The end of Firefox browser support for Windows 7 and 8.1 means that routine use on older computers is no longer possible without risk. Users who have stuck with the same system for years now face a tough choice: either upgrade their hardware or look for alternative solutions. Security concerns come to the forefront — without updates, devices become vulnerable to attacks and data loss.
Mozilla has officially announced that Firefox version 115 will be the last release for these operating systems. After switching to the ESR (Extended Support Release) channel, updates will be delivered only until the end of February 2026. This means that in just a few days, the browser will stop receiving fixes, leaving any new threats unaddressed. As MuyComputer reports, downloading Firefox on older versions of Windows now automatically offers only the 115 ESR release, regardless of the system’s architecture.
Security at Risk
When support ends, users are left alone with outdated technologies. Microsoft stopped delivering updates for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 back in January 2023, and since then the number of known vulnerabilities has only grown. Mozilla explains that continued support for such platforms not only requires more resources but also introduces additional risks for everyone still using them. A browser running on an unsecured system cannot guarantee protection of personal data or stable performance.
Switching to another browser does not solve the problem. Most popular solutions, including Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, have long since ended support for these versions of Windows. As a result, the software ecosystem is gradually abandoning old platforms, leaving users in a situation where familiar tools are no longer available or secure.
Options for users
The official recommendation is to upgrade to Windows 10 or a newer version. Only this way can users keep access to modern features and receive timely security updates. However, not all computers are compatible with new systems: some may require purchasing new hardware. In such cases, Mozilla suggests considering a switch to Linux — most popular distributions support Firefox and continue to roll out updates for it.
For those who are not ready to change their device or operating system, there is only one option left — to use an outdated browser at their own risk. However, it is important to remember that lack of support means the likelihood of running into problems increases every day. Viruses, malicious websites, and data leaks become real threats to anyone who continues using old versions of Windows.
Implications for the market
Mozilla’s decision is not an exception, but part of a global trend. When software developers end support, it affects not only individual users but entire organizations, where upgrading infrastructure can be a complex and costly process. As a result, companies are forced to accelerate their transition to new technologies to avoid putting their data and business processes at risk.
The gradual disappearance of support for outdated systems is a wake-up call for everyone used to doing things the old way. Modern security requirements and the evolving internet leave no choice: move forward or remain in the past with growing risks. Experts warn that delaying updates can lead to serious losses, especially for those handling confidential information or financial data.
Firefox is one of the most well-known browsers, developed by the non-profit Mozilla Foundation. Since its launch, it has become a symbol of open-source software and an alternative to major corporations. The browser is recognized for its emphasis on privacy, regular updates, and support for multiple platforms. Thanks to this, Firefox remained the last resort for users of outdated systems for a long time, but modern security demands are pushing the Mozilla team to move forward and focus on new technologies.
