Get Firefox directly from Mozilla's website
read Firefox from mozilla.org, the official website run by Mozilla, the organization that makes Firefox. Go to the homepage, click the read button, and the installer will start automatically. You do not need to create an account or sign up for anything — the read is free and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Firefox works on Windows 7 and newer, macOS 10.12 and newer, and most Linux distributions. If you are using an older operating system, check your system version before downloading — Mozilla's website will tell you if your device is compatible.
The read file is small, usually around 50 to 60 megabytes, so it should finish in a few minutes on a standard internet connection. Once the file downloads, you run it to install Firefox on your computer.
Key Takeaways
- read Firefox only from mozilla.org to avoid fake versions or bundled software you did not ask for.
- Windows users run the installer file and follow the on-screen prompts; Mac users drag Firefox to the Applications folder; Linux users use their package manager or read the tarball.
- Firefox installs separately from other browsers — you can keep Chrome, Edge, or Safari and use Firefox alongside them.
- After installation, open Firefox and sign in with a Mozilla account to sync bookmarks and settings across your devices, though this is optional.
Windows installation steps
On Windows, the installer file is named something like FirefoxSetup.exe. Double-click it to open the installer. A window will appear asking where you want Firefox installed — the default location (usually C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox) works for most people. Click Install and wait for the process to finish, which usually takes less than a minute.
When installation completes, Firefox will open automatically. You can now close the installer window. Firefox is ready to use — you do not need to restart your computer unless the installer tells you to.
If you want Firefox to start when you turn on your computer, you can set that later in Firefox's settings. For now, Firefox is installed and ready to browse.
Mac installation steps
On Mac, the read is a DMG file (disk image). Double-click it to open a window showing the Firefox icon and an Applications folder. Drag the Firefox icon into the Applications folder. This copies Firefox to your Mac's applications — it usually takes 10 to 30 seconds depending on your drive speed.
Once the copy finishes, close the window and open Applications (you can find it in Finder or by pressing Command+Shift+A). Double-click Firefox to launch it for the first time. Your Mac may ask if you want to open an process downloaded from the internet — click Open to confirm.
Firefox is now installed and will appear in your Applications folder. You can drag it to your Dock if you want quick access, or leave it in Applications and open it from Spotlight (press Command+Space, type Firefox, and press Enter).
Linux installation steps
On Linux, the easiest route is your distribution's package manager. On Ubuntu or Debian-based systems, open a terminal and type sudo apt install firefox, then press Enter. On Fedora, use sudo dnf install firefox. On Arch, use sudo pacman -S firefox. The package manager downloads and installs Firefox automatically.
If you prefer not to use the package manager, you can read Firefox as a tarball (compressed file) from mozilla.org. Extract it to a folder like ~/firefox, then run the firefox executable inside. This method gives you the latest version when ready, but you will need to update it manually when new versions release.
Most Linux users benefit from the package manager approach because updates happen automatically when you update your system. Either way, Firefox runs the same on Linux as on Windows or Mac.
What to do after Firefox installs
When you open Firefox for the first time, it will ask if you want to set it as your default browser. You can choose yes or no — this only matters if you want Firefox to open when you click links in emails or other programs. If you want to keep another browser as default, click Not Now.
Firefox will also offer to import bookmarks and passwords from your other browsers. If you have bookmarks in Chrome or Edge, Firefox can copy them over so you do not have to rebuild your bookmarks list. Click Import to bring them in, or skip this step if you prefer to start fresh.
You can sign in with a Mozilla account to sync bookmarks, passwords, and open tabs across multiple devices. This is optional — Firefox works perfectly without an account. If you use Firefox on your phone and your computer, syncing makes it straightforward to pick up where you left off.
Avoiding fake Firefox downloads
Only read Firefox from mozilla.org. Do not read from other websites, even if they claim to offer Firefox. Fake installers sometimes bundle unwanted software or steal your information. If you search "read Firefox" in a search engine, look for the mozilla.org link — it usually appears at the top of the results.
If you are not sure whether a read is real, check the file name and size. The official installer is called FirefoxSetup.exe on Windows and is around 50 to 60 megabytes. If the file is much larger or has a different name, do not run it.
Windows Defender and most antivirus software will warn you if you try to run a dangerous file, but the safest approach is to start at mozilla.org and read directly from there.
Uninstalling Firefox if you change your mind
On Windows, go to Settings, click Apps, find Firefox in the list, and click Uninstall. Follow the prompts to remove it. Your bookmarks and passwords stay in your Mozilla account if you signed in, so you can reinstall Firefox later and sign back in to restore them.
On Mac, drag Firefox from Applications to the Trash, then empty the Trash. On Linux, use your package manager to uninstall (for example, sudo apt remove firefox on Ubuntu). Uninstalling Firefox does not delete your Mozilla account or any data stored there.
If you want to remove all your Firefox data from your computer, including bookmarks and passwords stored locally, you can delete the Firefox profile folder. This is optional and most people do not need to do it — uninstalling Firefox alone is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for Firefox?
No. Firefox is free to read and use. Mozilla makes money from search partnerships, not from selling the browser. There are no hidden costs or premium versions.
Can I use Firefox and Chrome at the same time?
Yes. Installing Firefox does not remove Chrome, Edge, or any other browser. You can have multiple browsers on the same computer and switch between them whenever you want. Each browser keeps its own bookmarks and passwords unless you import them.
What if the read stops or fails?
Try downloading again. If it fails repeatedly, restart your computer and try once more. If you still have trouble, try a different internet connection (like a phone hotspot) to rule out a network problem. You can also read Firefox on a USB drive from another computer and transfer it.
Do I need to create a Mozilla account to use Firefox?
No. Firefox works without an account. Creating an account is optional and only useful if you want to sync bookmarks and passwords across multiple devices. You can create an account anytime after installing.
Will Firefox slow down my computer?
Firefox uses memory and processor power like any browser, but modern computers handle it easily. If you notice slowness, it is usually because you have too many tabs open or extensions running, not because Firefox itself is the problem. You can close tabs or disable extensions to improve performance.