Mozilla has released Firefox 146, which marks a notable update for Linux users by adding full support for fractional scaling under Wayland, enhancing the browser’s usability on high-DPI displays. This means that users no longer need to adjust settings manually through about:config or use beta versions to achieve optimal scaling for text and web elements. Mozilla states that this change improves rendering effectiveness, ensuring that items like menus and icons display correctly and without blurriness.
Apart from the scaling feature for Linux, Firefox 146 introduces several enhancements across different operating systems. For Windows 10 users, the update includes a new backup feature for passwords and bookmarks, which occurs automatically on a daily basis and can be password-protected for added security. Although this feature initially targets Windows, Mozilla has announced plans to extend local backups to other operating systems shortly.
MacOS users will benefit from a dedicated GPU process that aims to resolve graphics-related issues. If problems arise within their graphics code, instead of crashing the entire browser, Firefox’s GPU process will restart independently.
Other notable changes in this update include:
- A weather widget for the New Tab page for users in the EU and select other regions. This feature is sponsored by Accuweather and offers users quick weather updates.
- Firefox Labs will now be accessible to all users, even those who opt-out of telemetry data collection.
- Improved search functionality allows for more query responses to appear directly in the search bar, thereby streamlining the user experience.
- Enhanced accessibility features have been added to color picker controls.
- New recommendations for English users in France, Germany, and Italy, along with advancements in web development tools, such as new CSS properties and functions.
In summary, while Firefox 146 appears modest at first glance, it lays the groundwork for future features like split tabs and an AI prompts system, indicating a promising direction for the browser.
How to Get Firefox 146
If you’re using Ubuntu, the update will be automatically downloaded and installed. Just restart the browser to apply the latest changes. For those who haven’t yet installed Firefox, options include using the official Snap or Flatpak versions, adding the Mozilla APT repository for the DEB package, or downloading it directly from the Mozilla website.
Linux Mint users can access the update through the Mint Update tool starting December 9, 2025.