Mozilla Firefox is an open-source web browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation. It is widely regarded as one of the best browsers available today and supports major platforms including Windows, Linux, macOS, ChromeOS and more.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to download and install Firefox on Windows 11, explore what’s new in the latest version, and show you how to make Firefox your default browser.
Mozilla recently released an updated version of Firefox optimized for Windows 11. According to Mozilla, Firefox is around 30% lighter than Google Chrome in terms of memory usage, which helps your system run more smoothly, especially if you multitask or keep many apps open. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
What’s New in the Latest Firefox Browser?
The latest Firefox version introduces a revamped engine built for speed and efficiency. Web pages load faster, even on slower internet connections, while consuming less system memory.
In addition to performance improvements, Firefox offers:
- A clean, modern, and highly customizable user interface
- Built-in screenshot tools to capture full webpages or selected areas
- Extensive customization through themes and extensions
When it comes to security and privacy, Firefox goes a step further. It blocks third-party tracking cookies by default, along with crypto-mining scripts, social media trackers, and other invasive elements. Firefox also includes a dedicated Private Browsing mode for more discreet web sessions.
Mozilla has even conducted direct performance and privacy comparisons against several popular browsers, highlighting Firefox’s strengths in real-world usage.
How to Install Firefox Browser on Windows 11
There are two official ways to install the latest version of Firefox on Windows 11. You can either download the installer directly from Mozilla’s website or install it through the Microsoft Store. Let’s look at both methods in detail.
1. Using the Official Installer
Before we jump into the installation steps, let’s first take a quick look at how you can download the Firefox installer directly from Mozilla’s official website. This ensures you’re getting the latest, secure, and fully compatible version of Firefox for the Windows operating system.
Below are the step-by-step instructions to download and install the Firefox browser on Windows 11 without any hassle.
1. Open any browser currently installed on your PC and search for Firefox Browser, or head directly to the official Mozilla website.
2. Click the Download Firefox for Windows button.
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3. Once the download finishes, open the installer file and wait for the setup process to complete.
4. During the initial launch, choose your import options, theme, and basic customization settings. Firefox will then be ready to use.
2. Installing from Microsoft Store
If you prefer installing apps directly from an app store, Mozilla Firefox is also available through the Microsoft Store. The Store version updates automatically in the background and integrates smoothly with Windows 11, making it a convenient option.
Here’s how to install Firefox from the Microsoft Store:
1. Open the Microsoft Store from the Start Menu.
2. In the search box, type Mozilla Firefox and select it from the search results.
3. Click the Install button.
Once installed, you’re ready to use it on your device. That’s it! These are the two ways to download and install the Firefox browser on Windows 11.
How to Make Mozilla Firefox Default Browser on Windows 11
By default, Microsoft Edge is set as the default web browser in Windows 11. If you want to switch to Mozilla Firefox and use it as your primary browser for opening web links and webpages, you can easily do so. Here’s how:
1. Click on Start Menu and click on Settings.
2. In the Settings window, select Apps from the left sidebar, then click Default apps.
3. Use the search box to find and select Firefox.
4. You’ll now see a list of browser-related file types and protocols. Under each entry, Windows displays the app that’s currently set as the default.
5. In Windows 11, you can’t switch the default browser with a single click. Instead, you need to manually assign your preferred browser for each relevant file type and link type.
6. To do this, click on each file type, choose Firefox from the list of available apps, and then click OK to confirm your selection.
That’s it! This is how you can download and install Firefox Browser on Windows 11 and make Mozilla Firefox the default browser. With Firefox now at your fingertips, you can enjoy a fast, secure, and customizable browsing experience.
