Mozilla has announced another extension in support for its Firefox ESR 115, providing relief for users operating older operating systems. Initially slated to end in September 2024, support is now extended until March 2026, marking a significant move toward keeping these systems resilient and usable.
Firefox 115 ESR was released in July 2023 with the aim of maintaining a stable version of Firefox for enterprises and educational facilities that require long-term support. This extension caters to users employing legacy systems like Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and macOS versions 10.12 to 10.14. Originally, support was extended to April 2025 and further stretched to September 2025 before the latest announcement.
Re-evaluation of Support
The decision to further the support has been influenced by Mozilla's commitment to ensuring seamless browsing experiences on older platforms. By February 2026, Mozilla plans to revisit this support extension to decide on the best course of action thereafter. Usage statistics indicate significant engagement across various platforms, with Windows 11 users making up 39.352%, Windows 10 capturing 38.926%, and those on Windows 7 accounting for 6.769%. This data suggests that despite newer operating systems, a meaningful percentage of users continue to rely on older versions.
Upgrade Recommendations
As Firefox ESR 115 continues to operate on these legacy systems, Mozilla provides strong recommendations for users to upgrade to at least Firefox ESR 128, particularly for those using supported systems. It highlights the crucial need for robust security and improved features that accompany newer updates.
Furthermore, Mozilla's guidance extends to the importance of not using outdated operating systems that no longer receive critical security updates. For users who persist in employing older hardware, Mozilla suggests exploring lightweight Linux distributions. This change can enhance security and maintain functionality without requiring significant hardware upgrades.
By extending support for Firefox ESR 115, Mozilla reiterates its dedication to a diverse user base, underscoring the importance of security and usability in the ever-evolving digital landscape. As enterprises and educational institutions navigate these changes, the priority remains to stay updated and secure.
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