People searching 'Pale Moon browser download' usually already know what they're looking for - a browser that deliberately didn't follow Firefox down the Quantum/WebExtensions path, keeping compatibility with older XUL-based add-ons instead. It appeals to users who found modern Chromium-based browsers too heavy or too locked-down in their extension model. This page gets you the current Windows or Linux build along with a quick note on what compatibility trade-offs come with that choice.
The Trade-Off Behind Pale Moon's Architecture
Pale Moon forked from Firefox before the Quantum engine rewrite, which means it can't run modern WebExtensions the way current Firefox or Chrome can - instead it supports its own legacy-style add-on ecosystem.
In exchange, it tends to use less memory on older hardware and gives users deeper UI customization through its classic toolbar and theme system.
Who ends up using Pale Moon
Users who miss classic XUL-based Firefox add-ons or want a lighter browser on older hardware turn to Pale Moon.
- Users on older or low-spec Windows PCs wanting a lighter alternative to Chromium browsers
- People who rely on legacy XUL-style extensions no longer supported by modern Firefox
- Privacy-focused users who prefer an independently governed browser outside the Chromium ecosystem
Before you install
A couple of things worth knowing about Pale Moon before you request the link: it covers Windows and Linux, so grab the build that matches the machine you're setting up. And on pricing, Pale Moon is open source, so the installer is free with no trial timer, feature lock, or upsell screen to click past. It's developed and maintained by Moonchild Productions.
System requirements
- WindowsWindows 10 or 11 (64-bit); older 7/8.1 builds usually still run but no longer get official support
- Linuxmost current 64-bit distributions; look for a native .deb/.rpm/AppImage or a package in your distro's own repository
It's a lightweight tool, so there's no serious CPU/RAM/storage requirement beyond what its OS already needs to run comfortably.
Quick steps
- Download the build matching your OS (Windows or Linux)
- Install and let it import bookmarks/passwords from another browser if prompted
- Browse the Pale Moon add-ons site for compatible extensions
Pale Moon: the honest trade-offs
- Lower memory and CPU footprint than most modern Chromium-based browsers
- Deep UI customization through its classic toolbar and theming system
- Independently developed, avoiding some of the telemetry changes in mainstream browsers
- Can't run modern WebExtensions, so many current Chrome/Firefox extensions won't work
- Some modern websites render incorrectly due to its older, non-Quantum engine
The installer here comes straight from Moonchild Productions' official release channel, unmodified from what the developer publishes.
Other Web Browsers downloads people search for
Browse the full Web Browsers category →
Keeping Pale Moon up to date
Since Pale Moon is open source, most Linux distributions keep it current through their own package manager. On Windows/macOS, re-running the installer from the official site (or an updater built into the app, if it has one) gets you the latest release. Sticking to the developer's own distribution channel — which is what this page links to — means you're never stuck on an old build with unpatched bugs just because a mirror site stopped updating its copy.
Features, install steps, alternatives and more detail live on the main Pale Moon page.
Frequently asked questions
Can Pale Moon run standard Chrome or modern Firefox extensions?
No, it uses its own legacy add-on format, so most current WebExtensions from Chrome or Firefox won't install directly.
Is Pale Moon based on the Firefox codebase Mozilla still maintains?
No, it diverged into its own independently maintained engine called Goanna, forked from an older Gecko codebase.
