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Plugins are Firefox add-ons that manage internet content that Firefox is not designed to process. This article describes how to use and manage plugins in Firefox.

What are plugins?

A plugin is a piece of software that manage internet content that Firefox is not designed to process. These usually include patented formats for video, audio, online games, presentations, and more. Plugins are created and distributed by other companies.

Popular plugins

For instructions of how to install, use, and troubleshoot plugins in Firefox, see the articles below:

• Adobe Flash
• Windows Media Player
• Java
• Quicktime
• Adobe Reader
• Silverlight
• Adobe Shockwave

How to update plugins

Plugins involve using code written by third-parties, so it is critically important to keep your plugins up-to-date. A security vulnerability in a plugin you have installed could compromise your privacy.

To check if any of your installed plugins are out of date, visit the Mozilla Plugin Check page.

Managing plugins

To see what plugins you have installed:

1. At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Firefox button (Tools menu in Windows XP), and then click Add-onsOn the menu bar, click on the Tools menu, and then click Add-onsAt the top of the Firefox window, click on the Tools menu, and then click Add-ons. The Add-ons Manager tab will openAt the top of the Firefox window, click on the Tools menu, and select Add-onsOn the menu bar, click on the Tools menu, and select Add-onsAt the top of the Firefox window, click on the Tools menu, and select Add-ons. The Add-ons window will open.

2. In the Add-ons Manager tabwindow, select the Plugins panel.

To disable a plugin, select a plugin in the list, then click Disable. Disabling a plugin will turn it off without uninstalling it. To re-enable it, click Enable.

Uninstalling plugins

• Visit the article above that corresponds to the plugin you want to uninstall for instructions.
• For instructions on how to manually uninstall a plugin, see Manually uninstalling a plugin

Troubleshooting

If you have problems with Firefox, they may be caused by an plugin or combination of plugins. For help on how to diagnose plugin problems, see Troubleshooting plugins.