Mozilla has released the stable version of Firefox 115. This is a minor update that includes the usual bug fixes and those small changes that improve its interface, features or functionality. However, the most striking aspect is that it will be the last edition compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 operating systems.

Microsoft ended extended support for Windows 7 on Jan. 10, effectively ending what many say was the Redmond company’s last great operating system and one of its longest running since the disastrous Windows 8 forced it to stay. the Extended Security Update (ESU) program.

This period has ended and users have had to look for alternatives due to the increased exposure to computer attacks that comes with maintaining software without security updates. Several services have followed in Microsoft’s footsteps and set a date to end support for Windows 7, such as Steam. Also web browsers like Chrome and Edge.

Firefox 115, the latest for Windows 7

Now comes the end of the Mozilla browser, the only open source among the greats and the most private. Firefox 115 will be the last version with support for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, but it must be said that it will not be completely removed. Computers with these versions of Windows will be moved to the channel Release of Firefox Extended Support (ESR), which is updated less frequently but still receives security updates as Mozilla implements them into new versions.

Specifically, Mozilla promises to patch Firefox 115 ESR with security updates until September 2024. Since Google and Microsoft will turn off the faucet early, there will be no secure way to browse the web on Windows versions prior to v10 after that date. Not even in old Apple versions, as this Firefox 115 also marks the end of support for macOS 10.12, 10.13 and 10.14.

Otherwise, Small changes, but suitable for improving development. Probably the most interesting is the migration tool, which is used to transfer data from other web browsers to the Firefox profile. The new migration assistant that was partially implemented in Firefox 114 is now fully enabled by default. It now also supports importing payment methods from Chromium-based browsers.

More news come from hardware video decoding enabled for Linux computers with Intel graphics cards; undo and redo actions are now available in password fields and tab manager dropdown with close buttons. The Android version also has a new search button in the address bar to quickly switch between search engines and access bookmarks and browser history.

Finally, highlight new notifications that users will receive when browsing and using certain websites extensions not tracked by Mozilla. This feature is called ‘Quarantine Domains’ and is aimed at improving security. The foundation is expected to clarify its functioning and blocking rules.

The final and stable version of Firefox 115 is available for download on its web portal. If you’re using previous versions and it didn’t automatically update in the background (Windows and macOS), you can go to Menu > Help > About Firefox to check the active version and update manually.