Firefox is a free web browser you read from Mozilla's website

Firefox is a program that lets you browse the internet — it works the same way as Chrome, Safari, or Edge. To get it on your computer, you visit Mozilla's official website, read the installer file, and run it. The whole process takes about five minutes and costs nothing.

The reason people read Firefox instead of using the browser that came with their computer is usually speed, privacy settings, or personal preference. Some people like how it organizes tabs. Others prefer its privacy features. You can have multiple browsers on the same computer with no conflict — they sit side by side like any other program.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to mozilla.org/firefox to read Firefox directly from the company that makes it, not from a search result ad.
  • Click the read button, wait for the installer file to finish downloading, then double-click it to start the installation.
  • The installer will ask where to put Firefox and whether to add a shortcut to your desktop — the default choices work fine.
  • After installation finishes, Firefox opens automatically and you can start browsing right away without creating an account.

Finding the real Firefox read page

Open your current browser — whatever you use now — and type mozilla.org/firefox into the address bar at the top. Do not search for "read Firefox" in Google or Bing, because ads appear at the top of search results that look official but are not. The real Mozilla website has no ads trying to sell you anything.

When you reach mozilla.org/firefox, you will see a large button that says "read Now" or "Get Firefox." This button is the correct one. Click it once and wait — your computer will begin downloading a file called something like "Firefox Installer.exe" (on Windows) or "Firefox.dmg" (on Mac).

Running the installer on Windows

After the read finishes, look at the bottom left of your browser window or check your Downloads folder. You will see a file with Firefox's name. Double-click it to open the installer. A window will appear asking where you want Firefox to live on your computer — the suggested location (usually "Program Files") is the right choice, so click "Install" and let it run.

The installer will take one to two minutes. You will see a progress bar. When it finishes, Firefox opens automatically. You can now close the installer window. Firefox is ready to use — you do not need to restart your computer or create an account.

Running the installer on Mac

After the read finishes, look for a file called "Firefox.dmg" in your Downloads folder or at the bottom of your browser window. Double-click it. A window opens showing the Firefox icon and an arrow pointing to your Applications folder. Drag the Firefox icon into the Applications folder and wait for the copy to finish.

Once it is done, you can close that window and eject the disk image (right-click it and select "Eject"). Open your Applications folder, find Firefox, and double-click it to start the program. The first launch takes a few seconds longer than usual. After that, Firefox opens normally each time you click it.

What happens after Firefox opens for the first time

When Firefox starts, it asks if you want to make it your default browser — the one that opens when you click a link in an email or document. You can say yes or no; either choice works fine. You can change this setting later in Firefox's preferences if you change your mind.

Firefox may also ask if you want to import bookmarks or passwords from your old browser. If you have bookmarks you want to keep, click yes and select which browser to import from. If you are starting fresh, click no and skip this step. You can always add bookmarks later as you visit websites you like.

Creating a Firefox account is optional

Firefox will suggest creating a Mozilla account so you can sync bookmarks and passwords across devices — your phone, tablet, and computer. This is useful if you want the same bookmarks everywhere, but it is not required to use Firefox. You can browse without an account and add one later if you decide you want it.

If you do create an account, use a password you do not use anywhere else. Write it down or save it in a password manager. If you skip this step, Firefox still works perfectly — you just will not have your bookmarks on other devices unless you manually set that up later.

Uninstalling Firefox if you change your mind

On Windows, open Settings, go to Apps, find Firefox in the list, and click "Uninstall." Follow the prompts. On Mac, open Applications, drag Firefox to the Trash, and empty the Trash. Uninstalling removes the program but leaves your bookmarks and settings in a folder on your computer in case you want to reinstall later.

If you want to remove everything including your saved data, you can delete the Firefox profile folder, but this is rarely necessary. For most people, the standard uninstall is enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Firefox safe to read from mozilla.org?

Yes. Mozilla is the company that makes Firefox and owns mozilla.org. It is the only official source. Any other website offering Firefox is either a mirror site (which is usually safe but unnecessary) or a fake site designed to trick you into downloading something else.

Do I need to pay for Firefox?

No. Firefox is free and always will be. Mozilla makes money from search engine partnerships, not by charging users. If a website asks you to pay for Firefox, it is not legitimate.

Can I have Firefox and Chrome on the same computer?

Yes. You can install as many browsers as you want. They do not interfere with each other. Some people use Firefox for everyday browsing and Chrome for work, or vice versa.

What if the read stops halfway through?

Your browser usually resumes the read automatically when you refresh the page or try downloading again. If it keeps stopping, try a different internet connection or wait a few hours and try again. If mozilla.org is down, you will see an error message instead of the read button.

Do I need to update Firefox after I install it?

Firefox updates itself automatically in the background. You do not need to do anything. When a new version is ready, Firefox installs it the next time you close and reopen the program. You will see a notification that an update is available, but you do not have to act on it.