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Windows · Web Browsers

Waterfox for Windows

Independent Firefox fork focused on privacy defaults and legacy extension support, developed outside Mozilla with a smaller team.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

Waterfox is a Firefox fork (Gecko engine) built by an independent developer team rather than Mozilla, positioned around privacy-respecting defaults and giving users more control over telemetry than stock Firefox ships with.

It maintains compatibility with the modern WebExtensions API used by current Firefox and Chrome extensions, while its marketing has historically emphasized disabling telemetry and data collection out of the box.

Because it's a smaller, independently funded project, Waterfox's release cadence and security-patch turnaround are less predictable than Mozilla's own schedule for Firefox, which is a real consideration for a security-sensitive tool like a browser.

Waterfox suits users who specifically want a non-Mozilla, Firefox-compatible browser with privacy defaults tuned further than stock Firefox, and who are comfortable with a smaller project's support and patch timeline compared to a major vendor.

Key features

  • Firefox-derived Gecko engine with WebExtensions compatibility
  • Telemetry and data collection disabled or minimized by default
  • No Mozilla account or Firefox Sync ties; independent sync system where offered
  • Compatible with current Firefox and Chrome-style WebExtensions
  • Smaller, independently developed codebase separate from Mozilla's roadmap

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit)
Architecture
x64 build
Account
No account required

How to install Waterfox

  1. 1. Download from Waterfox

    Go to waterfox.net/download and select the Windows 64-bit build.

  2. 2. Run the installer

    Approve the UAC prompt; installation mirrors a standard Firefox-based setup.

  3. 3. Import bookmarks

    Waterfox can import bookmarks and passwords from Firefox or Chrome on first launch.

  4. 4. Review privacy settings

    Check Settings > Privacy & Security to confirm telemetry and data-collection options match your preferences.

How to use it

  1. 1. Install WebExtensions

    Use Waterfox's add-ons page to install Firefox-compatible extensions like ad blockers or password managers.

  2. 2. Check for updates manually

    Given the independent release cadence, periodically confirm you're on the current version via the About page.

  3. 3. Review telemetry settings

    Confirm data-collection toggles in Settings match what you expect, since defaults can change between releases.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from waterfox.net, the developer's own site.
  • As an independent Firefox fork, Waterfox depends on its own team to backport Mozilla's security fixes promptly; verify the currently listed version reflects recent patches before treating it as fully up to date.
Bundled software
The official installer does not bundle third-party software.
Privacy
Waterfox markets itself around disabling telemetry and data collection by default, which appeals to users wary of both Google's and Mozilla's data practices. As with any smaller open-source project, verify current privacy claims against the developer's own current documentation.

Known risks

  • Smaller development teams can mean slower turnaround on critical security patches compared to Firefox or Chrome; check the changelog for how current the build is.
  • Extension ecosystem overlaps with Firefox's but isn't identically tested by the same QA process.

What's new

  • Current release

    Waterfox's release cadence is independent of Mozilla's Firefox schedule. Check waterfox.net for the current version and change log before relying on it for security-sensitive browsing.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Firefox-compatible engine with privacy-tuned defaults
  • No Mozilla or Google account ties
  • Open source and independently governed

Cons

  • Smaller team means less predictable security-patch turnaround than Firefox or Chrome
  • Smaller user base results in less independent security review
  • Sync and account features are less mature than Mozilla's or Google's offerings

Verdict

Waterfox appeals specifically to users who want a Firefox-compatible browser fully outside Mozilla's and Google's data practices, but the smaller team's patch cadence is a real tradeoff for a security-sensitive tool. Mainstream Firefox or LibreWolf are worth comparing before committing.

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfox free?

Yes, Waterfox is free and open source.

Is Waterfox related to Mozilla?

No, Waterfox is an independently developed fork of Firefox's codebase, not an official Mozilla product.

Does Waterfox support Windows 11?

Yes, Waterfox supports Windows 11 on 64-bit hardware.

Why choose Waterfox over Firefox?

Some users prefer Waterfox's more aggressive default privacy settings and its independence from Mozilla, though this comes with a smaller team maintaining security patches.