Users on 64-bit Windows who download Firefox can get our 64-bit version by default. That means you get a more secure version of Firefox, one that also crashes a whole lot less. How much less? In our tests so far, 64-bit Firefox reduced crashes by 39% on machines with 4GB of RAM or more.
What’s the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit?
- Windows 10 upgrade may reset your default browser to Microsoft Edge instead of Firefox. Follow these steps to set Firefox as your default browser. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and select Preferences. Click the menu button and select Options. In the General panel, click Make Default.
- Firefox makes it to version 54, Mozilla dubs it 'the best Firefox' Mozilla has announced the latest update to its popular web browser. Firefox is now up to version number 54 with changes that, according to the company, make it 'the best Firefox in history' thanks to an important performance tweak in the form of multiprocess support when loading tabs.
Here’s the key thing to know: 64-bit applications can access more memory and are less likely to crash than 32-bit applications. Also, with the jump from 32 to 64 bits, a security feature called Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) works better to protect you from attackers. Linux and macOS users, fret not, you already enjoy a Firefox that’s optimized for 64-bit.
How do you get 64-bit Firefox?
Adobe PDF Plug-In For Firefox and Netscape 15.8.20082 Citrix Online App Detector Plugin Free Screen Sharing Launcher NPRuntime Script Plug-in Library for Java(TM) Deploy Next Generation Java Plug-in 11.45.2 for Mozilla browsers McAfee MSC FF plugin DLL The plugin allows you to have a better experience with Microsoft SharePoint. Click on Firefox in the dialog that opens with a list of available browsers. Firefox is now listed as your default browser. Close the Settings window to save your changes. Use the Settings app in Windows 10 to change your default browser. Alternatively, you can open the Settings App from the Windows 10 Start menu to set Firefox as the default.
If you’re running 64-bit Windows (here’s how to check), your Firefox may already be 64-bit. Check your Firefox version (in the “About Firefox” window) and look for “(32-bit)” or “(64-bit)” after the version number:
- If you see “(32-bit)” and you are running Firefox 56.0 or older, updating to the latest Firefox version should automatically upgrade you to 64-bit.
- If you see “(32-bit)” and are running Firefox 56.0.1 or newer, then your computer may not meet the minimum memory requirement for 64-bit (3 GB RAM or more). You can still manually install 64-bit Firefox, if you choose.
Do you have days where Firefox just doesn't work? Well, we put together this guide to help. It'll show you where you can find solutions to many common issues and, as always, if you need extra help with any of this, we have a community of volunteers standing by.
Table of Contents
The Refresh Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its default state while saving your essential information. Consider using it before going through a lengthy troubleshooting process.
Check out our handy guide, Avoid crashes - Tips and tricks.
That's a pretty big problem. The Firefox won't start - find solutions article should cover it.
Slowdowns can be caused by a number of things so we've summed them up in the Quick fixes if your Firefox slows down guide.
Getting error messages when you try to load up a website? Here's a few articles to help fix specific connection problems.
- If you just upgraded Firefox and it can no longer open any websites but other browsers or programs can, see the Fix problems connecting to websites after updating Firefox article.
- If no programs can open websites, see the aptly named Firefox and other browsers can't load websites article.
- If Firefox is having problems loading certain websites, see Firefox can't load websites but other browsers can.
- For other issues loading websites, see the Websites don't load - troubleshoot and fix error messages article.
Download And Install Firefox
Sometimes tracking down the source of these kinds of problems is difficult. We have a community of volunteers ready to help you figure it out.