Firefox browser will abandon support for Windows 7/8/8.1 systems after September 2024

Following the termination of support for Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1, a majority of browsers within the Chromium coalition, such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, have ceased to extend their support for these obsolete systems.

In Google’s parlance, with the system itself no longer secure, continuing to update the browser to provide security updates becomes somewhat pointless. Thus, Chrome halted its support for these antiquated versions early on.

On the contrary, the Mozilla Foundation believes that it is crucial to offer users, particularly corporate ones, a transition period. Consequently, the Mozilla Foundation continues to support these dated operating systems through the Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release), primarily offering security updates.

However, such support cannot be perpetuated indefinitely. After several months of deliberation, the Mozilla Foundation has today announced the final date of support: September 2024.

Those unwilling to upgrade to Windows 10 and Windows 11 can utilize Firefox 115 ESR until September 2024. The Mozilla Foundation promises to extend its security support for an additional 15 months – a duration that should suffice for customers to upgrade their systems.

Firefox 115 ESR is expected to be launched in June. Hence, starting next month, users still utilizing Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 will need to transition to the Firefox ESR version.