Great news for busy professionals still using older versions of Windows! Mozilla has stepped up once again, extending support for its Firefox 115 Extended Support Release (ESR) on outdated platforms like Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 until March 2026. This gives you extra time to adapt while still keeping your browsing secure.
Originally, Firefox 115, which was launched in July 2023, was set to be the last version for these older operating systems, with initial support scheduled to wrap up in September 2024. However, due to a significant number of users still relying on these outdated systems, Mozilla has pushed the deadline multiple times, including a recent six-month extension.
As Mozilla stated, “We decided to extend support for ESR 115 only on Windows 7-8.1 and macOS 10.12-10.14 up to March 2026. We will re-evaluate this decision in February 2026 and announce any updates on ESR 115’s end-of-life then.” This means that while you’re busy with your daily tasks, your browser will still be receiving essential security patches.
Interestingly, according to Mozilla’s Public Data Report, Windows 7 still holds a 6.7% share of Firefox’s user base, even after Microsoft ended support for these systems back in January 2023. Unlike its competitors—Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge—Firefox remains the last mainstream browser providing security updates for these legacy platforms.
What Does This Mean for You?
1. Security Updates Only: If you’re using Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, you’ll be on Firefox 115 ESR. While you won’t get new features, you will continue to receive critical security patches until at least March 2026. This is crucial for minimizing risks while you navigate the web on older systems.
2. Upgrade Recommended: Even though Mozilla is providing these updates, sticking with unsupported operating systems can be risky. Old versions of Windows are still vulnerable to known threats. To ensure long-term safety, consider upgrading to Windows 10 or higher, or explore Linux distributions like Mint as an alternative.
3. Future Uncertainty: While support may officially end after March 2026, given Mozilla’s history of extensions, there’s a possibility that updates might continue beyond that date. However, nothing is guaranteed, so preparing for the future is wise.
For now, Firefox stands as the only major browser actively addressing security issues for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, providing you with a little more breathing room before you need to upgrade your system.
