Microsoft ended free security updates and support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After this date, the OS no longer receives official patches for vulnerabilities, new features, or technical assistance from Microsoft. This increases security risks for users, as unpatched flaws could be exploited by malware or attackers. Microsoft offers a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for businesses and individuals, but it’s not free and only covers critical security fixes for up to three years. For most home users, the recommendation is to upgrade to Windows 11 if hardware is compatible, or consider alternatives like Linux.

Implications for Firefox Users

Firefox, developed by Mozilla, operates independently of Microsoft’s OS support lifecycle. Here’s what the end of Windows 10 support means specifically for Firefox:

•  Continued Full Support: Mozilla has committed to supporting Firefox on Windows 10 “for the foreseeable future,” even after Microsoft’s cutoff. This includes not just security patches but also the latest feature improvements, bug fixes, and performance enhancements—exactly the same as on Windows 11. Unlike older unsupported OSes (e.g., Windows 7 or 8), where Firefox provides only security updates via Extended Support Release (ESR) versions, Windows 10 gets the complete, up-to-date Firefox experience.

•  No Immediate Changes: As of now (December 2025), Firefox’s minimum system requirements still include Windows 10, with no announced plans to drop it. The current stable version (Firefox 145) and ESR branch fully support it. Mozilla views Windows 10 as a “primary platform” for many users, so they plan to maintain compatibility without restrictions.

•  Security and Updates: You’ll continue receiving automatic updates for Firefox, including rapid security fixes (sometimes within 24 hours of discovering issues). However, since the underlying OS won’t get patches, broader system vulnerabilities could indirectly affect browsing. Mozilla recommends keeping Firefox updated and using its built-in protections (like Enhanced Tracking Protection) to mitigate risks.

•  Future Notifications: If Mozilla’s support stance changes (e.g., due to declining user numbers or technical challenges), they’ll notify users directly through in-browser messages. For now, there’s no timeline for ending support—it’s expected to last “a few years” at minimum, based on Mozilla’s history with legacy OSes.

Recommendations for Firefox Users on Windows 10

•  Stay Updated: Ensure Firefox auto-updates are enabled (check in Settings > General). Manually update via Help > About Firefox if needed.

•  Upgrade OS if Possible: For optimal security, move to Windows 11. If not, consider paid ESU from Microsoft as a bridge.

•  Alternatives: If concerned about long-term OS risks, explore lightweight Linux distros (e.g., Ubuntu) that run Firefox seamlessly.

•  Monitor: Keep an eye on Mozilla’s blog or support forums for updates.

In summary, Firefox users on Windows 10 face minimal disruption—your browser stays secure and feature-rich. The bigger concern is the OS itself, so plan accordingly.