According to Tech Unwrapped , while Microsoft has ended support for its two operating systems as a way to entice users to switch to the newer Windows 10 or 11, Mozilla continues to support Firefox for Windows 7 and 8.1 until September 2024. This is part of Mozilla's effort to expand the browser's support across older operating systems, despite rival Google Chrome having discontinued support.
Firefox 115 will be the final version of Firefox for Windows 7 and 8.1.
Mozilla's continued support likely stems from one or two reasons. First, it aims to extend the lifespan of computers that cannot be upgraded to Windows 10 or 11. Second, it aims to retain users of Windows versions no longer supported by Chrome or Microsoft, and who, having formed a habit of using Firefox as their primary web browser, are willing to continue with it when switching to a more modern Windows version.
This means Firefox users on Windows 7 or 8.1 will continue to receive security updates from Mozilla to enhance their protection. However, when September 2024 arrives, users should be advised to switch to newer operating system platforms for true security.
According to Mozilla's published support documentation, the final standard version supporting Windows 7 or 8.1 will be Firefox 115 (the current version is 113.0.2), with an expected release date of July 4, 2023. After that date, these users will be automatically switched to Firefox's ESR channel, which is understood as an extended support release, allowing them to receive security updates from Mozilla until September of the following year.
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