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Why do I have to force close firefox?

  • 5 replies
  • 6 have this problem
  • 22 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

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I can close a "firefox window" but I can rarely completely close firefox the proper way. Whenever I try to close firefox it won't close. I have to force close it.

I can close a "firefox window" but I can rarely completely close firefox the proper way. Whenever I try to close firefox it won't close. I have to force close it.

All Replies (5)

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The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information. Note: This will cause you to lose any Extensions, Open websites, and some Preferences.

To Reset Firefox do the following:

  1. Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
  2. Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
  3. Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
  4. Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.


Further information can be found in the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

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I do that every few days and the problem persists.

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Use "Firefox/File > Exit" (Mac: "Firefox > Quit"; Linux: "File > Quit") to close Firefox if you are currently doing that by clicking the close X on the title bar.

You can also check for problems caused by extensions and plugin (safe mode doesn't disable plugins).

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I am on mac so it might work differently.

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So, using "Firefox > Quit" doesn't close Firefox?

Does this still happens if you disable all plugins and extensions as a test?