The journey has been lengthy, stretching back to 2009 when Windows 7 first arrived on the scene. Now, a chapter closes as Mozilla officially ends support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 with the latest Firefox updates.
This shift began with Firefox version 115, though the browser has since advanced to version 147. Version 115 now exists as an Extended Support Release, a deliberately paced version prioritizing stability and essential security updates.
This extended support wasn’t a foregone conclusion. Mozilla initially planned to end support in 2024, but twice delayed the inevitable. The final date is now set: updates to the 115 ESR version will continue until the end of February 2026.
The decision highlights a growing divide, as other major browsers abandoned Windows 7 support years ago. Maintaining compatibility with older systems requires significant resources, a challenge Mozilla has navigated with these extended releases.
For those still using these older Windows versions, the path forward is clear, though not necessarily easy. Mozilla suggests upgrading to Windows 10 or 11, or exploring the world of Linux, where Firefox often comes as the standard browser.
