Firefox starts automatically when I restart Windows

Firefox Firefox Last updated: 62% of users voted this helpful

This article only applies to Firefox on Windows.

If you leave Firefox open when Windows shuts down, Firefox may automatically re-open with your previously opened tabs the next time you start Windows. Here's how to disable the feature.

Prevent Firefox from starting automatically

Warning: These instructions are for experienced Firefox users. Changing settings in the Configuration Editor (about:config) can have serious effects on your browser’s stability, security, and performance.
Only proceed if you are comfortable with advanced settings and understand the potential impacts.

  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 toolkit.winRegisterApplicationRestart.
  3. Click the Toggle Fx71aboutconfig-ToggleButton button next to it, to set its value to false.

There's no need to restart Firefox; the changes take effect immediately.

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