Option to delay Firefox updates until the browser is fully closed and the system has rebooted or shut down
Desired behaviour Please add an option that would make Firefox update only when:
- a) Firefox is completely closed — no open windows, no active profiles, no running `firefox.exe` processes of any kind.
- b) A Windows reboot or shutdown has occurred.
Current problem Currently, Firefox sometimes initiates an update while a session is still open — for example, when opening a new profile or seemingly at random. This interrupts active work and forces the update at an inconvenient time, meaning all tabs and workflow are disrupted.
Suggested improvements
- A good extra option could be modelled on Windows Update, which provides a series of delay settings.
- The update should wait until all `firefox.exe` processes have ended (currently, opening a new profile can trigger an update even with another profile running).
- A forced update that disrupts current work feels overly aggressive, especially when the update is not mission-critical. Even if it is critical, the timing should be a user choice.
Alternative approaches
- A selection could be provided to wait until the user has naturally finished, with all instances closed by choice, or until the computer is restarted after a Windows boot.
- A popup could appear with options to delay, or a notification saying "Update needed — please close browsers." There is no need to force this.
Workaround difficulty At present, the only way to achieve this is by writing a script. This overly aggressive update behavior could instead be controlled by a simple setting for advanced users. Being overly concerned about security to this level, should be a user choice not force. Turning it off and making it manual is still not as helpful as automation.
Great work, I just noticed this occurring several times in the few months mid session. All good wishes
All Replies (7)
A) or B) sorry. The system dosnt need to be rebooted, both can be triggers.
الحل المُختار
Hello
A space for users to give product feedback https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/what-mozilla-connect
These similar discussions
https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/discussions/jesus-christ-another-update/td-p/130212
https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/discussions/firefox-background-updates/td-p/127410
Thanks, I will go post there
"Firefox updates when launching new profile, even when other profile is open" bugzilla.mozilla.org/1758669 that eventually got included under "Second instance of Firefox will apply update downloaded by still running first" bugzilla.mozilla.org/1480452 is pretty much describing this issue.
Thanks, I added this to feature request, so not a bug :)
Modified
I see you're using Windows, isn't actually Enable background updates on Firefox for Windows when Firefox is not running the functionality you're asking for?
The background updates feature adds a Firefox Background Update entry to the Windows Task Scheduler that, when enabled, will check for Firefox updates every 7 hours when the browser is not in use.In the Installation section, select Automatically install updates (recommended) and underneath that setting, check or uncheck the box next to When Firefox is not running to enable or disable background updates.
This is the implementation docs if you want to explore in more detail: https://firefox-source-docs.mozilla.org/toolkit/mozapps/update/docs/BackgroundUpdates.html if that fits your workflow.
Yeah I have those seleted, so it does not work.
As I explained, this occurs again and again.
I did check though, and the setting is the same. I have tried both firefox and developer.
It just overrides does not truly update with no firefox process.
In the Installation section, select Automatically install updates (recommended) and underneath that setting, check or uncheck the box next to When Firefox is not running to enable or disable background updates.