Adobe Flash protected mode in Firefox

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  • Creator: Chris Ilias
  • Comment: purged pre-fx38 content
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  • Reviewed:
  • Reviewed by: Chris_Ilias
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This article applies to Windows Vista/7/8 or above.
Important: This article does not apply to the new 64-bit Firefox for Windows 64-bit operating systems. Mozilla has its own "NPAPI plugin sandbox" security feature, which is enabled by default on Windows 64-bit Firefox.

Flash protected mode is a security feature for Firefox which is implemented by Adobe for Windows operating systems (Windows Vista/7/8 or above). This feature is enabled by default, to make it difficult for attackers to access your computer.

Flash protected mode might cause Flash performance problems in Firefox, such as persistent hangs or plugin crashes. This is especially true for users on Windows touchscreen devices and for users who use accessibility tools.

You can turn off Flash protected mode by following these steps:

  1. Click on the menu button The image "new fx menu" does not exist., followed by Add-ons.
  2. Click on the Plugins panel and select Options next to Shockwave Flash.
  3. Remove the check mark next to Enable Adobe Flash protected mode.
    flash protected mode fx38
  4. Click the menu button New Fx Menu and then click ExitQuit Close 29 to close Firefox completely, so that the change can take effect.

When you reopen Firefox, Flash protected mode will be disabled.

Warning: Disabling Flash protected mode makes your computer more vulnerable to security exploits. Do not disable this feature unless you are affected by poor Flash performance.