Firefox no longer works with some versions of Windows XP

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  • Revision id: 130294
  • Created:
  • Creator: AliceWyman
  • Comment: linked to system requirements (see bug 1284905) and added Opera 36 note
  • Reviewed: No
  • Ready for localization: No
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This article only applies to Firefox on Windows.

Windows XP with Service Pack 2 is the minimum Windows version that Firefox currently supports. See the Firefox System requirements page for other requirements and recommended hardware.

Let's see if you are using Service Pack 1 or below. We'll explain what to do if you are.

Note: In all cases, it's best to upgrade to the latest version of Windows, if you are able to. Microsoft no longer provides security patches for Windows XP.

How to check which Windows XP Service Pack is installed on your computer

  1. Click on the Windows Start button and open the Control Panel.
  2. Click on the Performance and Maintenance link (Category View only), then click on System to open the System Properties window.
  3. In the System Properties window, select the General tab. Within the information in the General tab, it will tell you which service pack is installed (if one is installed).
WinXP-SP3

Does it say Service Pack 2 or 3?

If so, see How can I get the latest version of Firefox on Windows XP or Vista?

Does it say Service Pack 1 or nothing at all?

The only popular web browser that is still being updated with security patches for older versions of Windows XP is Opera.

To download and install Opera, visit the Opera website.

Note: Opera 36 is the last supported version for Windows XP. Acording to the Opera May 4, 2016 release notes, As of Opera 37, the minimal system requirement for Windows users is Windows 7. Windows XP and Vista will no longer receive feature updates, only security and stability updates.