Mozilla will continue to provide security updates for its Firefox 115 ESR browser on older Windows and macOS systems until March 2026. This decision extends the previous support deadline by an additional six months.
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A Longer Lifeline for Older Computers
If you use an older computer, you have received some good news. The people who make the Firefox web browser have decided to help you stay safe online for a bit longer. They will keep sending important security updates to Firefox version 115 ESR for computers running Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1. This extra help was going to stop in September 2025. Now, it will continue until March 2026. This is a very helpful extension.
This extension is not just for Windows users. People using older Apple computers with macOS versions 10.12, 10.13, and 10.14 will also get these same security updates for Firefox 115 ESR. This decision gives everyone with these older systems more time. It helps you keep browsing the web more safely while you plan for a future upgrade. It is a welcome relief for many who are not ready to buy a new computer yet.
The Story of Continued Support
The browser known as Firefox has a special version called ESR, which stands for Extended Support Release. This version is for users who need stability and security over new features. In May 2023, the Firefox team announced that version 115 would be the last one to work on the Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 operating systems. This was the beginning of the planned end of support.
Originally, the plan was to provide support for these older systems until the third quarter of 2024. Many people depend on these systems, so the team at Mozilla extended the support. The date was pushed to September 2025. Now, with the latest announcement made on September 4, 2025, that support has been stretched even further to March 2026. This shows a commitment to users who, for many reasons, continue to rely on older hardware and software. Each extension has provided a valuable window of time for users to browse with a more secure tool.
Why This Extension Is So Important
Microsoft, the company that makes Windows, has already stopped supporting Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. This is a critical point. When an operating system is no longer supported, it does not receive security patches from its maker. This leaves the system vulnerable to viruses, hacking, and other online dangers. Using an unsupported operating system to browse the internet is a significant risk.
As time goes on, other software companies also stop making their programs work on these old systems. You might find that new apps or updates to your favorite programs will not install. This slow decline in support can make an old computer very difficult to use safely and effectively. Firefox’s decision to continue providing a secure browser is a big deal. It acts as a protective shield for your online activities. While your main system is not getting updates, having a browser that does get them helps protect you from many web-based threats.
What This Means for You
This news is directly for you if you are still using one of the affected operating systems. It gives you a clear, safer path for using the internet.
- Continue Using Firefox: Make sure you are using the Firefox 115 ESR version. This is the specific version that will receive the security updates. Regular versions of Firefox beyond 115 will not work on your system.
- A Safer Web Experience: With an updated browser, you are better protected from malicious websites and online scams. It helps keep your personal information safer when you are banking, shopping, or just browsing.
- More Time to Plan: This extension is a temporary bridge. It is not a permanent fix. It gives you about a year and a half to plan your next step. You should use this time to think about upgrading your computer or operating system.
- No New Features: Remember, the ESR version focuses only on security. You will not get new browser features or major design changes. The goal is to keep your browsing experience stable and secure.
Planning for the Future
The new end date for support is March 2026. This date is firm. After this, Firefox will no longer provide any security updates for these old systems. Using the internet on them will become much riskier. It is wise to view this extension as a final grace period.
Start thinking now about moving to a modern operating system like Windows 11 or the latest macOS. Newer systems are supported by their makers. They receive regular security updates that protect your entire computer, not just your web browser. A new system will also run all the latest software and provide the best performance. This extension from Firefox is a generous and helpful action, but the best long-term plan for your online safety is to move to a modern and fully supported computer system.