Download Firefox for Windows RT: Is It Possible?
If you have a device that runs on Windows RT, such as the Microsoft Surface or the Nokia Lumia tablet, you might be wondering if you can download and install Firefox, one of the most popular and powerful web browsers in the world. Unfortunately, the answer is not so simple. In this article, we will explain what Windows RT is, what Firefox is, and how to install Firefox on Windows RT, if possible.
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What is Windows RT and why is it different from Windows 8 or 8.1?
Windows RT is a mobile operating system developed by Microsoft. It is a version of Windows 8 or 8.1 built for the 32-bit ARM architecture (ARMv7). It was first released in October 2012, along with Windows 8, and was designed to run on thin and light devices that have long battery life and are optimized for touch input. Some of the devices that use Windows RT are the Microsoft Surface, the Nokia Lumia 2520, the Asus VivoTab, and the Samsung Ativ Tab.
Windows RT features and limitations
Windows RT has many of the same features as Windows 8 or 8.1, such as the Start screen, the live tiles, the Charms bar, the Windows Store, and the built-in apps. It also comes with a free version of Microsoft Office 2013 RT, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. However, Windows RT also has some significant limitations compared to Windows 8 or 8.1. For example:
It can only run apps that are downloaded from the Windows Store or that are pre-installed by Microsoft or the device manufacturer. It cannot run any desktop applications that are designed for x86 or x64 processors, which are the main platform for Windows.
It can only use Internet Explorer as its default web browser. It cannot install any other web browsers, such as Firefox, Chrome, Opera, or Safari.
It cannot join a domain or use group policy. It cannot be easily managed by existing Windows infrastructure. It also lacks some other features, such as BitLocker encryption, remote desktop hosting, and Storage Spaces.
Windows RT devices and compatibility
Windows RT devices are usually cheaper and lighter than Windows 8 or 8.1 devices that use x86 or x64 processors. They also have longer battery life and better performance for some tasks, such as web browsing, video streaming, and document editing. However, they also have less storage space and memory than Windows 8 or 8.1 devices. They also have less compatibility with existing hardware and software that are designed for Windows.
Windows RT devices can use some USB peripherals and accessories that are supported by Windows, such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, cameras, flash drives, external hard drives, etc. However, they may not work with some devices that require specific drivers or software that are not available for Windows RT. For example, some gaming controllers, webcams, audio interfaces, etc.
What is Firefox and why would you want to use it on Windows RT?
Firefox is Firefox is a free and open-source web browser developed by Mozilla, a non-profit organization that promotes internet freedom and innovation. Firefox is one of the most popular and widely used web browsers in the world, with over 200 million users as of June 2021. Firefox is known for its fast performance, customizable interface, privacy protection, security features, and support for web standards.
Firefox features and benefits
Some of the features and benefits of using Firefox are:
It has a simple and intuitive user interface that lets you access your tabs, bookmarks, history, downloads, extensions, and settings from a single menu button. You can also customize the toolbar, the theme, the homepage, and the new tab page to suit your preferences.
It has a powerful and flexible tab management system that lets you organize your tabs into groups, pin them, mute them, move them, or restore them. You can also use keyboard shortcuts, mouse gestures, or touch gestures to navigate between tabs.
It has a built-in search engine that lets you search the web from the address bar or the search box. You can also choose from a variety of search engines, such as Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Wikipedia, Amazon, etc. You can also add your own custom search engines or use keywords to perform quick searches.
It has a private browsing mode that lets you browse the web without leaving any traces of your activity on your device or online. It also has a tracking protection feature that blocks third-party trackers, ads, and scripts that may collect your data or slow down your browsing.
It has a password manager that lets you save and autofill your passwords for different websites. It also has a sync feature that lets you sync your bookmarks, history, passwords, tabs, extensions, and settings across your devices using a Firefox account.
It has a wide range of extensions and themes that let you enhance and personalize your browsing experience. You can find and install extensions and themes from the official Firefox Add-ons website or from other sources. Some of the popular extensions are uBlock Origin, LastPass, Grammarly, etc.
It has a developer tools feature that lets you inspect and debug web pages using tools such as the console, the inspector, the debugger, the network monitor, the performance monitor, etc. You can also use the web console to execute JavaScript commands or use the scratchpad to write and test JavaScript code.
Firefox alternatives for Windows RT
If you want to use Firefox on Windows RT, you might be disappointed to learn that it is not officially supported by Mozilla or Microsoft. However, there are some alternatives that you can try if you are not satisfied with Internet Explorer. Some of them are:
Metro Firefox: This is an unofficial port of Firefox for Windows RT that was created by an independent developer named Jérémy Bardon. It is based on an older version of Firefox (version 28) and it has some limitations and bugs. However, it does offer some basic functionality and features of Firefox. You can download it from here. Note that you will need to jailbreak your device first before installing it.
UC Browser: This is a mobile web browser developed by UCWeb, a subsidiary of Alibaba Group. It is available for Windows RT devices from the Windows Store. It has some features such as speed mode, night mode, cloud sync, gesture control, etc. However, it may not be as fast or secure as Firefox.
Maxthon Browser: This is another mobile web browser developed by Maxthon Ltd. It is also available for Windows RT devices from the Windows Store. It has some features such as cloud sync, ad blocker, Maxthon Browser: This is another mobile web browser developed by Maxthon Ltd. It is also available for Windows RT devices from the Windows Store. It has some features such as cloud sync, ad blocker, reader mode, split screen, etc. However, it may not be as customizable or compatible as Firefox.
Other browsers: There are some other web browsers that you can try on Windows RT devices, such as Opera Mini, Dolphin Browser, Puffin Browser, etc. However, they may have limited functionality, performance, or security compared to Firefox.
How to install Firefox on Windows RT: The truth
As we have mentioned before, Firefox is not officially supported by Mozilla or Microsoft on Windows RT devices. This means that you cannot download and install Firefox from the Windows Store or from the official Firefox website. However, there is an unofficial workaround that some people have used to install Firefox on Windows RT devices. This involves jailbreaking and porting Firefox to Windows RT.
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The official answer from Mozilla and Microsoft
The reason why Firefox is not available for Windows RT devices is because of the restrictions imposed by Microsoft on the Windows RT platform. According to Microsoft, Windows RT devices can only run apps that are signed by Microsoft or the device manufacturer. This means that third-party developers cannot create or distribute apps for Windows RT devices without Microsoft's approval. This also applies to web browsers, which are considered as apps by Microsoft.
Mozilla has expressed its dissatisfaction with this policy, arguing that it limits the choice and innovation for users and developers. Mozilla has also stated that it would like to create a version of Firefox for Windows RT devices, but it cannot do so without access to the same APIs and privileges that Internet Explorer has. Mozilla has also claimed that Microsoft's policy violates the antitrust settlement that Microsoft reached with the US Department of Justice in 2001, which required Microsoft to allow other web browsers to compete fairly with Internet Explorer on Windows.
Microsoft has defended its policy, saying that it is necessary to ensure the security and stability of Windows RT devices. Microsoft has also said that it does not prevent other web browsers from running on Windows RT devices, as long as they comply with the Windows Store guidelines and use the same rendering engine as Internet Explorer (Trident). Microsoft has also argued that its policy does not violate the antitrust settlement, because Windows RT is a new and different product from Windows.
The unofficial workaround: Jailbreaking and porting
Despite the official stance of Mozilla and Microsoft, some people have managed to install Firefox on Windows RT devices using an unofficial workaround. This involves two steps: jailbreaking and porting.
Jailbreaking: This is the process of bypassing the security restrictions of Windows RT and gaining full access to the device's system files and settings. This allows you to install unsigned apps or modify system settings that are normally locked by Microsoft or the device manufacturer. Jailbreaking can be done using various tools or methods, such as XDA-Developers' RT Jailbreak Tool or Netham45's Jailbreak Tool.
Porting: This is the process of adapting an app or a program from one platform to another. In this case, it means taking the source code of Firefox and modifying it to make it compatible with Windows RT and ARM architecture. Porting can be done using various tools or methods, such as Visual Studio or MinGW.
The risks and challenges of installing Firefox on Windows RT
While installing Firefox on Windows RT devices may sound tempting, it is not without risks and challenges. Some of them are:
It may void your warranty or violate your license agreement with Microsoft or the device manufacturer. This means that you may lose your right to receive technical support or updates for your device.
It may expose your device to security threats or malware. This means that you may compromise your personal data or damage your device.
It may cause instability or performance issues on your device. This means that you may experience crashes, freezes, slowdowns, or battery drain.
It may not work properly or at all on your device. This means that you may encounter bugs, errors, compatibility problems, or missing features.
Conclusion: Is it worth it to download Firefox for Windows RT?
The answer to this question depends on your personal preference and situation. If you are a fan of Firefox and you want to enjoy its features and benefits on your Windows RT device, you may want to try installing it using the unofficial workaround. However, you should be aware of the risks and challenges involved and be prepared to deal with them.
Pros and cons of using Firefox on Windows RT
Here are some of Here are some of the pros and cons of using Firefox on Windows RT:
Pros
Cons
You can enjoy the features and benefits of Firefox, such as fast performance, customizable interface, privacy protection, security features, and support for web standards.
You may void your warranty or violate your license agreement with Microsoft or the device manufacturer.
You can have more choice and control over your web browsing experience, such as choosing your preferred search engine, extensions, themes, etc.
You may expose your device to security threats or malware.
You can access some websites or web services that may not work well or at all with Internet Explorer, such as Google services, YouTube, Netflix, etc.
You may cause instability or performance issues on your device.
You can join the Firefox community and contribute to its development and improvement.
You may not work properly or at all on your device.
Recommendations and tips for Windows RT users
If you decide to install Firefox on Windows RT devices, here are some recommendations and tips that may help you:
Backup your data and settings before jailbreaking or porting Firefox. This way, you can restore them in case something goes wrong.
Follow the instructions carefully and use the latest tools and methods available. This way, you can minimize the risks and errors involved.
Check the compatibility and reviews of the extensions and themes that you want to install. This way, you can avoid potential conflicts or problems with Firefox or Windows RT.
Update Firefox regularly and scan your device for malware. This way, you can keep your browser and device secure and stable.
Report any bugs or issues that you encounter to the developers or the community. This way, you can help improve Firefox and Windows RT.
FAQs
Can I use Chrome or other browsers on Windows RT?
No, you cannot use Chrome or other browsers on Windows RT devices, unless they are approved by Microsoft or the device manufacturer. The only official web browser for Windows RT devices is Internet Explorer. However, you can try some unofficial workarounds to install Firefox or other browsers on Windows RT devices, as explained in this article.
How can I update Firefox on Windows RT?
You can update Firefox on Windows RT devices by downloading and installing the latest version of the ported Firefox from the developer's website or from other sources. However, you should be careful and check the compatibility and reliability of the update before installing it. You should also backup your data and settings before updating Firefox.
How can I sync my Firefox data across devices?
You can sync your Firefox data across devices by creating a Firefox account and signing in to it on all your devices. You can then choose what data you want to sync, such as bookmarks, history, passwords, tabs, extensions, and settings. You can also manage your synced devices from your Firefox account page.
How can I customize Firefox on Windows RT?
You can customize Firefox on Windows RT devices by using the same options and tools that are available for Firefox on other platforms. For example, you can change the theme, the homepage, the new tab page, the toolbar, etc. You can also install extensions and themes from the official Firefox Add-ons website or from other sources. However, you should be careful and check the compatibility and reviews of the extensions and themes that you want to install.
How can I get help or support for Firefox on Windows RT?
You can get help or support for Firefox on Windows RT devices by visiting the official Firefox Support website or by asking questions on the official Firefox Support Forum. You can also find answers and solutions from other users who have installed Firefox on Windows RT devices on various websites or forums, such as XDA-Developers or Reddit. 44f88ac181
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