Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release) delivers a long-lived, predictable browser channel for Ubuntu users who prioritize reliability over cutting-edge features. It mirrors Windows LTSC in spirit, holding major releases steady while still receiving monthly security patches.
This guide shows how to install Firefox ESR from the Mozilla Team PPA, keep it updated through APT (Advanced Package Tool, Ubuntu’s package manager similar to Windows Update), understand when to choose ESR over the standard channel, and verify the installation so you can manage both builds side by side.
What Is Firefox ESR?
Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release) is designed for users and organizations who need a stable browser with fewer major changes. Think of ESR as similar to Windows LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) releases that prioritize stability over frequent feature updates. ESR receives only security updates and major upgrades about once every 42 weeks, while standard Firefox updates every 4 weeks with new features and changes.
ESR is ideal for schools, businesses, and anyone who values reliability over the latest features. Standard Firefox is best for users who want the newest browser capabilities and improvements as soon as they’re available. The “enterprise” label simply means ESR focuses on predictable behavior and compatibility rather than cutting-edge features that might break existing workflows.
| Release | Update Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Firefox ESR | ~42 weeks (major), monthly (security) | Stability, compatibility, enterprise, schools |
| Standard Firefox | Every 4 weeks | Latest features, general users, enthusiasts |
Choose Firefox ESR if you run critical workflows that depend on consistent browser behavior, manage systems for other users (schools, offices), or prefer predictable updates that won’t introduce unexpected changes. Avoid ESR if you want the latest web technologies, developer tools, or experimental features as soon as Mozilla releases them. Standard Firefox receives new capabilities every 4 weeks, while ESR stays on the same major version for nearly a year.
Prerequisites for Firefox ESR Installation
Before installing Firefox ESR on Ubuntu, verify you have the following:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Supported Ubuntu Release | Any currently supported Ubuntu desktop or server edition that uses APT |
| Internet Connection | Required to download Firefox ESR and updates |
| Terminal Access | Commands require sudo privileges for system-level installation |
Modern Ubuntu systems automatically meet all hardware and software requirements for Firefox ESR. APT handles library dependencies (GTK+, X.Org, glibc) automatically during installation.
Install Firefox ESR Using Mozilla Team PPA
The Mozilla Team PPA remains the most reliable path to Firefox ESR on Ubuntu because it plugs directly into APT for automatic security updates and coexists cleanly with the default Snap build. If you still have the Snap build and want to remove it, follow the dedicated Firefox Snap removal guide. Users who prefer experimental builds can reference the separate instructions for installing Firefox Beta or Nightly.
Update System Packages
Open a terminal window first (press Ctrl+Alt+T or search for “Terminal” in the Activities overview) so you can run the next commands.
Before installing, ensure your Ubuntu operating system and its packages are up-to-date. This helps prevent potential conflicts or issues during the installation.
sudo apt updateAfter updating the package index, upgrade any outdated packages using the command below:
sudo apt upgradeImport Mozilla Team PPA
Next, import the official “Mozilla Team” Launchpad PPA that contains Firefox ESR. A PPA (Personal Package Archive) is Ubuntu’s way of letting developers distribute software updates directly to users, similar to how Windows software vendors provide their own update channels. This PPA is well maintained, and if you use Mozilla Thunderbird Mail, it also contains the latest stable version.
Run the following command to import the PPA:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mozillateam/ppa -yUpdate Package Index After Adding PPA
Quickly refresh your APT Package index with the following command:
sudo apt updateInstall Firefox ESR Browser via APT
With Mozilla Firefox PPA now imported, run the following command to install the browser:
sudo apt install firefox-esrYou don’t need to remove the standard Firefox stable browser, as the ESR version will be installed separately.
Verify Firefox ESR Installation
To confirm the installation and check the build version of the installed Firefox ESR browser, run the following command in the terminal:
firefox-esr --versionLaunch Firefox ESR Browser
Now that you’ve installed the Firefox ESR browser, there are a couple of ways to launch it:
Launch Firefox ESR from Terminal
Open the Firefox ESR browser by entering the following command in the terminal:
firefox-esrLaunch Firefox ESR from Applications Menu
Alternatively, you can locate and launch Firefox ESR using the application icon. Navigate to the applications menu and search for the Firefox ESR browser:
Open the Activities overview, choose Show Applications, then launch the entry labeled Firefox ESR.
Managing Firefox ESR: Updates and Removal
Choose Between Firefox ESR and Standard Firefox
Firefox ESR installs alongside the Ubuntu default Firefox build, so you can keep both browsers available. Launch the standard browser with the firefox command or the “Firefox” icon, and open the ESR build with firefox-esr or the “Firefox ESR” entry in the Activities overview. Pin both icons to the dock if you want quick access.
To make Firefox ESR the default browser for web links, open Settings > Default Applications and change the Web dropdown to “Firefox ESR.” You can switch back to the standard build at any time using the same menu.
If you prefer to set the default browser from the terminal, run the following command:
xdg-settings set default-web-browser firefox-esr.desktopRevert to the standard build with xdg-settings set default-web-browser firefox.desktop (or the desktop file name shown by xdg-settings get default-web-browser).
How to Update Firefox ESR
While Firefox ESR should update automatically alongside your system packages using the APT package manager, you can manually check for updates. To do so, run the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeRemove Firefox ESR Browser
To delete Firefox ESR, enter the following command:
sudo apt remove firefox-esrAfterward, if you’re sure you won’t need to reinstall Firefox ESR in the future, you can remove the imported PPA. Use the command below to remove the corresponding PPA file:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:mozillateam/ppa -yConclusion
Firefox ESR provides long-term browser stability with predictable security updates through the Mozilla Team PPA. Your Ubuntu system now runs a Firefox version that receives monthly security patches while avoiding frequent feature changes, making it ideal for users who prioritize compatibility and consistency over cutting-edge capabilities.
Official Mozilla Firefox ESR Documentation
Here are some valuable links related to Firefox ESR and Mozilla Enterprise resources. Firefox ESR is the release channel used for Mozilla’s enterprise offerings, but is also available for individual users who want long-term support.
- Firefox Enterprise Official Website: Visit the official Firefox Enterprise website for information on enterprise features, deployment options, and download links.
- Mozilla GitHub Resources: Explore Mozilla’s GitHub wiki page for information on the organization’s GitHub repositories, contribution guidelines, and development practices.
- Firefox Enterprise Extensions Documentation: Access the Firefox Extension Workshop for detailed documentation on developing and managing extensions in an enterprise environment.