If you are using an older computer, and chances are, if you’re visiting this site, you may be willing to get a modern browser on it.

The browsers included with – or previously available to download for – computers older than Windows 10 are no longer able to open websites correctly (if showing anything at all). But there are enthousiasts who are solving this issue by creating and maintaining 3rd-party browser variants.

We’ve already covered MyPal, a continued effort to keep more modern Firefox versions available for older operating systems.
Today, we’ll be covering Supermium, which aims to bring Chromium (a variant of Google Chrome) to older operating systems.

What is Chromium?

If you’re not sure what Chromium is, don’t worry. You’re not the only one. Let me explain it:

You’ll most likely know Google Chrome. This is a browser made by Google, available to download for free. Besides being a web browser, Google Chrome comes with some extras, such as syncing your bookmarks with your Google account, support for streaming services that require DRM protection, a password manager for all your devices and AI Mode.

Google Chrome is fully made by Google, but cannot be modified by others. This is because it is what we call Closed Source software. Its programming code has not been made public, so it depends entirely on Google for what systems a new version is made available. Google currently supports Windows 10 and 11, so you’re out of luck on any older version.

But: Google Chrome is for a large part based on Chromium, which is what we call Open Source software. It’s programming code is made public and this means anyone can make modifications to it. This includes making newer versions that work with older operating systems. That’s exactly what Supermium is doing.

Chromium is not having all features of Chrome, but it still is a really complete web browser. You can view any sites, it has tabs, can search on various search sites and you can create local bookmarks. Only the online features, such as syncing your Google account and support for DRM protected streaming are missing.

A word of caution

While your old computer can get a modern-ish web browser, do not not use it for anything that requires logging in or providing personal information, such as online banking and shopping. Your old computer is not secure and hackers may easily be able to steal your data. Use a modern computer with the latest security updates for this.
A browser like this is mostly meant to download (older) games, programs and drivers for your old computer. As long as you don’t have to sign in on a site, or enter any personal information, you’ll most likely be fine.

How to install Supermium

Make sure your old computer meets the requirements of Supermium:

• Windows XP SP3 or later or Windows Server 2003 SP2 or later
• An Intel Pentium 4 processor or later that’s SSE2 capable. Hyper-threading or a dual-core processor is recommended.
• A minimum of 768 MB of RAM. 2 GB or greater is recommended for a smooth browsing experience.

How you install Supermium depends if you’re downloading it from your old computer or a modern computer.

Download on a modern computer

On a modern computer, go to https://www.supermium.net/ and download the version you want. If your old computer is running XP, go for the 32-bit installer. If you have Server 2003, Vista or newer, check if you are using a 64-bit operating system. If so, go for the 64-bit installer. Otherwise, the 32-bit installer is fine.

Copy the installer to your old computer using a USB flash drive or another storage medium of your choice.

On the old computer, run the installer by clicking on the .exe file.
First, click “Yes” when asked to install Supermium.
On the next screen, you can choose to create a shortcut on your desktop and to install for yourself or for all users.

That’s it. Confirm and the installer will do the rest.

Download directly from your old computer

If your old computer already has internet access, open Internet Explorer and go to http://www.supermium.net . It will load a special Legacy fallback site of Supermium that works with the really old version of IE that is already on your computer.

If you’re using XP, go for the 32-bit installer. If you’re using Server 2003, Vista or newer, check if you are using a 64-bit operating system.
If so, go for the 64-bit installer. Otherwise, the 32-bit installer is fine.

When the download is finished, run the installer.
First, click “Yes” when asked to install Supermium.
On the next screen, you can choose to create a shortcut on your desktop and to install for yourself or for all users.

That’s it. Confirm and the installer will do the rest.

Conclusion

Supermium is a great way to keep browsing from your old computer. It makes it a lot easier to download old games, drivers and other files, because you don’t have to copy everything over from a new computer.

It does not make your computer safe for everyday tasks, such as online banking or shopping. Use a supported operating system with the latest security updates for this!