How do I switch update channels?

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  • Revision id: 13813
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  • Creator: Michael Verdi
  • Comment: reworded intro, added last step, added screenshot
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  • Reviewed by: Cww
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  • Readied for localization by: Cww
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Want to try the future of Firefox and provide feedback to help make it great? Now you can easily switch to Firefox Beta or the experimental Aurora update channel to test out upcoming features. Don't worry, if you ever need to switch back to the regular, stable version of Firefox you can do that too.

This article only applies to the new Firefox Beta and Aurora releases — try them out.

What do the different channels mean?

  • Aurora: This version has all the newest features but may not be as stable as the beta or final releases.
  • Beta: This version has all of the features that made it past the Aurora stage and has been tested to be more stable.
Note: Some Add-ons may not be compatible with Firefox Beta or Aurora.
  • Release: This is the tried and tested final release being used by hundreds of millions around the world.

Switching channels

  1. At the top of the Firefox window, click the Firefox button, go over to the Help menu and select About Firefox to open the About Firefox window.
    For Windows XP: At the top of the Firefox window, click the Help menu and select About Firefox.    On the menu bar, click the Firefox menu and select About Firefox to open the About Firefox window.At the top of the Firefox window, click the Help menu and select About Firefox to open the About Firefox window.
  2. In the About Firefox window, click the Change link.
    Win Channel Changer 1
  3. Click the drop-down menu to select the Release, Beta or Aurora channel.
  4. Click Apply and Update to make the change and Firefox will download the latest updates for your chosen channel.
  5. When the updates are done downloading, click Apply Update and Firefox will restart.
Note: You will use the same profile no matter what channel you are on so you will always have access to your bookmarks, history, passwords and other personal data.