In a move sure to attract users from Google Chrome, Mozilla has announced an extension of support for its Firefox browser on older Windows operating systems, notably Windows 7 and 8. This decision surpasses even Microsoft’s own timeline for supporting these platforms.
Extended Support for Older Windows Versions
Mozilla’s product management team, led by Byron Jourdan, revealed the extended roadmap for Firefox, which now includes continued updates for Windows 7 and 8 users. Originally, extended support versions of Firefox were scheduled to continue for Windows 7 until December 2023. However, the new announcement expands this support to include Windows 8 and 8.1 as well.
Why This Matters
This extended support allows users of older Windows versions to access the latest features and security updates provided by Firefox, maintaining a level of protection that would otherwise be unavailable due to the lack of updates from Microsoft and other software vendors, including Google Chrome. According to Statcounter, Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 collectively account for just 3% of the desktop market share. Despite this small percentage, Mozilla is keen on retaining these users by continuing to offer support.
No Fixed End Date for Support
While there is no definitive end date for this support extension, Jourdan emphasized that as long as there is measurable usage, Mozilla plans to continue supporting these older versions of Windows. This strategy not only helps keep users secure but also reinforces Mozilla’s commitment to user choice and accessibility.
What This Means for Firefox Users
By maintaining support for older systems, Firefox stands out as a viable option for users who are unable or unwilling to upgrade their operating systems. This move could influence some users’ decisions to switch from Chrome, especially if they are using older Windows versions that no longer receive Chrome updates.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this development. How do you think Mozilla’s decision to extend Firefox support for older Windows versions will impact its performance and user base? Share your views in the comments below.
