Mozilla has announced that it will end support for 32-bit Linux versions of Firefox in October 2025. Although this might be alarming for users of 32-bit Linux distributions, there’s no need to panic just yet. Mozilla has maintained support for 32-bit builds longer than many other browsers as part of its commitment to extending the life of older hardware. Google Chrome, for example, ceased 32-bit Linux builds back in 2016.
The decision comes as maintaining Firefox on this platform has become increasingly unreliable and challenging for Mozilla, as stated in their official announcement. The last version that will support 32-bit Linux will be Firefox 144, slated for release on October 14, 2025. After that, Firefox 145 will break the longstanding tradition of offering support for 32-bit Linux since its inception on this platform.
For those still using 32-bit distributions, it’s important to note that Firefox 144 will continue to function for some time, though it won’t receive new features or security updates. Eventually, users might experience web compatibility issues as websites evolve, but immediate disruption is unlikely.
Alternatively, users can switch to Firefox 140 ESR, which will continue to receive security updates until September 2026. Upgrading to a 64-bit CPU and modern 64-bit Linux distribution with the corresponding version of Firefox is the most straightforward solution for everyday users. However, for enthusiasts who enjoy using older systems for recreational purposes, the lack of updates for Firefox may not significantly hinder their experience.