Свежий браузер для windows xp

Check out user-oriented options designed for everyone

by Ola-Hassan Bolaji

A Computer Engineering graduate, he has spent most of his life reading and writing about computers. He finds joy in simplifying complex topics into simple solutions for PC… read more

Updated on October 4, 2023

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Despite Microsoft stopping support for Windows XP, several people still use the operating system. With this ending support comes the end of security updates for the built-in Internet Explorer browser.

This has made the browser a security accident waiting to happen. However, there are still third-party party browsers that work on old PCs. Most of these apps either provide security updates or have a compatible version that is highly secure.

Which browser is preinstalled on Windows XP? 

The preinstalled browser on Windows XP is Internet Explorer. However, the browser is outdated as Microsoft has stopped supporting the OS and Internet Explorer. This means the browser is highly insecure, and connecting it to the Internet is unsafe.

So for those wondering, is there a browser that will work on Windows XP, the answer is yes. Remember, there are limited options when it comes to web browsers for Windows XP, but you can choose one that best meets the requirements.

Are there any browsers that still support Windows XP in 2023?

A series of browsers still support Windows XP and other old PCs, but the options are quite limited. But some of the best still offer security updates and other benefits. Here are a few of these:

• Opera – Opera remains one of the most preferred options in Windows XP and even later iterations. It offers advanced features and employs the latest security protocols.
• SlimJet – SlimJet is another popular option in Windows XP and is used by many for its high speed and dedicated download manager.
• UC Browser – With a built-in ad blocker and the ability to detect and eliminate viruses, UC Browser is a popular choice for Windows XP users.

What is the best browser to use with Windows XP?

Opera – Overall best

Opera/Opera 36 is the best browser on Windows XP by a fine margin. This is because the browser version on the operating system packs some top-level security features.

Opera is known for its lightweight. Also, it uses limited system resources, which is one of the criteria for effectively running on old PCs. What’s more, this browser makes some of its latest features available.

You get to enjoy the adblocker that removes ads and disturbing scripts that would have slowed your browsing. Another endearing feature of Opera is its customizable interface.

This allows you to structure the browser to your taste. Lastly, this browser offers so much in the way of productivity.

Other features:

• Simple and intuitive interface
• Built-in VPN
• Anti-tracking feature

Opera

The joy of a fully optimized and feature-rich browser, it’s the ultimate choice to challenge your browsing.

MyPal 68 – Fast browser

MyPal 68 is one of the latest releases of Feodor in its bid to provide continued support for old machines. Not to be confused with the previously discontinued MyPal version based on the Pale Moon code, this version is based on the Firefox Quantum engine.

It is pretty fast and loads up most modern pages without issues. Moreover, MyPal 68 supports some Firefox extensions like uBlock Origin and themes.

With this, you can easily customize your browser to your taste. However, it should be noted that this browser is still unstable, with some additions still being made.

It is nonetheless an interesting option you can try. Finally, while the old MyPal, based on Mood Child code, has been discontinued, you can still download and use it interchangeably with the new one.

Other features:

• Pretty secure
• Can be easily customized
• Loads many modern pages

⇒ Get MyPal 68

New Moon – Frequently updated

The New Moon browser is known as one of the better forks of the Pale Moon browser. It is one of the best browsers dedicated to old operating systems like Windows XP.

This browser is pretty secure, thanks to frequent updates (weekly updates, sometimes). Also, it has high web compatibility.

This makes it the ideal browser for visiting most modern web pages. The only downside is that it is a bit slow compared to other Pale Moon forks like the old MyPal.

Other features

• Pretty secure
• Supports some extensions
• High web compatibility

⇒ Get New Moon

360 Extreme Explorer – Excellent startup time

If you have been looking for a way to bring some of Chrome’s modern features to your Windows XP, you cannot come closer than what 360 Extreme Explorer has to offer.

360 Extreme Explorer (otherwise known as 360 Chrome) is based on Chrome. It packs in some excellent features that rank it higher than any Chrome-based browser for Windows XP.

It has a feature that allows you to clear your browser data with a button on the toolbar. Also, it can load most modern web pages at an impressive speed.

What’s more, it supports extensions from the Chrome web store. It is just about the most well-rounded browser you can use on Windows XP.

Other features:

• Fast loading speed
• Works with most modern pages
• Supports many extensions from the Chrome web store

⇒ Get 360 Extreme Explorer

K-Meleon – Lightweight browser

K-Meleon is an effective app that is known for its lightweight. This browser featuring the same Gecko engine as Firefox, only needs 256 MB RAM to run successfully.

Being a Mozilla-based browser, it is unsurprising that K-Meleon has a similar interface to Firefox. One of its enticing features is the numerous built-in customization tools.

You can easily customize the toolbar, menu, hotkeys, and most of its interface. While K-Meleon has many plugins that can be used to extend its features, you should use it in the cleanest state.

This allows it to perform at its best without any add-on slowing it down. Lastly, K-Meleon is pretty quick for a browser that still works well on Windows XP 32-bit and 64-bit, Vista, and other old operating systems.

Other features:

• Highly customizable
• Works with extensions
• Low resource usage

⇒ Get K-Meleon

Maxthon – Low PC resource usage

Maxthon is an excellent browser perfect for Windows XP. According to the official website, the browser only needs 64 MB of hard drive space and 512 MB of RAM.

This browser is one of the most secure apps you can use. It has a built-in ad blocker that effortlessly removes the most stubborn ads.

What’s more, Maxthon has a built-in snapshot tool. This tool can take quality screenshots of important pages without any other add-on.

Lastly, data syncing on this browser is on another level. This is thanks to the clouding syncing feature allowing you to easily access your data on different devices.

Other features:

• Can import bookmarks
• High customizability
• Browsing data importation

⇒ Get Maxthon

Slimjet – Built-in adblocker

Are you looking for a pretty fast browser that works effortlessly on Windows XP? Slimjet is everything you need and more. 

Based on the renowned and speedy Blink engine, this browser works at impressive speed. Whether it is page loading or startup time, the Slimjet looks effortless and quick.

One of the nice features of this browser is its built-in download manager. This feature lets you download files at an impressive rate not seen in most modern browsers.

Moreover, it features a highly responsive interface that you can always customize easily. Finally, it has a built-in YouTube downloader that you can use to download high-quality videos from the popular streaming website.

Other features: 

• Photo editing features
• Social media integration
• Built-in video recorder

⇒ Get Slimjet

SeaMonkey – Best browser for Windows XP service pack 3

If you are looking for a browser with a similar look to some of the earlier versions of browsers, SeaMonkey might be all you need. This open-source browser is a whole suite on its own. 

The suite includes a web browser and an email and news client program. Also, developers looking for a browser to use on Windows XP will surely find SeaMonkey useful. This is because it incorporates an HTML editor, ChatZilla, and other development tools.

Another endearing feature of this browser is the pop-up blocker. This eliminates any pop-up link, which in turn improves your browsing speed.

The tracker blocker also ensures nobody can monitor your activity on the web. Lastly, it has a built-in password manager that helps to keep your sensitive data secure.

Other features:

• Uses extension
• Fast and secure
• Built-in adblocker 

⇒ Get SeaMonkey

UC Browser – Secure browser for Windows XP

UC Browser is an app that puts security at the top of its priority. What makes this browser exceptional is that its latest version completely supports the Windows XP operating system.

An outstanding feature of the latest release of the UC browser is that it can detect and eliminate viruses before they get to your PC. The built-in ad blocker also removes even the most stubborn ads.

This, in turn, speeds up your browsing. Additionally, this browser has a video function. The feature helps you to stream and download high-quality videos easily.

Lastly, the UC browser has a simple and intuitive interface. 

Other features:

• Built-in video downloader
• Low data consumption
• Impressive page load speed

⇒ Get UC browser

Read more about this topic

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• How to Download Opera Crypto Browser for PC

Pale Moon – High page loading speed

The Pale Moon browser is a stripped-down version of Firefox. This is understandable, being a fork of Mozilla’s most popular browser.

This browser is focused on productivity and speed on old PCs and operating systems like Windows XP. It lacks some of the glittering add-on features of modern browsers.

This ensures that nothing weighs it down and consequently strains your PC resources. The Pale Moon browser is compatible with most Firefox add-ons. With this, you can increase its functionality considerably.

Moreover, it has a respectable page load speed, as it runs quickly enough. Lastly, it is important to note that this browser lacks some protective features in modern browsers, like sandboxing.

Other features:

• Fairly secure
• Pretty fast
• Easy to customize

⇒ Get Pale Moon

How do I update my browser on Windows XP?

Updating your browser on Windows XP is not the same way you do on the latest operating systems. This is because most of the browsers you use have stopped providing support for the OS.

So, you will need to download the installer for the latest version of the browser to update and install it manually.

There you have it: a list and review of the best browsers on Windows XP. These apps all have different strong points, but they are all safe.

Do you need a list of current operating systems, like the best browsers for Windows 11? Then check our detailed guide for the best options.

Feel free to let us know the browser that boasts the right combination of features for you in the comments below.

Оперативная система виндовс ХП упрямо любима интернет-пользователями. Несмотря на очевидную древность «хрюша» остается простой и удобно-современной виндой для различных задач… кроме путешествий по интернету.

Если в 2019-м, на момент публикации первой версии этой статьи, инет-серфинг на 32-битной системе XP уже был довольно проблематичен – устаревшие версии популярных браузеров не были способны воспринимать HTML5, показывать ютуб-видео и взаимодействовать с некоторыми особо современными сайтами – то в 2023-м все стало особенно сложно.

Вам, хрюшепользователи начала третьего десятилетия XXI века, названия браузеров «опера», «фаерфокс» и «хром» уже ничего не говорят, поскольку с 2017-2018-го ими вы не пользуетесь. Уже более шести лет эти браузеры не обновляются (и не работают, по большому счету, если говорить о win 32-bit).

Итак, рабочих браузеров для «хрюши» на сегодня ДВА варианта. И оба представителя этого браузерного дуэта, пусть и не вполне идеальные в некоторых моментах, полностью пригодны для серфинга по интернету и социалкам. И вот еще что: оба рассмотренных ниже браузера адаптированы под виндовс хп программером-студентом Федором (Feodor2), за что ему огроменное спасибо.

Расположение описаний браузеров представлено ниже по состоянию на 2023-й год, начну с последней версии адаптированной Федором версии Pale Moon.

Браузер MyPal для виндовс XP

После массового отказа разработчиков топовых браузеров от поддержки «хрюши», первое место для пользователей ИксПи занял «бледнолунный» браузер Pale Moon. Но и его разработчики отказались обновлять продукт под виндовую «хрюшку» в 2016 году, начиная с 26-й версии.

И тогда самостоятельной адаптацией новых версий «Бледной Луны» под Windows XP занялся российский разработчик-энтузиаст, известный на популярном у разработчиков веб-сервисе GitHub под ником «Feodor2».

Начну с плохого. MyPal, бывший прежде практически единственным обновляемым браузер под ОС Виндовс XP, полноценно поддерживающий YouTube, – ему практически всё в том плане, что обновленных версий на «бледнолунной» основе больше не будет и доступна только версия 29.3.0 (но хотя бы она доступна!).Правда, скачать с гитхаба ее уже невозможно, там все подчищено. Мною обнаружен другой репозиторий файлов «Пельменя», судя по его формату, созданный именно автором адаптационных релизов Федором. Ссылки под закачки «Пельменя», представленные ниже, ведут на названный репозиторий.

В августе 2021-го нидерландская компания Moonchild Production, выпускающая Pale Moon и ранее не возражавшая против адаптации ее браузера под XP, заявила категорический отказ к использованию исходного кода ее браузера и реформацию под XP браузер. В итоге гитхаб окончательно срезал проект Федора с «бледно-лунной» адаптацией под «хрюшку», причем навсегда и окончательно.

Но Федор оказался, по счастью, упрямым парнем и продолжил работу над браузером для «хрюши».  Его последней эффективной и русифицируемой версией на базе «Бледной Луны» остается браузер MyPal 29.3.0. Хотя вшить в него расширения и аддоны от PaleMoon уже не получится – тамошние разрабы «пельмешку» блочат.

Русификация браузера MyPal

Первым делом идем на вебстраницу (клик на кнопку ниже), чтобы скачать файл необходимой локализации, то бишь русификации.

Обратите внимание: в идеале заходить на страницу с русификатором нужно именно через MyPal, затем, чтобы автоматически встроить ru-Ru аддон в «енотовый» браузер, кликнув на файл ru-локализации (он сам закачается). Как вариант, можно скачать xpi файл через другой браузер, а затем открыть его через MyPal (т.е. мышкой подхватить и вставить в MyPal).

Порядок русификации, а равно локализации на другие доступные языки в формате .xpi следующий:

Браузер Mypal Quantum

С середины 2021 года «Пельмень» на базе PaleMoon не обновляется, поскольку правообладатель, как отмечало выше, запретил Федору пользоваться кодом «Бледной Луны». Но работу эту, как показал 2022 год, он не забросил и создал 32-битную версию на базе браузера Mozilla Firefox Quantum (правда, в beta варианте).

По словам самого автора разработки, скорость работы «огнелисного» Mypal версии 68.12.3 превосходит последнюю «бледно-лунную» адаптацию под win xp (см. изображение). Работает, по словам автора сборки, этот браузер на системе Windows XP SP3.

Чтобы скачать названный браузер, используй кнопку ниже для перехода на личный сайт-репозиторий Федора.

Преимуществами этого браузера для «хрюши» будет его способность работать с официальными аддонами от «Мозиллы» (которые подходят 68-й версии). Очевидно, что руководство Mozilla Corporation не наезжает на Федора и гитхаб с запретами использования их движка (во всяком случае, пока не наезжает).

В базовой версии «Пельмень» на движке Quantum англоязычный. Нужно прежде скачать и установить его, а затем можно русифицировать через официальный репозиторий «Мозиллы». Последовательность действий следующая: скачиваем Mypal 68-й версии (откуда качать его – см. выше), затем устанавливаем на виндовс искпи SP3. Следом будет удобнее уже в новом браузере открыть эту же статью на свагор ком (в адресной строке вбить svagor.com и найти материал о браузерах для «хрюши»).

Теперь нужно скачать xpi-файл русской локализации – жми кнопку и сохраняй его.

Нужно проверить, что языковой пакет встроился в браузер – зайти через его меню в раздел Add-ons и убедиться, что там присутствует «Russian (RU) Language Pack». После этого заходим в «Options», далее в подраздел «General» и обнаруживаем пункт «Language». Кликаем на этот пункт, выбираем «Russian», подтверждаем выбор. Остается перезапустить браузер и пользоваться им уже в русифицированном формате.

В завершении

Должен отметить, что названные выше два браузера обладают общим недостатком, прежде всего связанным с криптографическим устареванием самой ОС Windows XP. Результат этого – неполная конфиденциальностью пользователей win XP. В частности, платежи с карт через любой «хрюшин» браузер выполнять безопасно физически не способен, поскольку защищает передаваемые данные очень посредственно и их может перехватить некто посторонний.

Обязательно учитывайте недостаточную криптографию “хрюши”. Для надежной конфиденциальности потребуется либо заменить ОС слабого ПК на линукс-убунту (они бесплатны, современны и надежны), либо приобрести более мощного компьютерное железо под Windows 10 (как минимум – под Win7). Или проще – выполняйте платежи только со смартфона, с современной версией оперативной системы Android или iOS и через оригинальное операционно-платежное приложение, взятое с Google Play или iTunes.

В прежне-многолетней версии данного материала упоминались два чайнабраузера – Maxthon и UC Browser – как пригодные для win xp. По состоянию на 2023 год они уже не годятся для «хрюшки». Компания UCWeb с некоторого времени разрабатывает только мобильные версии своего браузера, а 32-битный «Макстон» рассчитан все-таки на седьмую винду.

Если сравнивать производительность двух описанных выше Mypal версий – 29.3.0 и 68.12.3 – то сборка на 68-м движке «Мозиллы» будет работать существенно быстрее. Однако это бета-версия, что означает ее определенную «недокрученность» – какие-то функции могут не действовать (в основном это проявляется на некоторых типах сайтов). Других современных браузеров для win xp по состоянию на 2023 год не существует. Их попросту никто больше не делает. Поэтому все надежды только на энтузиаста Федора и его Mypal.

Opera — это браузер, распространяемый бесплатно, который подходит практически всем пользователям от новичков, до профессионалов. Компания Opera SoftWare, которая является разработчиком браузера, постоянно его усовершенствует и обновляет на радость пользователям.

Google Chrome – это бесплатный интернет-браузер, созданный компанией Google, который в последнее время стал очень популярен среди интернет-пользователей, несмотря на то, что его изобрели совсем недавно. Компания гугл сконструировала этот браузер с чистого листа, на основании браузера Chromium и движка Blink (до 2013 был на движке Webkit).

Наконец вслед за Internet Explorer 7 вышла новая версия программы, уже 8 по счету. Его выход связан с недоступностью многих веб-страниц из-за большого количества пользователей. Данная версия имеет множество функций для специалистов по разработке сайтов. Сам интерфейс браузера не сильно изменился. Хотя появились новые функции, например Activities, обеспечивающая

Mozilla Firefox 35 для Виндовс ХП – версия знаменитого браузера от компании Мазилла, обладающего целым рядом неоспоримых достоинств. Этот браузер отличается высокой скоростью, повышенной безопасностью и непревзойдённой расширяемостью. Браузер является бесплатным, вероятно это одна из немаловажных причин его популярности: каждый четвертый интернет-пользователь

Яндекс браузер — это бесплатный браузер, с открытым исходным кодом, который был создан совсем недавно ( в 2012 году). Разработчиком браузера является компания Яндекс, которая создала его на основе Chromium с нуля, и поэтому он так отличается от старых версий. Он занимает вторую позицию по популярности в России.

Internet Explorer является, пожалуй, одним из самых популярных веб-браузеров. По крайней мере, его также хорошо знают наравне с Google и Яндекс. Сразу скажем, что скачать интернет эксплорер 11 бесплатно русская версия для windows xp вы сможете по ссылке ниже.

Internet Explorer 10 – один из самых популярных интернет обозревателей. Программа обладает большой популярностью благодаря хорошей интеграцией с операционной системой и постоянной поддержкой пользователей, и выпуском новых обновлений. Хороший функционал и множество плагинов делают данный браузер по истине универсальным. У нас Вы можете скачать Internet Explorer 10.

Привет, друзья. Многие из вас являются почитателями рубрики сайта «Выживаем на слабом ПК», и, увы, почитают её вынужденно. Относительно недавно в комментариях меня просили сделать обзор браузеров, которые в наше время ещё работают с Windows XP. Что же, давайте поговорим на эту тему. Я подобрал 6 толковых браузеров, которые можно использовать в Windows XP состоянием на конец 2020 года и в 2021 году. Увы, среди популярных браузеров очень немногие соглашаются работать с WinXP в своих актуальных версиях. С ней работают, как правило, устаревшие версии браузеров. Но в любом случае это лучше, чем устаревший Internet Explorer 7, который есть в штате Windows XP. Однако я всё же нашёл браузер, который с нашей старушкой работает в своей актуальной версии, причём это не мёртвый веб-обозреватель, а активно развиваемый. И его мы оставим на конец обзора в качестве вишенки на торте. Давайте приступим.

Windows XP – культовая операционная система 2000-х, выпущена в 2001 году, её расширенная поддержка компанией Microsoft закончилась в 2014 году. Система на сегодняшний день морально и технологически устаревшая, совместима с редкими современными программными продуктами. Windows XP неспеша отправляется на свалку истории IT: сегодня её доля на рынке всех десктопных операционных систем занимает 1,2%, это примерно вдвое меньше непопулярной Linux с её 2,34% рынка. Сколь бы мал ни был процент WinXP, но с ней всё ещё работают. И один из важнейших вопросов, возникающий при работе с ней – какой браузер использовать. С ней не работает Google Chrome и многие другие современные браузеры. А какие же работают? Дабы выяснить это, дабы проверить как минимум сносность работы таких браузеров, я обзавёлся тестовой Windows XP SP3 от 2002 года.

С ней поставляется штатный браузер Internet Explorer 7 от 2006 года, это дичайшая архаика — работает медленно и топорно, сёрфить в нём практически невозможно, большая часть веб-страниц открывается с ошибками. Браузер нужно срочно менять. На какой?

Браузер работает с расширениями из своего магазина. В числе его штатных функций: режим сжатия веб-страниц Opera Turbo, новостная лента, удобная среда хранения закладок, жесты мышью. Сервис синхронизации в Opera 36, увы, не работает.

Несмотря на то, что у SeaMonkey устаревший дизайн середины 2000-х и присутствуют функции из далёкого прошлого типа IRC-чата, это активно поддерживаемый разработчиками проект. И, казалось бы, браузер с ретро-концептом должен работать с Windows XP, но нет, у него также с этой системой сотрудничает только замороженная устаревшая версия 2.49.5 от 2019 года. Современная от неё ушла недалеко, ныне актуальна версия браузера 2.53.4. При этом скачивать SeaMonkey для WinXP нужно на специальной странице. Сайт этого браузера не распознаёт операционную систему, с которой на него зашли, и автоматически не предлагает инсталлятор для нужной системы. SeaMonkey – это браузер на базе движка ОгнеЛиса Gecko, но глубоко ушедший в свою индивидуальную разработку. И это не просто браузер, а платформа с веб-компонентами: в состав SeaMonkey входят почтовый клиент, RSS-ридер, адресная книга, IRC-чат. Браузер позиционируется как решение для слабых компьютерных устройств. У SeaMonkey свой отдельный магазин расширений.

Функционально же SRWare Iron 49 – это Chrome, каким он был в 2016 году. Поддерживаются расширения из магазина Chrome, совместимые с 49-й версией.

Microsoft, ended support for the Windows XP in April 2014. The default browser on Windows XP is Internet Explorer, which is outdated and risky.

Popular browser makers, Google, Opera Software, and Mozilla, have also stopped supporting Windows XP and Vista. Yet, the OS still has a substantial number of users (0.33% of Windows PCs as of July 2023), meaning there is a need for safe, functioning browsers to access the internet.

A common-sense solution would be to simply download the version of mainstream browsers that still support Windows XP, like Chrome 49 and Firefox 52.9.0esr.

However, while they might check the functionality box, they no longer receive security patches. Thus, they are not safe for sensitive browsing. They require limited computer resources, which makes them ideal for the antiquated OS.

Some of the web browsers for Windows XP include K-Meleon, Pale Moon, SeaMonkey, and others, but the best browser for Windows XP is Opera 360. Opera 360 is ultra light, reasonably fast, and provides useful privacy features.

Read on to learn more about each of them.

Also Read: Best Browsers For Xbox One

Best Browsers For Windows XP

1. Opera 36 – Best Browser for Windows XP Operating System

Opera browsers are famously lightweight and consume less amount of processing power compared to popular alternatives. That means older versions like Opera 36 still work perfectly on dated OS’s like Windows XP and Windows 7.

But being lightweight is just the tip of the iceberg as far as advantages of using this browser go. Opera 36 comes with an in-built ad blocker, allowing you to enjoy fast browsing speeds. You can block unnecessary scripts that slow load times and strain CPU power without installing a dedicated extension.

The web browser also has decent security features like a free VPN and a tracker blocker that prevents data collection.

Besides those, you also get several additional features that give you the feel of using a modern web browser on your old computer. This is most visible in the UI design. While simple and intuitive, it has a sleek design that would not feel out of place on more recent Windows OS’s like Windows 8 or 10. The interface is also completely customizable.

Another feature with a modern look is the Speed Dial. It is an elegantly built, easy-to-use feature that allows you to visit your favorite websites from the start page. There is also a News section down the start page for keeping up with the latest happenings.

Also, suppose you have an Opera account on another device, mobile, or PC. In that case, you can sync your data and access them on the XP browser. You will be able to access your saved passwords, browsing history, and bookmarks.

Check out some of the best Opera alternatives here.

2. K-Meleon – Most LightWeight Browser for Windows XP

K-Meleon is one of the few web browsers designed and maintained to work on older Windows OS’s like Windows XP and 7. The web browser has been around since August 2000, using the Gecko layout engine, the same one that powers Mozilla Firefox.

The developers have since switched to the Goanna layout engine, a fork of the Gecko layout. However, it still has the look and feel of Firefox. So, you should still be able to find your way around the browser with little effort necessary.

But if its default layout is not your cup of tea, K-Meleon has a highly flexible interface design. You can do everything from repositioning individual toolbars or changing the menus and toolbar buttons. Besides the personal advantage, this also makes it an ideal browser for computers meant for public use.

However, it is its lightweight nature that genuinely makes K-Meleon ideal for Windows XP computers. It requires only 256 RAM, far less than the maximum of 4GB RAM available to the OS. It means not only can it run on XP or Vista, but it can also run on Windows 95 and any other OS that predates Windows 7.

Despite its low RAM usage, it is fast, reliable, and supports few Mozilla extensions. For extra extensions, the browser has plugins and browser themes accessible from the browser’s website. You can use them to extend its functionality and customize the general appearance, respectively.

Lastly, despite having a small user base, K-Meleon still receives regular support.

Explore: Best Browsers For Twitch

3. Pale Moon Browser

Since software companies with commercial interests have moved beyond Windows XP, the development of browsers compatible with older software has largely fallen to open source developers. Of the many out there, Pale Moon is one of the more reliable and popular ones.

Like K-Meleon, it is a fork of Mozilla Firefox, with substantial differences in user interface and behind the scenes. In terms of the former, Pale Moon is highly customizable. For the latter, the open-source web browser runs exclusively in single-process mode.

This fact, in particular, is why it is one of the best browsers for Windows XP2. Because single process architecture consumes a lot less RAM, it is perfect for low spec laptops and desktops. Pale Moon requires just 256MB of space, the kind of resource efficiency needed for reliable browsing.

As for features, the browser comes with its own exclusive add-ons. It has a substantial collection across multiple categories such as —

• Tools & Utilities
• Web Development
• Privacy & Security
• Social & Communication
• Alerts & Updates

The web browser also supports addons and plugins no longer supported by newer versions of Mozilla Firefox. They include XUL, XPCOM, and NPAPI plugins that enable Flash Player.

Beyond extensions, Pale Moon is an excellent option if privacy is a significant concern. It uses DuckDuckGo as its default search engine. It is renowned for its commitment to users’ privacy and filterless search. Also, instead of Google’s geolocation software, it uses the IP-API service.

Another notable feature of Pale Moon as a Windows XP web browser is support for multiple languages. It includes Russian, Hungarian, Slovenian, Greek, Finnish, and 32 other languages on different continents, a practical benefit in Armenia, where more than 50% of computers still use Windows XP.

Check Out: Best Browsers For Video Streaming & Netflix

4. SeaMonkey

Mozilla Firefox isn’t the only great browser that came out of the famous Netscape Communicator. So did SeaMonkey, an open-source software that is more than a browser. It is an internet suite that includes a web browser, email, and news client program.

It also comes with an HTML editor, an IRC client, ChatZilla, and web development tools. While these may not appeal to casual users, they are helpful to advanced users, web developers, and corporate users.

The SeaMonkey web browser is based on the XUL architecture. Thus, it has a more traditional interface reminiscent of the early days of internet browsers. Users can take advantage of this to extend the functionality of the browser with add-ons.

For regular users who just want a capable browser to access the internet, SeaMonkey comes with a slew of modern features to help you navigate easily.

It has tabbed browsing, so you never have to worry about opening one page at a time. There is also session restore for picking up wherever you stopped or in the rare instance that the browser crashes.

Additional features include —

• Add-ons Management: for installing extensions
• Data Manager: a central management interface for managing cookies, permissions, site-specific data, passwords, and more
• Pop-up Blocker: ad and tracker blocker

A Smart Location Bar also allows you to search web pages you’ve visited before to revisit quickly. SeaMonkey also comes with standard modern web browser tools like toolbar customization, multi-language support, security settings, and more.

More impressively, it is managed by an active developer community that updates it regularly. The web browser and other software in the SeaMonkey internet suite are compatible with Windows XP SP3 and above.

Interesting Post: Best Browsers For Smart TV

5. UR Browser

One of the browser options on this list built on the popular Chromium engine, UR Browser, is a web browser that is just as great on old computers as it is on new ones. Its main selling point is its strong focus on user privacy. The browser’s privacy suite includes tools like

• Anti-tracking – blocks cookies and tracks from learning about your online identity
• AdControl – blocks ads scripts and helps pages load faster
• HTTPS Redirect – creates a stronger layer of security by forcing HTTP websites to switch to their HTTPS page
• Anti Fingerprinting – prevents websites from collecting data such as IP address and screen resolution from the browser

Perhaps the most impressive is its Ninja Mode, its take on the standard incognito mode. UR Browser’s version enables you to browse incognito within the same window. You can browse in regular and private modes using different tabs.

Although this may not seem like a big deal, it helps conserve RAM and battery. The web browser also comes with a virus scanner that scans websites and blocks any cyber threat. A useful tool considering Windows XP no longer receives security updates from Microsoft.

UR Browser also offers an in-built VPN. Ultimately, you can control the effectiveness of these privacy features by setting privacy levels.

Besides its privacy and security features, UR Browser is easy to install and simple to use. The interface is similar to Google Chrome, thanks to their shared Chromium engine. It also comes with a download manager with a distinct look.

All these features and more are available to all old Windows PCs and modern versions such as Windows 8, 8.1, and 10.

6. Maxthon Browser

Besides Opera 36 mentioned above, Maxthon Browser is the second most popular browser on this list and a great option if you want something with a large user base. It is the product of the Chinese company Maxthon, and it has been around since 2002.

Although it has been subject to data privacy scandals since its initial release, it remains popular thanks to several features and compatibility with multiple devices.

It is a multi-platform web browser that is available to Windows XP users and macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Windows Phone users. Maxthon is based on Chromium and has received recognition for its quality from entities like CNET and PC World.

Despite its Chromium engine, Maxthon is a lightweight web browser. It requires only 512MB of RAM, a 1GHz CPU, and 64 MB of hard drive space. Not only does that make it suitable for an XP computer, but it can also run on Windows 2000.

Also, the web browser comes with an in-built ad blocker, which makes pages load faster and reduces RAM consumption.

It also has screen capture, multi-tab manager, autofill, smart address bar, and multi-search. The latter allows users to input keywords in the search bar and receive results from multiple search engines simultaneously.

Furthermore, Maxthon Browser has robust cloud synchronization and data backup. So you can easily sync and access data such as passwords, web browsing history, bookmarks, and more from other devices on your Windows XP computer, and vice versa.

Also, because of its Chromium engine, Windows XP users can enjoy the full functionality of modern browsers by installing plugins. The web browser supports the Chrome add-ons library. So you can install themes or extensions to pimp out the browser to your preference.

Interesting Comparison: Brave vs Opera

7. Otter Browser

Open source projects are often a form of protest against their commercial counterpart. Otter Browser, one of the best browsers you can install on Windows XP, is no different. Reportedly, in pursuit of quarterly profits, Opera Software switched from the Presto layout engine to Webkit and Blink engine.

Opera fans did not take kindly to the change, which led to Otter Browser’s creation by Michael Dutkiewicz. It is an open-source web browser that is completely free and available on practically every platform, from Linux and OpenBSD to macOS and RISC OS.

The software is based on Qt WebEngine and QtWebKit. It has been around since 2014, receiving support and updates from a dedicated developer community and user base. The browser is built to resemble early versions of Opera while making everything else modern and fully integrated with desktop environments.

Besides the fact it is not tied to a corporate entity, Otter Browser maintains its presence thanks to its modular model. This enables users to replace components with their preferred designs.

If this sounds like Otter Browser is for advanced users, that is because it is. But that is not to say it cannot do a good job for anyone with an old Windows XP they want to bring back to life.

The browser comes with features for regular users like a password manager, URL completion, speed dial. There is also an addon manager, spell check, customizable GUI, and bookmarks.

Otter Browser is also very committed to privacy. It uses DuckDuckGo as its default search engine and has in-built content blocking tools that prevent ads and cookie tracking.

Overall, if you want a taste of old-school Opera with modern capabilities and improved privacy and security features, Otter is worth considering.

Also Read: Opera vs Vivaldi

8. Slimjet Browser

Are you looking for a US-made lightweight alternative to Google Chrome for your Windows XP that is just as fast? Slimjet Browser might just be what you are looking for. Built by FlashPeak Inc, an Austin, Texas company, it is a tabbed multiple-site web browser that offers practically everything you need from a browser.

The company built the browser on the popular and fast Blink engine. Despite the low specs of your old computer, the browser offers a shorter loading time, quick browser startup, and a responsive UI.

Its impressive speed also extends to its in-built download manager. The feature uses multiple parallel connections, allowing you to download files up to 12x faster than the average rate. It also enables you to pause and resume downloads between sessions without starting all over again.

Speaking of downloads, the browser also has an in-built YouTube video downloader. You can download any YouTube video to your hard drive in any resolution or format and extract mp3 files from the downloaded video file.

Other media-related features include an online video recorder and Photo Salon. The former allows you to record any dynamic content on a web page and save it on your local drive. The latter supports photo editing, including filter effects and frames.

Beyond that, the Slimjet browser comes with its own adblocker. So you don’t have to install a third-party extension for this specific purpose. It also offers social media integration for Facebook – a nice feature to use if you are bringing that old computer to life for use by an older loved one.

These are on top of standard browser features like plugin and extension store, language translation, auto form filler, and customizable toolbar.

Check Out: Brave vs DuckDuckGo

9. Basilisk

The Basilisk browser is another excellent alternative for your old Windows computer. Developed by the same team behind Pale Moon, it is a free and open-source XUL-based browser. Unlike Pale Moon, which is well into its development, Basilisk is still a project in development, aka in beta mode.

Regardless, regular and advanced users can install it on their computers as long as they don’t mind occasional crashes and defects. (For something more stable, you can check any other option on this list.)

The developers built Basilisk using the Goanna engine and thus, bears a close resemblance to Mozilla Firefox. The similarities are not just in code only. They also share a similar interface, making it easy for anyone new to the browser to use.

Expectedly, it is a lightweight browser with an installation file size of 45MB. It is easy to install, and it is compatible with Windows XP 64-bit OS. In other words, you should have no trouble installing it on your low specs computer.

Basilisk has a wide array of features that got it a place on this list despite its size. That includes a clear and understandable interface that gives web pages extensive real estate on the browser’s UI. There is also an add-on manager for extending the browser’s functionality with extensions.

It also has several features that have been discontinued on newer versions of Firefox. This includes the classic title bar and menu, bookmarks toolbar with default homepage, and app menu.

On a more technical note, Basilisk offers support for advanced Graphite font shaping, WebAssembly, XUL/Overlay Mozilla-style extensions, NPAPI plugins, and JavaScript’s ECMAscript 6 standard.

Also Read: Brave Browser Review

10. Mypal

Last but not least is Mypal, a Pale Moon derivative designed to run on Windows XP computers. Its creator(s) developed it to be a reliable and secure browser for the Windows OS. As a result, users receive regular automatic updates just like browsers on newer Windows versions.

Like several options on this list, it is based on a fork of earlier versions of Mozilla Firefox, specifically Firefox 52. The software is available in 32-bit and 64-bit, expanding the number of supported devices.

It also requires little RAM and ROM commitment from users. The installation file is 36MB, and it requires less than 300MB RAM space. The browser achieves this by running exclusively in single-process mode.

Besides its technical specs, Mypal has qualities that make it a great browser for Windows XP. Its default search engine is DuckDuckGo, useful for filterless search. As part of its effort to make up for the lack of security updates on XP, it is also possible to configure Mypal to never remember history, like incognito mode.

The browser also comes with anti-trackers and users receive alerts when a website tries to install add-ons. Overall, Mypal offers five security levels for users to choose from depending on their needs.

Furthermore, Mypal supports extensions from Pale Moon and legacy Firefox extensions. You can install popular extensions like Ad-block plus and NoScript on the browser to extend its capabilities. You can also customize the interface by installing pre-made themes.

Explore: Vivaldi Browser Review

Do any Web Browsers Still Work with Windows XP?

There are a few browsers that are still supported on Windows XP. Here are browsers that work:

1. Opera 360: Light, fast, and privacy-centric. A top choice for XP users.
2. SlimJet: Speedy with a dedicated download manager.
3. K-Meleon: Light and long-standing, a solid XP option cited by Reddit.
4. Pale Moon: Secure and based on older Firefox versions.
5. SeaMonkey: A free, open-source suite that’s more than just a browser.
6. Mypal: Designed specifically for XP, aims for security and reliability. Check it out on their official site.

Remember, Windows XP itself is unsupported, posing security risks. So pick the most secure browser to minimize issues, as advised by Bleeping Computer.

Straightforward info for making a safer choice on an outdated OS.

What is the Most Lightweight Browser for Windows XP?

Looking for the lightest browser for Windows XP? K-Meleon takes the cake, running on the same Gecko engine as Firefox, as backed by Tom’s Hardware. Other lean options include Midori, Pale Moon, and Maxthon.

But keep this in mind: going lightweight often means sacrificing some features or website compatibility. The advice? Test a few and see which one nails your needs.

In summary, keep it light but make sure it’s right for you.

Can Windows XP Run Chrome?

Google Chrome cut off support for Windows XP back in 2015, according to Google’s Chrome Blog. Yet, some users report that Chrome version 102 still works on XP, as discussed on Reddit. But let’s be clear: using an outdated Chrome on XP is a security gamble, stated by sources like Droid Rant.

Your best bet? Stick with browsers that still get updates and are designed for XP, such as Opera 360, SlimJet, or Pale Moon. They focus on both security and functionality.

Bottom line: Safety first, especially on an unsupported OS.

Best Browsers For Windows XP Users – Wrapping Up

The latest Internet Explorer you can get on Windows XP is IE8. But let’s be clear: it’s outdated and unsupported since Microsoft ended XP’s life cycle.

With no security updates since April 2014, using IE8 on Windows XP isn’t just old-school, it’s a security risk.

The lack of official support for Windows XP and a negligible user base means the operating system has limited web browser options.

Of the available options, some are free and open-source, made by developers with personal interests in keeping the OS alive. Others are from corporate entities who are still providing for the OS.

However, of the options available, Opera 36 is the overall best. While Opera Software no longer supports it, the version has enough features to counter the dangers from the lack of updates. In-built tools like VPN and an ad blocker ensure user privacy and that pages load faster.