Firefox fights for you on Windows.

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Firefox moves fast and treats your data with care — no ad tracking and no slowdown.

Common sense privacy

Live your life, Firefox isn’t watching. Choose what to share and when to share it.

Seamless setup

Easy migration of preferences and bookmarks when you download Firefox for Windows.

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Download Firefox — English (US)

Your system may not meet the requirements for Firefox, but you can try one of these versions:

How to download and install Firefox on Windows

This article explains how to download and install Firefox on Windows using a simplified online installer. (If you need a full, offline installer or custom options, see For advanced users, below.)

Before installing Firefox, see the Firefox System Requirements to make sure that your computer has the required operating system and recommended hardware.

Do not install Firefox using a limited Windows XP account. For more information, see Microsoft’s support article How to determine your user account type in Windows.

1. Visit this Firefox download page in any browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the Download Now button. The Firefox Installer that downloads will automatically offer you the best available version of Firefox for your computer.
   • If you use Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer, a notification bar will appear at the bottom of the page with an option to open or run the Firefox Installer file.

   

   • Click Open file on Microsoft Edge or Run on Internet Explorer, to start the process.
   • In other browsers, you may need to first save the Firefox installer to your computer, then open the file you downloaded.
     Note: If you see an Open File — Security Warning dialog, click Open or Run .

   

3. The User Account Control dialog may open, to ask you to allow the Firefox Installer to make changes to your computer. If this dialog appears, click Yes to start the installation.
4. Wait for Firefox to finish installing.
5. When the installation is complete, Firefox will open.

Double-click the Firefox icon that was placed on the desktop whenever you want to go online.

Having problems?

Here are some articles that can help you:

If you need more help, you can always get community support.

For advanced users

The streamlined Firefox Installer installs a suitable Firefox version for your language and operating system. For example, on 64-bit Windows, it installs the 64-bit version of Firefox (details here). To install Firefox in another language or operating system, or if you need a full, offline installer with custom options, download the Firefox Setup file from this download page. Options available in the full, offline installer are described in the article, Custom installation of Firefox on Windows.

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Custom installation of Firefox on Windows

Firefox installations on Windows have been simplified with the online Firefox Installer. This streamlined installer removed the Options page which allowed you to change settings such as the installation folder and whether to add program shortcuts. How to download and install Firefox on Windows explains how to install Firefox with standard options using the online Firefox Installer.

This article explains how to customize your installation with the full, offline Firefox Setup file and the options that are available.

Table of Contents

Where to download Firefox for a custom installation

You can download the Firefox Setup file in your language, from this Firefox download page.

How to install Firefox with custom settings

When you run the Firefox Setup file, the Mozilla Firefox Setup Wizard will open.

After clicking Next you can choose a Standard or Custom installation. The Standard setup will be selected by default.

A Custom setup lets you choose the folder where Firefox program files will be installed, as well as which shortcuts to create. These options are not available in a Standard setup. Select the Custom setup type and click Next .

Choose where Firefox is installed

The next step is where you can choose a different Destination Folder, which is where the Firefox program will be installed.

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\ is the default folder path on 32-bit Windows. It’s also the default location on 64-bit Windows when the 64-bit Firefox version is installed.

When the 32-bit Firefox version is installed on 64-bit Windows, the default folder path is C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\

You can change the folder where Firefox will be installed either by manually typing the location of another folder on your computer or you can click Browse. to select a new folder.

• Space required: The amount of space on your hard drive that’s needed to install Firefox.
• Space available: The amount of space available on your hard drive.

Click Next to continue.

Choose optional components

In the next screen you can choose whether to install the optional Mozilla Maintenance Service which allows application updates to occur in the background, without requiring you to click Yes in the Windows User Account Control (UAC) dialog. For more information, see What is the Mozilla Maintenance Service?.

Choose shortcuts

• On my Desktop: You can choose to create a Firefox shortcut icon on the Windows Desktop.
• In my Start Menu Programs folder: This will create a Firefox shortcut icon in the Windows Start Menu Programs folder.

After choosing which Firefox program shortcuts to create, click Next .

Summary

The Summary that comes up next will show the folder location where Firefox will be installed.

• Check mark Use Firefox as my default web browser if you want Firefox to start up when you open a link in your mail application, an Internet shortcut, or HTML document. For more information, see Make Firefox your default browser.

If you are reinstalling Firefox over an existing version, you’ll see an Upgrade button instead of an Install button.

Click Install or Upgrade to complete the installation. When Firefox is finished installing, the «Completing the Mozilla Firefox Setup Wizard» screen will appear.

Click Finish . This will start Firefox unless you first clear the «Launch Firefox now» checkbox.

Congratulations, you are done installing Firefox!

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Mozilla Firefox for Windows

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Free open-source browser

Mozilla Firefox is a free web browser for Windows and Mac operating systems. Launched by the Mozilla Foundation in 2003, the open-source program has undergone several name changes, face-lifts, and updates to become the class software it is today.

Web browser with key advantages

The US company behind the Mozilla Suite already had a browser running in 2002, but they wanted to escape Netscape’s sponsorship restrictions. Originally named Phoenix, the brand changed to Firebird and then to Firefox in 2004 to avoid trademark claims. Since then, it’s become one of the most popular browsers on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices.

Initially running on 32-bit systems, Mozilla Firefox updated to a 64-bit MSI package for Windows in 2016. The main advantages include improved download protection, process separation, and specific customizations on the web browser. While you can use the interface bar like a search engine, Google appears as the default.

The colorful, attractive theme appeals to most people who use the platform, and ease of use and minimal menus are some of the top benefits. Firefox’s speed rivals some of the best browsers available, using less memory and other Windows resources. What it lacks, though, are advanced tools for developers.

Firefox and safety protocols

One of the greatest concerns for anyone using a browser is whether Mozilla Firefox is safe to download and use. In 2019, the German Federal Office for Information Security named it the most secure web browser among any available worldwide. Of all the features analyzed, Firefox’s list of trusted certificates came out on top.

The platform also has strong privacy protocols for both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems, protecting your PC from tracker cookies. The certificates passed both verification tests for the Certification Revocation List and Online Certificate Status Protocol. Additionally, Mozilla Firefox presents adequate icon and color signage for whether a site is encrypted or not.

To further expand on Firefox’s safety features, it has HTTP Strict Transport Security and supports the Same Origin Policy. There’s a password manager to keep all your data securely in one place and you’ll receive regular updates to ensure optimal performance. You can also block and delete cookies, and clear your browser history if you’d like.

Signing up for a Firefox account

While you’ll receive the basic services when using the web browser, there are specific advantages to creating a Firefox account. Foremost on the list is Firefox Sync, which lets you access your account data on any Windows device. There’s also the Pocket tool that saves different web pages to your reading list based on your preferences.

If you enjoy helping other members with program issues, holding an official account gives you the chance to answer help queries. You can also synchronize notes you’ve made for easy access on desktop and mobile. For improved security, you’ll be able to monitor any data breach information.

A Firefox account lets you also watch content on Fire TV by receiving tabs from other Windows devices. If you’ve installed add-ons and themes for your web browser, the only way you can save it is with a registered account.

Comparison with other Windows browsers

When anyone speaks of quality internet searching, Google Chrome quickly springs to mind. It matches Mozilla Firefox in speed, beating it slightly when it comes to a desktop. The latter wins the fight with performance when opening several tabs since it isn’t as hungry on resources as Chrome.

Microsoft Edge is another leading competitor in the industry, designed and built for the Windows environment. It’s an in-house web browser that receives updates when the operating system does. However, since Edge is still relatively new, it has a long way to go to catch up to Firefox’s massive market and security features.

Finally, many businesses have hailed Opera as one of the most innovative browsing platforms. Its instant search function and advanced tools build on Chrome’s success. Opera’s latest features have set the benchmark for others, including a crypto wallet, support for Web 3, and a VPN service for additional online safety.

How to download and install Mozilla Firefox

Downloading the software is easy and effortless. When you open it, you’ll need to indicate where to install the program. You won’t be able to synchronize your files with your Firefox account until after the browser is set up.

The main downfall is that you’ll need to spend some time after installation working through all the available options. However, it’s best that you do, to ensure advanced security measures kick into place. Once installed and running, you can click on the menu tab to look at all the privacy and control settings.

Secure web browsing on Windows

Mozilla Firefox has come a long way from its days as Phoenix and Firebird. It has strong safety systems in place to protect your privacy and passwords, claiming the title as the most secure browser in 2019. You can also access additional tools and settings with a registered account.

Of all its features, its performance stands out above the rest. The speed is a result of needing fewer resources, unlike other browsers, giving you a better experience. It also hosts several new updates, such as blocked cryptominers notifications, improved alerts, and Extended Support Release upgrades.