Mozilla Firefox for PC: How to Download and Install on Windows (2026 Guide)

Your web browser is probably the app you open most on your PC, so choose one that respects your privacy as well as your time. Mozilla Firefox has been a favourite for years because it is fast, independent, and built by a non-profit that does not sell your browsing data.

This guide shows you how to download and install Firefox on Windows 10 and Windows 11 using only the official source, and how to make it your default browser in a couple of minutes.

What Is Mozilla Firefox?

Mozilla Firefox is a free and open-source web browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation. It launched in 2004 and still runs on its own rendering engine, called Quantum (Gecko), rather than the Chromium engine used by most rivals.

Firefox offers strong built-in tracking protection, a huge extension library, and deep customisation, while syncing your bookmarks, passwords, and open tabs across computer and phone. For many people it is the most balanced browser available on a PC today.

Key Features of Mozilla Firefox

Enhanced Tracking Protection: Blocks many third-party trackers, fingerprinting scripts, and cryptominers automatically, so websites follow you far less.
Fast Quantum engine: Pages load quickly and stay responsive even with dozens of tabs open.
Firefox Sync: Sign in once to sync bookmarks, history, passwords, and open tabs securely across PC and phone.
Huge extension library: Thousands of add-ons for ad blocking, passwords, screenshots, translation, and productivity from Mozilla’s official add-ons site.
Picture-in-Picture video: Pop a video into a small floating window that stays on top while you work.
Built-in PDF viewer and editor: Open PDFs in the browser, fill in forms, and add text or drawings — no extra software needed.
Private Browsing mode: Browse without saving history, cookies, or form data, with tracking protection on by default.

System Requirements

Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit recommended)
Processor: Pentium 4 or newer with SSE2 support; any modern Intel or AMD CPU works well
RAM: 2 GB minimum, 4 GB or more recommended for heavy tab use
Storage: Around 600 MB of free disk space for the installation and browser cache
Internet: Required for the download, automatic updates, and Firefox Sync
Account: A free Mozilla account is optional and only needed for syncing between devices

How to Download Mozilla Firefox (Official Method)

Firefox is free, so there is never a good reason to download it from a random software site. Unofficial copies can be bundled with adware, or they may be old versions with security holes that were fixed long ago. Always use Mozilla’s own website, which gives you the latest stable release directly from the developer.

Official Website: Download Mozilla Firefox from the official website

Step-by-Step Installation

Open your current browser and go to the official Firefox download page linked above.
Click the “Download Firefox” button; a small Firefox Installer setup file will be saved to your Downloads folder.
Double-click the downloaded installer to start it, and approve the Windows permission prompt if it appears.
The installer works mostly automatically: it downloads the full browser and installs it without complicated options to choose.
When setup finishes, Firefox launches and offers to import bookmarks and passwords from your old browser.
Choose whether to import your data now, or skip this step and do it later from the settings menu.
Pin Firefox to your taskbar or create a desktop shortcut if you want quicker access for daily use.

Alternative method: Firefox is also available in the Microsoft Store — search for “Mozilla Firefox” there and click Get to install it and receive updates through the Store.

How to Set Firefox as Your Default Browser in Windows

Making Firefox your default browser means every link you click in emails, chats, and documents opens in Firefox automatically:

Open Firefox, click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner, and choose Settings.
In the General panel, find the Startup section near the top of the page.
Click the “Make Default…” button and confirm if Windows asks you to choose a default app.
On Windows 11, the Settings app may open instead — select Firefox in the list and click “Set default”.
Close Settings, then click any web link in another app to check that it opens in Firefox.

Is Mozilla Firefox Really Free?

Yes — Firefox is completely free to download and use, with no paid version, no licence key, and no trial period. Mozilla is a non-profit organisation funded mainly by search partnerships and donations, which is why the browser carries no price tag and does not depend on selling user data. Optional extras, such as the separate Mozilla VPN subscription, exist, but the browser itself — updates, sync, and all core features — costs nothing. If a website asks you to pay for Firefox, close it and use the official link above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to download Firefox from the official website?
Yes. Mozilla’s website is the developer’s official distribution channel, and the installer is digitally signed by Mozilla. Firefox also updates itself automatically with security patches. Downloading only from the official link protects you from modified copies bundled with unwanted software.

Is Firefox really free, or will I be asked to pay later?
Firefox is free forever. There is no premium tier hiding features behind a paywall and no subscription to keep using it. Every user gets the same complete browser, and all updates are free too.

Will Firefox import my bookmarks and passwords from Chrome or Edge?
Yes. During setup, Firefox offers to import bookmarks, passwords, and history from Chrome, Edge, and other browsers. You can also do it later: press Ctrl+Shift+O to open the Library, then choose Manage Bookmarks and the Import option.

Does Firefox still work on older versions of Windows?
Current Firefox releases require Windows 10 or later. Mozilla ended support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, so those systems no longer receive security updates. If your PC runs an older Windows, upgrading the operating system is strongly recommended.

Conclusion

Firefox remains one of the best browsers for a Windows PC: fast, private, customisable, and completely free. Install it from the official download, set it as your default, and browse on your own terms.

Download Mozilla Firefox from the Official Website

Mozilla Firefox for PC: How to Download and Install on Windows (2026 Guide)