Adobe Flash protected mode in Firefox

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This article applies to Windows Vista/7/8 or above.

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.

To disable Flash protected mode, see Adobe's instructions under the heading "Last Resort": Adobe Forums: How do I troubleshoot Flash Player's protected mode for Firefox?

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

  1. Type about:config in the address bar and press EnterReturn.
    A warning page may appear. Click Accept the Risk and Continue to go to the about:config page.
  2. Search for dom.ipc.plugins.flash.disable-protected-mode in the list of preferences.
  3. Double-click on the preference to toggle its value from false to true.
  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 completely close Firefox, so that the change can take effect.
  5. Restart Firefox.

To disable Flash protected mode, see Adobe's instructions under the heading "Last Resort": Adobe Forums: How do I troubleshoot Flash Player's protected mode for Firefox?

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

  1. Type about:config in the address bar and press EnterReturn.
    A warning page may appear. Click Accept the Risk and Continue to go to the about:config page.
  2. Search for dom.ipc.plugins.flash.disable-protected-mode in the list of preferences.
  3. Double-click on the preference to toggle its value from false to true.
  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 completely close Firefox, so that the change can take effect.
  5. Restart Firefox.

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 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.

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.