Mozilla has announced that Firefox version 115 will be the last to support Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1. This change affects users of these legacy Windows versions, who are encouraged to upgrade to newer systems or switch to Linux for continued security.
End of Support Details
According to Mozilla, the decision to cease support aligns with Microsoft's termination of official support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 in January 2023. Maintaining Firefox on these outdated systems has become increasingly costly and risky. Users can still receive updates through the Firefox Extended Support Release (ESR) channel until February 2026.
Recommendations for Users
Mozilla advises users to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 or consider switching to Linux to ensure ongoing security. The company warns that other browsers, such as Google Chrome, may not be safe on unsupported systems.
Background and Future Plans
Mozilla previously faced criticism when CEO Anthony Enzor-Deme announced plans to incorporate AI features into Firefox. The company later clarified that these features can be disabled, addressing user concerns.
