Best Chrome and Firefox Alternatives for Windows 7: Thorium and Floorp Browsers

If you’re still using Windows 7 and struggling to install Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, you’re not alone. These browsers are no longer supported on older Windows versions, including Windows 7 and 8.1. But don’t worry—I’m here to introduce you to two fantastic alternatives: the Thorium and Floorp browsers. Both are regularly updated and compatible with Windows 7, making them perfect replacements for Chrome and Firefox.

Key Takeaways

• Thorium and Floorp are reliable, up-to-date browser alternatives for Windows 7.
• Both browsers are easy to install and support older systems.
• You can seamlessly import your bookmarks and settings from Google Chrome into Thorium.

Requirements

To install these browsers, you’ll need:

• A stable internet connection for downloading the installers.
• Administrator access on your Windows 7 PC.
• Knowledge of whether your Windows 7 system is 32-bit or 64-bit.

Thorium Browser: The Best Chrome Alternative

Installing Thorium on Windows 7

If you’re looking for a Google Chrome replacement that’s still being updated, Thorium is an excellent choice. Here’s how to install it:

• Visit the Thorium Rocks website: Thorium Rocks.

• Scroll down to find the Windows 7 download link, then click on it.

• You’ll be taken to a GitHub page with several release options. Depending on how up-to-date your computer hardware is, choose either the AVX2 Mini Installer or the AVX Mini Installer.

• If these installers don’t work, opt for the Windows XP 64-bit or 32-bit versions depending on your system.

• Click on the appropriate installer link, then choose Save when prompted to download the file.

• After downloading, you might receive a security notification. Click Run to start the installation.

• Once installed, launch Thorium. You can sign in to your Google account to sync your bookmarks and data from Chrome, or skip this step if you prefer.

Thorium in Action

After installing Thorium, you’ll notice that websites like Gmail load without any issues, and you won’t receive any errors about your browser or operating system being unsupported. This is because Thorium runs on the latest version of Chromium, ensuring compatibility with modern web standards.

---

Floorp Browser: The Best Firefox Alternative

If you’re more of a Firefox fan, the Floorp browser is a great alternative that continues to support Windows 7. Here’s how to get it:

Installing Floorp on Windows 7

• Search for Floorp GitHub releases on Google to find the latest release page.

• On the GitHub releases page, choose the Windows 64-bit or 32-bit installer based on your system type.

• Click Save when prompted to download the installer.

• After the download completes, click Run to start the installation process.

• Follow the installation wizard, selecting Standard installation, and click Next to proceed.

• Click Install, and once the process is complete, click Finish to launch Floorp.

Floorp in Action

Once installed, Floorp will run smoothly on your Windows 7 system. Just like with Thorium, you can visit Gmail or other websites without any compatibility issues.

Conclusion

If you’re still on Windows 7 and need a reliable browser, Thorium and Floorp are your best bets. Both browsers are easy to install, regularly updated, and compatible with older systems. I recommend giving both a try to see which one suits your needs better.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are these browsers safe to use?

Yes, both Thorium and Floorp are open-source projects, and their code is regularly updated for security.

Can I sync my Chrome or Firefox bookmarks with these browsers?

You can sync your Chrome bookmarks with Thorium since it’s based on Chromium. Floorp doesn’t offer native sync with Firefox, but you can import bookmarks manually.

Do these browsers receive regular updates?

Yes, both browsers are actively maintained and receive regular updates.

Will these browsers work on Windows 10 or 11?

While Thorium and Floorp are designed to support older versions like Windows 7, they also work on newer versions of Windows, including 10 and 11.

Which browser is better for low-spec computers?

Both Thorium and Floorp are lightweight, but Floorp might be slightly more resource-efficient for older, low-spec PCs.