Mozilla has released Firefox 153 for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, bringing new media, sharing, PDF, privacy, and security features.
The update adds HDR video playback on supported Windows PCs, a built in QR code generator for sharing links, and improved PDF editing tools. Mozilla has also fixed 63 reported security vulnerabilities, including 17 rated as high risk.
Some people have experienced crashes after installing the update. Mozilla recommends reinstalling Firefox over the existing installation using a newly downloaded installer. Bookmarks, passwords, and other profile data should remain intact because they are stored separately from the main browser files.
Firefox 153 Key Changes
| Feature | What it adds |
|---|---|
| HDR video | High dynamic range playback on supported Windows displays |
| QR code sharing | Generates a QR code for the current link |
| PDF merging | Combines multiple PDF files in the built in viewer |
| Image insertion | Adds images as new PDF pages |
| Location warning | Highlights the location icon when a site has access |
| Security fixes | Resolves more than 60 vulnerabilities |
| VPN expansion | Temporarily offers 28 virtual locations in supported countries |
The security improvements make Firefox 153 an important update even for people who do not need the new features.
HDR Video Playback Arrives on Windows
Firefox 153 can play HDR video on compatible Windows computers.
HDR must first be enabled in Windows display settings. The feature also requires a monitor or television with suitable HDR support.
Mozilla notes that laptop panels limited to the Windows feature called HDR video streaming are not currently supported. Portrait videos recorded on smartphones are also excluded for now.
HDR can provide brighter highlights, deeper contrast, and a wider range of colours when the display, video, operating system, and browser all support it.
| HDR requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Windows HDR enabled | Required |
| Compatible HDR display | Required |
| Laptop with only HDR video streaming | Not supported |
| Portrait smartphone video | Not supported |
| Standard SDR display | Plays without HDR benefits |
The improvement gives Firefox better support for modern video content, although compatibility remains narrower than a simple HDR label may suggest.
Links Can Be Shared With a QR Code
Firefox 153 adds a built in option for generating QR codes from web links.
This makes it easier to move a page from a desktop computer to a phone or tablet without using Firefox Sync, email, messaging apps, or a third party QR code website.
You can create a code for the current address, scan it with another device, and open the same page directly.
The feature also keeps the link sharing process inside the browser, which may appeal to people who prefer not to submit URLs to an external QR service.
Mozilla has also changed the browser’s location indicator. The icon now turns red when a website has permission to access your location, making active location sharing easier to notice.
Built In PDF Tools Become More Capable
The browser’s PDF viewer and editor can now combine several documents.
You can drag additional PDF files into the sidebar to merge them with the document already open. Images can also be inserted as new pages.
These changes may reduce the need for a separate application when completing simple PDF tasks such as combining forms, adding scanned pages, or organising several documents into one file.
The feature is not a replacement for a full professional PDF editor. Advanced tasks such as optical character recognition, complex page editing, digital signing, and detailed compression may still require dedicated software.
For basic merging and image insertion, however, the built in option should be more convenient than uploading private documents to an online service.
Mozilla Fixes 63 Security Vulnerabilities
Security is the most important part of the Firefox 153 release.
Mozilla lists 63 fixed vulnerabilities in its security advisory. Sixty were reportedly discovered and submitted by external researchers, including three found by OpenAI Codex Security.
Seventeen flaws are classified as high risk. Four could potentially allow an attacker to escape Firefox’s sandbox, which is designed to isolate browser content from the wider operating system.
Another 35 vulnerabilities are rated as medium risk, while the remaining individually listed issues carry a low risk rating.
| Security classification | Number reported |
|---|---|
| High risk | 17 |
| Medium risk | 35 |
| Low risk | Remaining listed issues |
| Sandbox escape risks | 4 |
| Total vulnerabilities fixed | 63 |
Mozilla also grouped several internally discovered memory management problems into three additional advisory entries. These issues were classified as high risk but did not receive individual vulnerability counts.
Because browser flaws can be exploited through malicious or compromised websites, installing the update promptly is advisable.
Reinstall Firefox if It Crashes After Updating
Some installations have experienced crashes after moving to Firefox 153.
The problem can occur when internal browser files fail to load correctly or become damaged during the update process.
Mozilla’s recommended solution is to download a fresh Firefox installer and run it over the existing installation. This replaces corrupted program files without removing the separate user profile.
Saved information such as bookmarks and passwords should remain available after the reinstall.
| Problem | Recommended action |
|---|---|
| Firefox crashes after update | Download a fresh installer |
| Browser fails during startup | Reinstall over the current copy |
| Bookmarks and passwords | Expected to remain intact |
| Profile deletion | Not normally required |
| Full uninstall | Avoid unless basic reinstall fails |
Backing up important browser data is still sensible before performing troubleshooting, particularly when the profile contains information that is not synchronised elsewhere.
Firefox VPN Expands Temporarily
Mozilla’s free VPN feature, introduced with Firefox 149, temporarily supports 28 virtual locations with unlimited data until the end of August.
The service is currently limited to Firefox users in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Germany.
Its availability remains regional, so many people will not see the option. Mozilla has not confirmed whether the expanded country selection or unlimited usage will continue after August.
Firefox ESR Versions Also Receive Updates
Mozilla has updated its Extended Support Release editions alongside Firefox 153.
Firefox ESR 140 is now version 140.13.0, while Firefox ESR 115 has moved to version 115.38.0.
| Firefox release | Updated version |
|---|---|
| Standard Firefox | 153 |
| Firefox ESR 140 | 140.13.0 |
| Firefox ESR 115 | 115.38.0 |
Firefox ESR 140 received fixes for at least 32 vulnerabilities. Firefox ESR 115 received fixes for at least 14, including two classified as critical.
The older ESR 115 branch remains available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and macOS versions 10.12 through 10.14.
Mozilla plans to use Firefox 153 as the foundation for the next ESR generation. Firefox ESR 153 is expected to replace ESR 140 in October.
Firefox ESR 115 is scheduled to continue receiving security updates until March 2027, although Mozilla may review that deadline again as it approaches.
Firefox 153 is a substantial release because it combines practical new tools with a large security update. HDR playback, QR code sharing, and better PDF handling are useful additions, but the 63 vulnerability fixes provide the strongest reason to install it.
Mozilla has released Firefox 153 for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, bringing new media, sharing, PDF, privacy, and security features.
The update adds HDR video playback on supported Windows PCs, a built in QR code generator for sharing links, and improved PDF editing tools. Mozilla has also fixed 63 reported security vulnerabilities, including 17 rated as high risk.
Some people have experienced crashes after installing the update. Mozilla recommends reinstalling Firefox over the existing installation using a newly downloaded installer. Bookmarks, passwords, and other profile data should remain intact because they are stored separately from the main browser files.
Firefox 153 Key Changes
| Feature | What it adds |
|---|---|
| HDR video | High dynamic range playback on supported Windows displays |
| QR code sharing | Generates a QR code for the current link |
| PDF merging | Combines multiple PDF files in the built in viewer |
| Image insertion | Adds images as new PDF pages |
| Location warning | Highlights the location icon when a site has access |
| Security fixes | Resolves more than 60 vulnerabilities |
| VPN expansion | Temporarily offers 28 virtual locations in supported countries |
The security improvements make Firefox 153 an important update even for people who do not need the new features.
HDR Video Playback Arrives on Windows
Firefox 153 can play HDR video on compatible Windows computers.
HDR must first be enabled in Windows display settings. The feature also requires a monitor or television with suitable HDR support.
Mozilla notes that laptop panels limited to the Windows feature called HDR video streaming are not currently supported. Portrait videos recorded on smartphones are also excluded for now.
HDR can provide brighter highlights, deeper contrast, and a wider range of colours when the display, video, operating system, and browser all support it.
| HDR requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Windows HDR enabled | Required |
| Compatible HDR display | Required |
| Laptop with only HDR video streaming | Not supported |
| Portrait smartphone video | Not supported |
| Standard SDR display | Plays without HDR benefits |
The improvement gives Firefox better support for modern video content, although compatibility remains narrower than a simple HDR label may suggest.
Links Can Be Shared With a QR Code
Firefox 153 adds a built in option for generating QR codes from web links.
This makes it easier to move a page from a desktop computer to a phone or tablet without using Firefox Sync, email, messaging apps, or a third party QR code website.
You can create a code for the current address, scan it with another device, and open the same page directly.
The feature also keeps the link sharing process inside the browser, which may appeal to people who prefer not to submit URLs to an external QR service.
Mozilla has also changed the browser’s location indicator. The icon now turns red when a website has permission to access your location, making active location sharing easier to notice.
Built In PDF Tools Become More Capable
The browser’s PDF viewer and editor can now combine several documents.
You can drag additional PDF files into the sidebar to merge them with the document already open. Images can also be inserted as new pages.
These changes may reduce the need for a separate application when completing simple PDF tasks such as combining forms, adding scanned pages, or organising several documents into one file.
The feature is not a replacement for a full professional PDF editor. Advanced tasks such as optical character recognition, complex page editing, digital signing, and detailed compression may still require dedicated software.
For basic merging and image insertion, however, the built in option should be more convenient than uploading private documents to an online service.
Mozilla Fixes 63 Security Vulnerabilities
Security is the most important part of the Firefox 153 release.
Mozilla lists 63 fixed vulnerabilities in its security advisory. Sixty were reportedly discovered and submitted by external researchers, including three found by OpenAI Codex Security.
Seventeen flaws are classified as high risk. Four could potentially allow an attacker to escape Firefox’s sandbox, which is designed to isolate browser content from the wider operating system.
Another 35 vulnerabilities are rated as medium risk, while the remaining individually listed issues carry a low risk rating.
| Security classification | Number reported |
|---|---|
| High risk | 17 |
| Medium risk | 35 |
| Low risk | Remaining listed issues |
| Sandbox escape risks | 4 |
| Total vulnerabilities fixed | 63 |
Mozilla also grouped several internally discovered memory management problems into three additional advisory entries. These issues were classified as high risk but did not receive individual vulnerability counts.
Because browser flaws can be exploited through malicious or compromised websites, installing the update promptly is advisable.
Reinstall Firefox if It Crashes After Updating
Some installations have experienced crashes after moving to Firefox 153.
The problem can occur when internal browser files fail to load correctly or become damaged during the update process.
Mozilla’s recommended solution is to download a fresh Firefox installer and run it over the existing installation. This replaces corrupted program files without removing the separate user profile.
Saved information such as bookmarks and passwords should remain available after the reinstall.
| Problem | Recommended action |
|---|---|
| Firefox crashes after update | Download a fresh installer |
| Browser fails during startup | Reinstall over the current copy |
| Bookmarks and passwords | Expected to remain intact |
| Profile deletion | Not normally required |
| Full uninstall | Avoid unless basic reinstall fails |
Backing up important browser data is still sensible before performing troubleshooting, particularly when the profile contains information that is not synchronised elsewhere.
Firefox VPN Expands Temporarily
Mozilla’s free VPN feature, introduced with Firefox 149, temporarily supports 28 virtual locations with unlimited data until the end of August.
The service is currently limited to Firefox users in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Germany.
Its availability remains regional, so many people will not see the option. Mozilla has not confirmed whether the expanded country selection or unlimited usage will continue after August.
Firefox ESR Versions Also Receive Updates
Mozilla has updated its Extended Support Release editions alongside Firefox 153.
Firefox ESR 140 is now version 140.13.0, while Firefox ESR 115 has moved to version 115.38.0.
| Firefox release | Updated version |
|---|---|
| Standard Firefox | 153 |
| Firefox ESR 140 | 140.13.0 |
| Firefox ESR 115 | 115.38.0 |
Firefox ESR 140 received fixes for at least 32 vulnerabilities. Firefox ESR 115 received fixes for at least 14, including two classified as critical.
The older ESR 115 branch remains available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and macOS versions 10.12 through 10.14.
Mozilla plans to use Firefox 153 as the foundation for the next ESR generation. Firefox ESR 153 is expected to replace ESR 140 in October.
Firefox ESR 115 is scheduled to continue receiving security updates until March 2027, although Mozilla may review that deadline again as it approaches.
Firefox 153 is a substantial release because it combines practical new tools with a large security update. HDR playback, QR code sharing, and better PDF handling are useful additions, but the 63 vulnerability fixes provide the strongest reason to install it.
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