Firefox Extended Support Release 115 continues to run on Windows 7, with no signs of quitting before March 2026.

In a move aimed at ensuring continued security protections and encouraging upgrades to supported operating systems, Mozilla has announced several changes to its browser support policies.

Firstly, the organisation has extended the support for Firefox 115 ESR from September 2025 to March 2026 for Windows 7 users. This decision was made to give users more time to transition to newer versions of the operating system, while still benefiting from critical security updates.

However, the end of the road for 32-bit Linux support is approaching. Mozilla has confirmed that with the release of Firefox 144, the browser will no longer support 32-bit Linux. This decision comes after a gradual process of phasing out support for 32-bit Linux, as maintaining it has become increasingly difficult and unreliable.

Mozilla is not alone in this move. Microsoft ended support for the Chromium-based Edge at the start of 2023, further emphasising the need for users to upgrade their systems for continued access to the latest features and long-term stability.

For users who are unable or unwilling to change, Mozilla recommends moving to Firefox ESR 140, which will have 32-bit builds and will be supported until at least September 2026.

It's worth noting that Mozilla remains the last major browser maker still supporting Windows 7 through the Extended Support Release (ESR) channel. Firefox 115 ESR is the final supported version of the browser for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1.

The end of support for 32-bit Linux and obsolete versions of Windows could make 2026 a significant year for users of elderly hardware. Users are encouraged to upgrade to a supported operating system to access the latest Firefox features and maintain long-term stability.

Mozilla will disable 32-bit Linux builds of Firefox starting from mid-2026. This decision, along with the end of support for Firefox 115 ESR on Windows 7, underscores the need for users to plan their upgrades accordingly.

The ESR program provides only security updates for Firefox 115 ESR, meaning that while it will continue to function, it will lack new features and potential improvements. Upgrading to a newer version of Firefox is advisable for a better browsing experience.

In conclusion, Mozilla's decisions to extend support for Firefox ESR 115 on Windows 7 and announce the end of 32-bit Linux support are part of a broader trend towards encouraging users to upgrade their systems for improved security, features, and long-term stability.

Firefox Extended Support Release 115 continues to run on Windows 7, with no signs of quitting before March 2026.