The Firefox web browser is available as a 32-bit and 64-bit application for all supported desktop operating systems including Windows.

The 64-bit Firefox version for Windows is a fledgling however when compared to the Linux and Mac OS X versions, as it has just been available officially since December 2015.

64-bit builds for Windows were available years earlier, and third-party forks like Waterfox or Pale Moon offered dedicated 64-bit versions long before Mozilla considered offering them officially on the main download hubs of the browser.

While Firefox 64-bit builds are available officially on the stable channel, the main download page still pushes 32-bit versions to user PCs.

64-bit versions of Firefox offer better security and better performance for demanding web applications.

Mozilla reveals its Firefox 64-bit for Windows plan

Firefox users on Windows are running 32-bit versions of the browser basically, unless they have downloaded the 64-bit version of Firefox for Windows explicitly.

As far as stats are concerned, Mozilla did a market analysis back in 2015:

1.7% of Firefox installations on Windows are 64-bit on a 64-bit OS.

66% of Firefox installations on Windows are 32-bit on a 64-bit OS.

32.3% of Firefox installations on Windows are 32-bit on a 32-bit OS.

The stats will have changed since then. Firefox 64-bit for Windows has been released to the stable channel. While downloads are still hard to find, it seems likely that the availability increased the number of 64-bit Firefox on 64-bit Windows.

Most processors are 64-bit that get sold these days, and this will impact the stats as well over time.

Tip: Read this guide to find out if you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Firefox.

Mozilla Windows Firefox 64-bit schedule

Mozilla plans to put the focus on 64-bit versions of Firefox for Windows in the near future. The organization released a proposed schedule that highlights how it wants to accomplish that.

Note: These are proposals, and things may change along the way.

September 2016 : Re-design of Firefox download page, and A-B testing.

: Re-design of Firefox download page, and A-B testing. Between November 2015 and January 2016 : 64-bit Firefox is a non-default option in the stub installer.

: 64-bit Firefox is a non-default option in the stub installer. First quarter of 2017 : 64-bit Firefox becomes the default in the stub installer for "some eligible users". Run some tests, make 64-bit Firefox the default for all eligible users afterwards.

: 64-bit Firefox becomes the default in the stub installer for "some eligible users". Run some tests, make 64-bit Firefox the default for all eligible users afterwards. August 8, 2017 : Firefox 55 will ship with 64-bit as the default.

: Firefox 55 will ship with 64-bit as the default. October 2017: Eligible 32-bit Firefox installations are upgraded to 64-bit using the browser's upgrade functionality.

The percentage of 64-bit versions of Firefox on Windows will pick up pace once Mozilla makes the version of the browser a default option in the installer, and when the upgrade of 32-bit versions of Firefox to 64-bit begins. (thanks Sören)

Now You: Do you run a 32-bit or 64-bit web browser?

Summary Article Name Mozilla reveals its Firefox 64-bit for Windows plan Description Mozilla revealed plans to push 64-bit versions of the Firefox web browser for Windows on the official download page, installer, and via automatic upgrades today. Author Martin Brinkmann Publisher Ghacks Technology News Logo

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