"Failed to check for updates" et al
Hey, so, I've seen this question a couple times when I searched, but (a) there didn't seem to be any solution and (b) they were all regarding Macs and I'm on Windows 11 v 23H2. I keep getting bubbles saying that Firefox wasn't able to check for updates- not that it couldn't download or install updates, but it couldn't search for one. I also did the "about Firefox" thing and it gives me the same message. Both of these have been going on for a couple days and I have attempted restarting Firefox multiple times and did a manual update [125.0.1 (64-bit)] just in case there was a problem there. Now, I've tried the tips from the other threads (turning off the proxy, checking any anti-update policies, and checking the add.update.url in the config settings) with no luck. So in an effort to either bump the question or get any Windows oriented answers... Thanks muchly
Gekose oplossing
Apologies, I got your problem switched around in my head, thinking you were on Mac instead of Windows. I did find one more Windows user with same checking for updates problem as you here: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1445093#answer-1648171
There's a suggestion there to disable the Web Protection feature in NordVPN. A Reddit user tracked it down to NordVPN being the problem: "Figured it out. When NordVPN "Web Protection" is on, it fails to check for updates from the About menu as well. When "Web Protection" is off, it correctly checks for updates. I surmise that when Firefox fails to check, it assumes that I need an update and gives the original annoying message."
But I'm going to see if there's another bug filed for autoupdate failures for Windows users. If not, I'll file it.
Lees dié antwoord in konteks 👍 4All Replies (9)
Does it still happen in a new profile? An easy way to test a new profile is to install Developer Edition and see if it happens there or refresh your existing profile. Make sure you stay signed out of your sync account when testing.
Zeroknight- Thanks for actually giving me new options! (Seriously) The new profile didn't work, though. I tried it in the developer edition and in the regular FF troubleshoot mode. I'm hesitant to do a full refresh, but once I get my add-ons and prefs copied down, if I'm outta options I'll try that.--- edit: did the refresh and it didn't help Oh, and now I keep getting a bubble that says Firefox is unable to download update, or FF is unable to install update... and as I said I manually did the update last night. (getting so confused)
Gewysig op deur xheavenlybodiesx
Hey you definitely were on to something. Turns out checking for updates were broken for Firefox builds on Macs. It seems to affect macOS users running non-admin accounts.
They rushed to release version 125.0.1 to fix that. Please install that build then test if searching for updates is working correctly.
Firefox 125.0.1: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
Gekose oplossing
Apologies, I got your problem switched around in my head, thinking you were on Mac instead of Windows. I did find one more Windows user with same checking for updates problem as you here: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1445093#answer-1648171
There's a suggestion there to disable the Web Protection feature in NordVPN. A Reddit user tracked it down to NordVPN being the problem: "Figured it out. When NordVPN "Web Protection" is on, it fails to check for updates from the About menu as well. When "Web Protection" is off, it correctly checks for updates. I surmise that when Firefox fails to check, it assumes that I need an update and gives the original annoying message."
But I'm going to see if there's another bug filed for autoupdate failures for Windows users. If not, I'll file it.
Gewysig op deur NoahSUMO
NoahSUMO said
I did find one more Windows user with same checking for updates problem as you here: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1445093
THANK YOU! I checked the thread you linked and the most recent post said that it seemed NordVPN was affecting Firefox. I run NordVPN, too, so tried disabling the web protection and poof, Firefox is up to date. I'm sure I'm not the only one hoping for a fix, but at least I can work around it for now.
Awesome! Thanks for letting us know that fixed it. I'm going to see if we can still file a bug for this so that the Firefox devs can apply pressure on the NordVPN developers to get this fixed asap. Because they've known about this issue for at least a month. And I have low confidence they'll fix this on their own w/ any outside pressure from Firefox employees.
The Reddit thread where NordVPN was blocking Firefox updates since March 23rd: https://www.reddit.com/r/firefox/comments/1bly9xz/firefox_suddenly_unable_to_auto_update/ Solution: "Figured it out. When NordVPN "Web Protection" is on, it fails to check for updates from the About menu as well. When "Web Protection" is off, it correctly checks for updates. I surmise that when Firefox fails to check, it assumes that I need an update and gives the original annoying message."
Hi
We believe that NordVPN have fixed their Web Protection feature and you should find that if you turn this back on, the issue is now resolved.
If you find that it is still not working correctly, please let us know and we can try to follow up with NordVPN.
Thank you.
Hi, Paul, I'm not sure about the fix. I did get a notification from Firefox that an update was availible, but that it couldn't download it (the same as before, when there wasn't an update)- turned out there WAS an update, but I had to manually download it. Also, when I check the "Help"->"About Firefox" links it still says "Failed to check for updates" as long as the Nord WebProtection is on. I have installed the FF update/verified it is up to date, closed FF and restarted it, and restarted the computer. I'm totally willing to claim mea culpa if I'm missing something. Thanks much
Ha! UPDATE:
YES, the issue does seem fixed! Thank you!
Gewysig op deur xheavenlybodiesx