SourceForge is generally considered safe to use in 2025. It had a controversial past when some downloads were bundled with adware, but after new ownership took over and policy changes in recent years, SourceForge has improved significantly. Currently, all projects and downloads are scanned for malware, and the platform no longer bundles adware with legitimate software. However, risks can still exist if individual developers include unwanted software, so users should download from verified projects, check user reviews, and scan files with antivirus software before use. SourceForge also has security measures for protecting user data, though perfect security cannot be guaranteed. Using additional precautions like VPNs, two-factor authentication, and secure passwords is recommended for the best safety and privacy while using SourceForge.
