
+
+    return context
+
+
+async def launch_persistent_context_async(
+    user_data_dir: str | os.PathLike,
+    headless: bool = True,
+    proxy: str | None = None,
+    args: list[str] | None = None,
+    stealth_args: bool = True,
+    user_agent: str | None = None,
+    viewport: dict | None = None,
+    locale: str | None = None,
+    timezone_id: str | None = None,
+    color_scheme: Literal["light", "dark", "no-preference"] | None = None,
+    geoip: bool = False,
+    **kwargs: Any,
+) -> Any:
+    """Async version of launch_persistent_context().
+
+    Launch stealth browser with a persistent profile and return a BrowserContext.
+    This persists cookies, localStorage, cache, and other browser state across
+    sessions by storing them in ``user_data_dir``.
+
+    Args:
+        user_data_dir: Path to the directory where browser profile data is stored.
+            Created automatically if it doesn't exist.
+        headless: Run in headless mode (default True).
+        proxy: Proxy server URL (e.g. 'http://proxy:8080' or 'socks5://proxy:1080').
+        args: Additional Chromium CLI arguments.
+        stealth_args: Include default stealth fingerprint args (default True).
+        user_agent: Custom user agent string.
+        viewport: Viewport size dict, e.g. {"width": 1920, "height": 1080}.
+        locale: Browser locale, e.g. "en-US".
+        timezone_id: Timezone, e.g. "America/New_York".
+        color_scheme: Color scheme preference — 'light', 'dark', or 'no-preference'.
+        geoip: Auto-detect timezone/locale from proxy IP (default False).
+        **kwargs: Passed directly to playwright.chromium.launch_persistent_context().
+
+    Returns:
+        Playwright BrowserContext object backed by a persistent profile (async API).
+        Call ``await .close()`` when done.
+
+    Example:
+        >>> import asyncio
+        >>> from cloakbrowser import launch_persistent_context_async
+        >>>
+        >>> async def main():
+        ...     ctx = await launch_persistent_context_async("./my-profile", headless=False)
+        ...     page = await ctx.new_page()
+        ...     await page.goto("https://protected-site.com")
+        ...     await ctx.close()
+        >>>
+        >>> asyncio.run(main())
+    """
+    from patchright.async_api import async_playwright
+
+    binary_path = ensure_binary()
+    timezone_id, locale = _maybe_resolve_geoip(geoip, proxy, timezone_id, locale)
+    chrome_args = _build_args(stealth_args, args, timezone=timezone_id, locale=locale)
+
+    logger.debug(
+        "Launching persistent stealth Chromium async (headless=%s, user_data_dir=%s)",
+        headless,
+        user_data_dir,
+    )
+
+    context_kwargs: dict[str, Any] = {}
+    if user_agent:
+        context_kwargs["user_agent"] = user_agent
+    context_kwargs["viewport"] = viewport or DEFAULT_VIEWPORT
+    if locale:
+        context_kwargs["locale"] = locale
+    if timezone_id:
+        context_kwargs["timezone_id"] = timezone_id
+    if color_scheme:
+        context_kwargs["color_scheme"] = color_scheme
+    context_kwargs.update(kwargs)
+
+    pw = await async_playwright().start()
+    context = await pw.chromium.launch_persistent_context(
+        user_data_dir=os.fspath(user_data_dir),
+        executable_path=binary_path,
+        headless=headless,
+        args=chrome_args,
+        ignore_default_args=["--enable-automation"],
+        **_build_proxy_kwargs(proxy),
+        **context_kwargs,
+    )
+
+    # Patch close() to also stop the Playwright instance
+    _original_close = context.close
+
+    async def _close_with_cleanup() -> None:
+        await _original_close()
+        await pw.stop()
+
+    context.close = _close_with_cleanup
+
+    return context
+
+
 def launch_context(
     headless: bool = True,
     proxy: str | None = None,
@@ -198,8 +393,11 @@ def launch_context(
     # Resolve geoip BEFORE launch() to avoid double-resolution and ensure
     # resolved values flow to both binary flags AND context params
     timezone_id, locale = _maybe_resolve_geoip(geoip, proxy, timezone_id, locale)
+    # Skip --fingerprint-timezone binary flag: it only applies to the default
+    # context and interferes with Playwright's timezone_id on new contexts.
+    # Timezone is set via browser.new_context(timezone_id=...) below instead.
     browser = launch(headless=headless, proxy=proxy, args=args, stealth_args=stealth_args,
-                     timezone=timezone_id, locale=locale)
+                     timezone=None, locale=locale)
 
     context_kwargs: dict[str, Any] = {}
     if user_agent:

cloakbrowser/config.py

@@ -15,13 +15,13 @@ from ._version import __version__
 # CHROMIUM_VERSION is the latest across all platforms (for display/reference).
 # Use get_chromium_version() for the current platform's actual version.
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-CHROMIUM_VERSION = "145.0.7632.109"
+CHROMIUM_VERSION = "145.0.7632.109.2"
 
 PLATFORM_CHROMIUM_VERSIONS: dict[str, str] = {
-    "linux-x64": "145.0.7632.109",
-    "darwin-arm64": "145.0.7632.109",
-    "darwin-x64": "145.0.7632.109",
-    "windows-x64": "145.0.7632.109",
+    "linux-x64": "145.0.7632.109.2",
+    "darwin-arm64": "145.0.7632.109.2",
+    "darwin-x64": "145.0.7632.109.2",
+    "windows-x64": "145.0.7632.109.2",
 }
 
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -204,18 +204,27 @@ GITHUB_DOWNLOAD_BASE_URL = (
 )
 
 
+def get_archive_ext() -> str:
+    """Return the archive extension for the current platform (.zip for Windows, .tar.gz otherwise)."""
+    return ".zip" if platform.system() == "Windows" else ".tar.gz"
+
+
+def get_archive_name(tag: str | None = None) -> str:
+    """Return the archive filename for a platform tag (e.g. 'cloakbrowser-linux-x64.tar.gz')."""
+    t = tag or get_platform_tag()
+    return f"cloakbrowser-{t}{get_archive_ext()}"
+
+
 def get_download_url(version: str | None = None) -> str:
     """Return the full download URL for the current platform's binary archive."""
     v = version or get_chromium_version()
-    tag = get_platform_tag()
-    return f"{DOWNLOAD_BASE_URL}/chromium-v{v}/cloakbrowser-{tag}.tar.gz"
+    return f"{DOWNLOAD_BASE_URL}/chromium-v{v}/{get_archive_name()}"
 
 
 def get_fallback_download_url(version: str | None = None) -> str:
     """Return the GitHub Releases fallback URL for the binary archive."""
     v = version or get_chromium_version()
-    tag = get_platform_tag()
-    return f"{GITHUB_DOWNLOAD_BASE_URL}/chromium-v{v}/cloakbrowser-{tag}.tar.gz"
+    return f"{GITHUB_DOWNLOAD_BASE_URL}/chromium-v{v}/{get_archive_name()}"
 
 
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

cloakbrowser/download.py

@@ -28,6 +28,8 @@ from .config import (
     GITHUB_DOWNLOAD_BASE_URL,
     _version_newer,
     check_platform_available,
+    get_archive_ext,
+    get_archive_name,
     get_binary_dir,
     get_binary_path,
     get_cache_dir,
@@ -123,7 +125,7 @@ def _download_and_extract(version: str | None = None) -> None:
     binary_dir.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
 
     # Download to temp file first (atomic — no partial downloads in cache)
-    with tempfile.NamedTemporaryFile(suffix=".tar.gz", delete=False) as tmp:
+    with tempfile.NamedTemporaryFile(suffix=get_archive_ext(), delete=False) as tmp:
         tmp_path = Path(tmp.name)
 
     try:
@@ -155,7 +157,7 @@ def _download_and_extract(version: str | None = None) -> None:
 def _verify_download_checksum(file_path: Path, version: str | None = None) -> None:
     """Fetch SHA256SUMS and verify the downloaded file. Warn if unavailable, fail on mismatch."""
     checksums = _fetch_checksums(version)
-    tarball_name = f"cloakbrowser-{get_platform_tag()}.tar.gz"
+    tarball_name = get_archive_name()
 
     if checksums is None:
         logger.warning("SHA256SUMS not available for this release — skipping checksum verification")
@@ -256,7 +258,7 @@ def _download_file(url: str, dest: Path) -> None:
 def _extract_archive(
     archive_path: Path, dest_dir: Path, binary_path: Path | None = None
 ) -> None:
-    """Extract tar.gz archive to destination directory."""
+    """Extract tar.gz or zip archive to destination directory."""
     logger.info("Extracting to %s", dest_dir)
 
     # Clean existing dir if partial download existed
@@ -266,26 +268,12 @@ def _extract_archive(
 
     dest_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
 
-    with tarfile.open(archive_path, "r:gz") as tar:
-        # Security: prevent path traversal
-        safe_members = []
-        for member in tar.getmembers():
-            # Allow symlinks — macOS .app bundles require them (Framework layout)
-            if member.issym() or member.islnk():
-                link_target = member.linkname
-                # Reject symlinks that escape the dest dir
-                if os.path.isabs(link_target) or ".." in link_target.split("/"):
-                    logger.warning("Skipping suspicious symlink: %s -> %s", member.name, link_target)
-                    continue
-            else:
-                member_path = (dest_dir / member.name).resolve()
-                if not str(member_path).startswith(str(dest_dir.resolve())):
-                    raise RuntimeError(f"Archive contains path traversal: {member.name}")
-            safe_members.append(member)
+    if str(archive_path).endswith(".zip"):
+        _extract_zip(archive_path, dest_dir)
+    else:
+        _extract_tar(archive_path, dest_dir)
 
-        tar.extractall(dest_dir, members=safe_members)
-
-    # If tar extracted into a single subdirectory, flatten it
+    # If extracted into a single subdirectory, flatten it
     # (e.g. fingerprint-chromium-142-custom-v2/chrome → chrome)
     # But never flatten .app bundles — macOS needs the bundle structure intact
     _flatten_single_subdir(dest_dir)
@@ -303,6 +291,38 @@ def _extract_archive(
         logger.info("Binary ready: %s", bp)
 
 
+def _extract_tar(archive_path: Path, dest_dir: Path) -> None:
+    """Extract tar.gz archive with path traversal protection."""
+    with tarfile.open(archive_path, "r:gz") as tar:
+        safe_members = []
+        for member in tar.getmembers():
+            # Allow symlinks — macOS .app bundles require them (Framework layout)
+            if member.issym() or member.islnk():
+                link_target = member.linkname
+                if os.path.isabs(link_target) or ".." in link_target.split("/"):
+                    logger.warning("Skipping suspicious symlink: %s -> %s", member.name, link_target)
+                    continue
+            else:
+                member_path = (dest_dir / member.name).resolve()
+                if not str(member_path).startswith(str(dest_dir.resolve())):
+                    raise RuntimeError(f"Archive contains path traversal: {member.name}")
+            safe_members.append(member)
+
+        tar.extractall(dest_dir, members=safe_members)
+
+
+def _extract_zip(archive_path: Path, dest_dir: Path) -> None:
+    """Extract zip archive with path traversal protection."""
+    import zipfile
+
+    with zipfile.ZipFile(archive_path, "r") as zf:
+        for info in zf.infolist():
+            member_path = (dest_dir / info.filename).resolve()
+            if not str(member_path).startswith(str(dest_dir.resolve())):
+                raise RuntimeError(f"Archive contains path traversal: {info.filename}")
+        zf.extractall(dest_dir)
+
+
 def _flatten_single_subdir(dest_dir: Path) -> None:
     """If extraction created a single subdirectory, move its contents up.
 
@@ -435,7 +455,7 @@ def _get_latest_chromium_version() -> str | None:
             GITHUB_API_URL, params={"per_page": 10}, timeout=10.0
         )
         resp.raise_for_status()
-        platform_tarball = f"cloakbrowser-{get_platform_tag()}.tar.gz"
+        platform_tarball = get_archive_name()
         for release in resp.json():
             tag = release.get("tag_name", "")
             if tag.startswith("chromium-v") and not release.get("draft"):

examples/persistent_context.py

@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+"""Persistent context example: cookies and localStorage survive across sessions."""
+
+from cloakbrowser import launch_persistent_context
+
+PROFILE_DIR = "./my-profile"
+
+# Session 1 — set some state
+print("=== Session 1: Setting state ===")
+ctx = launch_persistent_context(PROFILE_DIR, headless=False)
+page = ctx.new_page()
+page.goto("https://example.com")
+page.evaluate("document.cookie = 'session=abc123; path=/; max-age=3600'")
+page.evaluate("localStorage.setItem('user', 'returning')")
+print(f"Cookie: {page.evaluate('document.cookie')}")
+ls_val = page.evaluate("localStorage.getItem('user')")
+print(f"localStorage: {ls_val}")
+ctx.close()
+
+# Session 2 — state is restored
+print("\n=== Session 2: Verifying persistence ===")
+ctx = launch_persistent_context(PROFILE_DIR, headless=False)
+page = ctx.new_page()
+page.goto("https://example.com")
+print(f"Cookie: {page.evaluate('document.cookie')}")
+ls_val = page.evaluate("localStorage.getItem('user')")
+print(f"localStorage: {ls_val}")
+ctx.close()
+
+print("\nDone!")

js/README.md

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 
 Drop-in Playwright/Puppeteer replacement. Same API — just swap the import. Scores **0.9 on reCAPTCHA v3**, passes **Cloudflare Turnstile**, and clears **30/30** stealth detection tests.
 
-- 🔒 **25 source-level C++ patches** — not JS injection, not config flags
+- 🔒 **26 source-level C++ patches** — not JS injection, not config flags
 - 🎯 **0.9 reCAPTCHA v3 score** — human-level, server-verified
 - ☁️ **Passes Cloudflare Turnstile**, FingerprintJS, BrowserScan — 30/30 tests
 - 🔄 **Drop-in replacement** — works with both Playwright and Puppeteer
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ await browser.close();
 ### Options
 
 ```javascript
-import { launch, launchContext } from 'cloakbrowser';
+import { launch, launchContext, launchPersistentContext } from 'cloakbrowser';
 
 // With proxy
 const browser = await launch({
@@ -94,6 +94,16 @@ const context = await launchContext({
   locale: 'en-US',
   timezoneId: 'America/New_York',
 });
+
+// Persistent profile — cookies/localStorage survive restarts, avoids incognito detection
+const ctx = await launchPersistentContext({
+  userDataDir: './chrome-profile',
+  headless: false,
+  proxy: 'http://user:pass@proxy:8080',
+});
+const page = ctx.pages()[0] || await ctx.newPage();
+await page.goto('https://example.com');
+await ctx.close();  // profile saved — reuse same path to restore state
 ```
 
 ### Auto Timezone/Locale from Proxy IP

js/examples/persistent-context.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+/**
+ * Persistent context example: cookies and localStorage survive across sessions.
+ *
+ * Usage:
+ *   CLOAKBROWSER_BINARY_PATH=/path/to/chrome npx tsx examples/persistent-context.ts
+ */
+
+import { launchPersistentContext } from "../src/index.js";
+
+const PROFILE_DIR = "./my-profile";
+
+// Session 1 — set some state
+console.log("=== Session 1: Setting state ===");
+let ctx = await launchPersistentContext({
+  userDataDir: PROFILE_DIR,
+  headless: false,
+});
+let page = ctx.pages()[0] || (await ctx.newPage());
+await page.goto("https://example.com");
+await page.evaluate(() => {
+  document.cookie = "session=abc123; path=/; max-age=3600";
+  localStorage.setItem("user", "returning");
+});
+console.log(`Cookie: ${await page.evaluate(() => document.cookie)}`);
+console.log(`localStorage: ${await page.evaluate(() => localStorage.getItem("user"))}`);
+await ctx.close();
+
+// Session 2 — state is restored
+console.log("\n=== Session 2: Verifying persistence ===");
+ctx = await launchPersistentContext({
+  userDataDir: PROFILE_DIR,
+  headless: false,
+});
+page = ctx.pages()[0] || (await ctx.newPage());
+await page.goto("https://example.com");
+console.log(`Cookie: ${await page.evaluate(() => document.cookie)}`);
+console.log(`localStorage: ${await page.evaluate(() => localStorage.getItem("user"))}`);
+await ctx.close();
+
+console.log("\nDone!");

js/package.json

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "cloakbrowser",
-  "version": "0.3.3",
+  "version": "0.3.5",
   "description": "Stealth Chromium that passes every bot detection test. Drop-in Playwright/Puppeteer replacement with source-level fingerprint patches.",
   "type": "module",
   "main": "dist/index.js",

js/src/config.ts

@@ -27,13 +27,13 @@ export { WRAPPER_VERSION };
 // CHROMIUM_VERSION is the latest across all platforms (for display/reference).
 // Use getChromiumVersion() for the current platform's actual version.
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-export const CHROMIUM_VERSION = "145.0.7632.109";
+export const CHROMIUM_VERSION = "145.0.7632.109.2";
 
 export const PLATFORM_CHROMIUM_VERSIONS: Record<string, string> = {
-  "linux-x64": "145.0.7632.109",
-  "darwin-arm64": "145.0.7632.109",
-  "darwin-x64": "145.0.7632.109",
-  "windows-x64": "145.0.7632.109",
+  "linux-x64": "145.0.7632.109.2",
+  "darwin-arm64": "145.0.7632.109.2",
+  "darwin-x64": "145.0.7632.109.2",
+  "windows-x64": "145.0.7632.109.2",
 };
 
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -126,16 +126,22 @@ export const GITHUB_API_URL =
 export const GITHUB_DOWNLOAD_BASE_URL =
   "https://github.com/CloakHQ/cloakbrowser/releases/download";
 
+export function getArchiveExt(): string {
+  return process.platform === "win32" ? ".zip" : ".tar.gz";
+}
+
+export function getArchiveName(tag?: string): string {
+  return `cloakbrowser-${tag || getPlatformTag()}${getArchiveExt()}`;
+}
+
 export function getDownloadUrl(version?: string): string {
   const v = version || getChromiumVersion();
-  const tag = getPlatformTag();
-  return `${DOWNLOAD_BASE_URL}/chromium-v${v}/cloakbrowser-${tag}.tar.gz`;
+  return `${DOWNLOAD_BASE_URL}/chromium-v${v}/${getArchiveName()}`;
 }
 
 export function getFallbackDownloadUrl(version?: string): string {
   const v = version || getChromiumVersion();
-  const tag = getPlatformTag();
-  return `${GITHUB_DOWNLOAD_BASE_URL}/chromium-v${v}/cloakbrowser-${tag}.tar.gz`;
+  return `${GITHUB_DOWNLOAD_BASE_URL}/chromium-v${v}/${getArchiveName()}`;
 }
 
 export function getEffectiveVersion(): string {

js/src/download.ts

@@ -19,6 +19,8 @@ import {
   GITHUB_DOWNLOAD_BASE_URL,
   WRAPPER_VERSION,
   checkPlatformAvailable,
+  getArchiveExt,
+  getArchiveName,
   getBinaryDir,
   getBinaryPath,
   getCacheDir,
@@ -87,8 +89,8 @@ export async function ensureBinary(): Promise<string> {
   if (!fs.existsSync(downloadedPath)) {
     throw new Error(
       `Download completed but binary not found at expected path: ${downloadedPath}. ` +
-        `This may indicate a packaging issue. Please report at ` +
-        `https://github.com/CloakHQ/cloakbrowser/issues`
+      `This may indicate a packaging issue. Please report at ` +
+      `https://github.com/CloakHQ/cloakbrowser/issues`
     );
   }
 
@@ -152,7 +154,7 @@ async function downloadAndExtract(version?: string): Promise<void> {
   // Download to temp file (atomic — no partial downloads in cache)
   const tmpPath = path.join(
     path.dirname(binaryDir),
-    `_download_${Date.now()}.tar.gz`
+    `_download_${Date.now()}${getArchiveExt()}`
   );
 
   try {
@@ -194,7 +196,7 @@ async function downloadAndExtract(version?: string): Promise<void> {
 
 async function verifyDownloadChecksum(filePath: string, version?: string): Promise<void> {
   const checksums = await fetchChecksums(version);
-  const tarballName = `cloakbrowser-${getPlatformTag()}.tar.gz`;
+  const tarballName = getArchiveName();
 
   if (!checksums) {
     console.warn("[cloakbrowser] SHA256SUMS not available for this release — skipping checksum verification");
@@ -274,6 +276,9 @@ async function downloadFile(url: string, dest: string): Promise<void> {
   const controller = new AbortController();
   const timeout = setTimeout(() => controller.abort(), DOWNLOAD_TIMEOUT_MS);
 
+  // Create file stream early so we can ensure cleanup on error
+  const fileStream = createWriteStream(dest);
+
   try {
     const response = await fetch(url, {
       signal: controller.signal,
@@ -292,7 +297,6 @@ async function downloadFile(url: string, dest: string): Promise<void> {
     let downloaded = 0;
     let lastLoggedPct = -1;
 
-    const fileStream = createWriteStream(dest);
     const reader = response.body.getReader();
 
     // Stream chunks to file with progress logging
@@ -316,19 +320,32 @@ async function downloadFile(url: string, dest: string): Promise<void> {
       }
     }
 
-    // Wait for file stream to finish
+    // Wait for file stream to fully close (not just finish)
     await new Promise<void>((resolve, reject) => {
-      fileStream.end(() => resolve());
+      fileStream.end();
+      fileStream.on("close", () => resolve());
       fileStream.on("error", reject);
     });
 
     const sizeMB = Math.floor(fs.statSync(dest).size / (1024 * 1024));
     console.log(`[cloakbrowser] Download complete: ${sizeMB} MB`);
+  } catch (err) {
+    // Ensure file stream is destroyed on error to release the handle
+    if (!fileStream.destroyed) {
+      await new Promise<void>((resolve) => {
+        fileStream.destroy();
+        fileStream.on("close", () => resolve());
+        // Safety timeout in case close never fires
+        setTimeout(resolve, 2000);
+      });
+    }
+    throw err;
   } finally {
     clearTimeout(timeout);
   }
 }
 
+
 async function extractArchive(
   archivePath: string,
   destDir: string,
@@ -342,23 +359,11 @@ async function extractArchive(
   }
   fs.mkdirSync(destDir, { recursive: true });
 
-  // Extract with tar — the 'tar' package handles symlink/traversal safety
-  await tarExtract({
-    file: archivePath,
-    cwd: destDir,
-    // Security: strip leading path components and reject absolute paths
-    strip: 0,
-    filter: (entryPath: string) => {
-      // Reject absolute paths and path traversal
-      if (path.isAbsolute(entryPath) || entryPath.includes("..")) {
-        console.warn(
-          `[cloakbrowser] Skipping suspicious archive entry: ${entryPath}`
-        );
-        return false;
-      }
-      return true;
-    },
-  });
+  if (archivePath.endsWith(".zip")) {
+    await extractZip(archivePath, destDir);
+  } else {
+    await extractTar(archivePath, destDir);
+  }
 
   // Flatten single subdirectory if needed
   flattenSingleSubdir(destDir);
@@ -379,6 +384,40 @@ async function extractArchive(
   }
 }
 
+async function extractTar(archivePath: string, destDir: string): Promise<void> {
+  await tarExtract({
+    file: archivePath,
+    cwd: destDir,
+    strip: 0,
+    filter: (entryPath: string) => {
+      if (path.isAbsolute(entryPath) || entryPath.includes("..")) {
+        console.warn(
+          `[cloakbrowser] Skipping suspicious archive entry: ${entryPath}`
+        );
+        return false;
+      }
+      return true;
+    },
+  });
+}
+
+async function extractZip(archivePath: string, destDir: string): Promise<void> {
+  // Brief delay to ensure OS fully releases file handles (Windows)
+  await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, 500));
+
+  if (process.platform === "win32") {
+    // PowerShell 5.1's Expand-Archive uses .NET FileStream which can conflict
+    // with recently-closed Node.js file handles. Use ZipFile API directly.
+    execFileSync("powershell", [
+      "-NoProfile", "-Command",
+      `Add-Type -AssemblyName System.IO.Compression.FileSystem; ` +
+      `[System.IO.Compression.ZipFile]::ExtractToDirectory('${archivePath}', '${destDir}')`,
+    ], { timeout: 120_000 });
+  } else {
+    execFileSync("unzip", ["-o", archivePath, "-d", destDir], { timeout: 120_000 });
+  }
+}
+
 /**
  * If extraction created a single subdirectory, move its contents up.
  * Many tarballs wrap files in a top-level directory.
@@ -452,7 +491,7 @@ export async function getLatestChromiumVersion(): Promise<string | null> {
       draft: boolean;
       assets: Array<{ name: string }>;
     }>;
-    const platformTarball = `cloakbrowser-${getPlatformTag()}.tar.gz`;
+    const platformTarball = getArchiveName();
     for (const release of releases) {
       if (release.tag_name.startsWith("chromium-v") && !release.draft) {
         const assetNames = new Set(
@@ -500,7 +539,7 @@ export async function checkWrapperUpdate(): Promise<void> {
     if (data.version && versionNewer(data.version, WRAPPER_VERSION)) {
       console.warn(
         `[cloakbrowser] Update available: ${WRAPPER_VERSION} → ${data.version}. ` +
-          `Run: npm install cloakbrowser@latest`
+        `Run: npm install cloakbrowser@latest`
       );
     }
   } catch {
@@ -547,10 +586,10 @@ async function checkAndDownloadUpdate(): Promise<void> {
 function maybeTriggerUpdateCheck(): void {
   // Wrapper update: once per process, not rate-limited
   if (!wrapperUpdateChecked) {
-    checkWrapperUpdate().catch(() => {});
+    checkWrapperUpdate().catch(() => { });
   }
 
   // Binary update: rate-limited to once per hour
   if (!shouldCheckForUpdate()) return;
-  checkAndDownloadUpdate().catch(() => {});
+  checkAndDownloadUpdate().catch(() => { });
 }

js/src/index.ts

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
  */
 
 // Launch functions (Playwright API)
-export { launch, launchContext } from "./playwright.js";
+export { launch, launchContext, launchPersistentContext } from "./playwright.js";
 
 // Binary management
 export { ensureBinary, clearCache, binaryInfo, checkForUpdate } from "./download.js";
@@ -25,4 +25,4 @@ export { ensureBinary, clearCache, binaryInfo, checkForUpdate } from "./download
 export { CHROMIUM_VERSION, getDefaultStealthArgs } from "./config.js";
 
 // Types
-export type { LaunchOptions, LaunchContextOptions, BinaryInfo } from "./types.js";
+export type { LaunchOptions, LaunchContextOptions, LaunchPersistentContextOptions, BinaryInfo } from "./types.js";

js/src/playwright.ts

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
  */
 
 import type { Browser, BrowserContext } from "playwright-core";
-import type { LaunchOptions, LaunchContextOptions } from "./types.js";
+import type { LaunchOptions, LaunchContextOptions, LaunchPersistentContextOptions } from "./types.js";
 import { DEFAULT_VIEWPORT, getDefaultStealthArgs } from "./config.js";
 import { ensureBinary } from "./download.js";
 import { parseProxyUrl } from "./proxy.js";
@@ -88,6 +88,53 @@ export async function launchContext(
   return context;
 }
 
+/**
+ * Launch stealth browser with a persistent user profile (non-incognito).
+ * Uses Playwright's chromium.launchPersistentContext() under the hood.
+ *
+ * This avoids incognito detection by services like BrowserScan (-10% penalty)
+ * and enables session persistence (cookies, localStorage) across launches.
+ *
+ * @example
+ * ```ts
+ * import { launchPersistentContext } from 'cloakbrowser';
+ * const context = await launchPersistentContext({
+ *   userDataDir: './chrome-profile',
+ *   headless: false,
+ *   proxy: 'http://user:pass@host:port',
+ *   geoip: true,
+ * });
+ * const page = context.pages()[0] || await context.newPage();
+ * await page.goto('https://example.com');
+ * await context.close();
+ * ```
+ */
+export async function launchPersistentContext(
+  options: LaunchPersistentContextOptions
+): Promise<BrowserContext> {
+  const { chromium } = await import("playwright-core");
+
+  const binaryPath = process.env.CLOAKBROWSER_BINARY_PATH || (await ensureBinary());
+  const resolved = await maybeResolveGeoip(options);
+  const args = buildArgs({ ...options, ...resolved });
+
+  const context = await chromium.launchPersistentContext(options.userDataDir, {
+    executablePath: binaryPath,
+    headless: options.headless ?? true,
+    args,
+    ignoreDefaultArgs: ["--enable-automation"],
+    ...(options.proxy ? { proxy: parseProxyUrl(options.proxy) } : {}),
+    ...(options.userAgent ? { userAgent: options.userAgent } : {}),
+    viewport: options.viewport ?? DEFAULT_VIEWPORT,
+    ...(resolved.locale ? { locale: resolved.locale } : {}),
+    ...(resolved.timezone ? { timezoneId: resolved.timezone } : {}),
+    ...(options.colorScheme ? { colorScheme: options.colorScheme } : {}),
+    ...options.launchOptions,
+  });
+
+  return context;
+}
+
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 // Internal
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

js/src/types.ts

@@ -34,6 +34,11 @@ export interface LaunchContextOptions extends LaunchOptions {
   colorScheme?: "light" | "dark" | "no-preference";
 }
 
+export interface LaunchPersistentContextOptions extends LaunchContextOptions {
+  /** Path to user data directory for persistent profile. */
+  userDataDir: string;
+}
+
 export interface BinaryInfo {
   version: string;
   platform: string;