In the battle that different web browser developers are currently having, we can highlight three proposals: Chrome, Edge and Firefox. They are programs that have become indispensable for most people and their creators want to win over as many users as possible.
In these lines we want to focus on the proposal that is characterized by the privacy it offers us, Mozilla Firefox. In addition, we must take into account that many users around the world use this type of program in older versions of Windows. Even in those that no longer receive official support from Microsoft.
For those of you who don’t know, and if we’re focusing on the Mozilla project, Firefox 115 is the latest version of the web browser that is compatible with older versions of Windows. In this case, we’re referring to Windows 7, 8, and 8.1; as well as some versions of macOS. Keep in mind that if you try to install Firefox 116 or a newer version on these computers, you’ll encounter an error.
But for those who continue to use the aforementioned version of the browser on an older Windows, they are in luck. As we have told you on many occasions, this is not the most advisable situation in most cases. We are working with a vulnerable computer that can put our data at risk. But there are certain extreme situations, especially in the more professional field, in which certain users have no choice but to work with these operating systems without support.
Well, we are telling you all this because Firefox has just announced that it will support Windows 7 and 8.
This is how you can continue using Firefox on Windows 7
The software giant has announced that it will be extending support for these operating systems. When it launched the final version of Firefox 115, it initially did not mention anything about support for these older systems. But now it is important to know that the Extended Support Release, or ESR, allows Windows 7 and 8 users to continue using Firefox.
Mozilla’s main competitors, such as Google and Microsoft, have already ended support for Windows 7. This means that this extension for Firefox could become an excellent alternative for those interested. We already have official confirmation that support is being extended for these versions of Windows without official support.
To give you a better idea of what this is all about, support for Firefox 115 ESR extends until at least March 2025. However, for the moment, Mozilla has not confirmed whether the extension is final or whether there is a possibility that support will be extended beyond March 2025.
The company is currently analyzing usage numbers to determine whether to extend support again or not. Right now, about 10% of Firefox users are on these older operating systems, though that number is naturally decreasing over time. But there are still a few months of official support from Mozilla for Firefox on outdated systems left.
