Adobe Flash protected mode in Firefox

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  • Revision id: 92692
  • Created:
  • Creator: AliceWyman
  • Comment: see discussion: Does not apply to Windows XP & Other reasons to crash
  • Reviewed: Yes
  • Reviewed:
  • Reviewed by: heyjoni
  • Is approved? Yes
  • Is current revision? No
  • Ready for localization: Yes
  • Readied for localization:
  • Readied for localization by: heyjoni
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This article applies to Windows Vista and above.

Flash protected mode is a security feature for Firefox, which is implemented by Adobe for Windows operating systems, on computers with Windows Vista 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 the following users:

  • Users on Windows touchscreen devices
  • Users who use accessibility tools.

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

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.
  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 Firefox menu Fx89menuButton and select Exit.Click the Firefox menu at the top of the screen and select Quit Firefox.Click the Firefox menu Fx89menuButton and select Quit. to close Firefox completely, so that the change can take effect.

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