# Waterfox

Application: BrowserWorks Ltd

Also called waterfox browser, waterfox g3

BrowserWorks Ltd, Browsers

A Firefox-based browser aimed at older extension habits and 64-bit Windows. The process is waterfox.exe.

## What you need to know

Waterfox is waterfox.exe. It is not Firefox Rapid Release.

BrowserWorks ships a Firefox-based browser with its own update channel and profile. Stock Firefox is firefox.exe under Mozilla Firefox. Classic Waterfox is an older line.

- **What is it?**: Web browser

  **Still current?**: Yes, see Current status

  **Official download?**: Use the vendor link in this article

Feex says

If waterfox.exe is the heavy process, I would treat it as Waterfox, not Mozilla Firefox. Closing firefox.exe does not quit this browser.

## What is Waterfox?

Waterfox is a Firefox-based desktop browser from BrowserWorks. The Windows executable is waterfox.exe.

## If you have never used it

If you want a Firefox-family browser that is not Mozilla Rapid Release, this is Waterfox. Download it from waterfox.net. The process is waterfox.exe. Current Waterfox is the G-series, not the old Classic XUL build. Stock Firefox from mozilla.org is a different train.

## What is it used for?

**Gecko browsing without Rapid Release branding**

Daily tabs on a Firefox-family engine with Waterfox settings and update channel.

**Extension habits from Firefox**

Modern WebExtensions install. Classic-era XUL packs belong to old Waterfox Classic, not current G.

**A second Firefox-family profile**

waterfox.exe keeps its own profile. It does not share mozilla.org Firefox sync by default.

## Who is it for?

- People who want Firefox-family browsing without Mozilla Rapid Release
- Users who kept Waterfox from the 64-bit era
- Anyone comparing waterfox.exe with firefox.exe

## Current status

Waterfox (2011) is a current web browser from BrowserWorks Ltd. The vendor still points Windows users at https://www.waterfox.net/.

## How old is it?

Waterfox started in 2011 as a 64-bit Firefox build. Classic and Current were later split. Today BrowserWorks ships the G-series on a Firefox base. A 2013 64-bit only page is history.

## Versions

Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.

Current Windows build

## System requirements

Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.

### Minimum

| Operating system | A current supported Windows 10 or Windows 11 release, per the vendor |
| ---------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| RAM              | Enough for Windows plus this app. Heavy projects want more.          |

## Resource profile

- **CPU demand**: Follows what you open inside the app

  **RAM demand**: Follows documents, tabs, or libraries

## Installed processes

These executables belong to this product when it is installed.

| waterfox.exe | Main Windows executable |
| ------------ | ----------------------- |

## Startup components

Waterfox can restore the last session. That is a Waterfox setting.

## File locations

| Typical install | C:\Program Files\Waterfox\\ |
| --------------- | --------------------------- |

## File formats

HTML, PDF, PNG, JPEG

## Common problems

### Classic add-ons on a G-series install

Old XUL extensions do not load in current Waterfox G. That is the version split, not a broken GPU.

### Two Gecko browsers at once

Firefox and Waterfox are separate profiles. Uninstalling one leaves the other.

## Getting unstuck

### Confirm waterfox.exe in Program Files\Waterfox

firefox.exe under Mozilla Firefox is stock Firefox. This product uses its own folder.

### Read Waterfox docs for G versus Classic

If a 2016 guide talks about Classic, you may be on the wrong line.

### Install only from waterfox.net

A Waterfox portable from a forum pack is a common junk path.

## Alternatives

Mozilla Firefox Rapid Release or ESR if you want the Mozilla channel. LibreWolf if you want stricter defaults on Gecko.

## Official help and downloads

Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.

| Download      | [www.waterfox.net/ ](https://www.waterfox.net/)Official installer or vendor page |
| ------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Help          | [www.waterfox.net/docs/ ](https://www.waterfox.net/docs/)Vendor support          |
| Official site | [www.waterfox.net/ ](https://www.waterfox.net/)Start here, not a random exe host |

## Related hardware

RAM and a current GPU driver, same class as Firefox.

## Technical details

Technical details

Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.

## Related

These entities connect to this article. Type is shown on every link.

[Mozilla Firefox: Application](https://feex.it/wiki/software/mozilla-firefox)[How to read Task Manager: Guide](https://feex.it/wiki/software/system/how-to-read-task-manager)

## Sources and verification

Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. [How we research](https://feex.it/wiki/research).

- [Waterfox official site ](https://www.waterfox.net/)· Vendor product page
- [Waterfox help ](https://www.waterfox.net/docs/)· Vendor support
- [Foxhole process map ](https://foxhole.feex.it/)· First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.

## Was this article useful?

A yes or no is enough. Pick a reason if you want, or add a short note.

Quick facts

The short identity of this page. Specs, sources, and the full story stay in the article.

- **Developer**: BrowserWorks Ltd

  **Category**: Web browser

  **Process**: waterfox.exe

  **License**: Free to install

  **First released**: 2011

  **Official site**: [waterfox.net](https://www.waterfox.net/)

  **Mapped by Feex**: Seen on Windows PCs in Foxhole

Feex Reviewed: Last verified August 2026

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Source: [Canonical Feex Wiki page](https://feex.it/wiki/software/waterfox/)

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