Firefox can be configured to automatically check for updates to the application, search engines, and any installed add-ons. This article shows you how to configure Firefox for automatic updates and to manually check for updates, if desired.

Automatic updates

By default, Firefox is configured to automatically check for updates for itself.

1. When an update is available, the Software Update dialog is automatically displayed. It contains a list of updates for Firefox components that are installed on your system. To begin updating your software, click OK. The new versions of any selected updates are downloaded and installed.
2. When the install process is complete, you must restart Firefox. To close Firefox and re-open it, click Done.
3. After Firefox restarts, all updated versions of Firefox components are available.

Having problems?

• Fix problems connecting to websites after updating Firefox
• Enable SSL to fix the Firefox cannot connect securely error message
• How to fix the Update Failed error message when updating Firefox
• AUS Update XML File Malformed 200

Manually check for updates

At any time, you can check for updates.

1. To manually check for a Firefox update, click the Help menu at the top of the Firefox windowon the menu bar, and select Check for Updates....
   
   
   

• • If it is grayed out, see Check for Updates is disabled.

1. If updates are available, click Get the New Version to begin the process.
   
   
   

• • If no updates are available, click FinishDone to close the window.

1. When the install process is complete, you must restart Firefox. To close Firefox and re-open it, click Restart Firefox.
   
   
   
   

Having problems?

• Fix problems connecting to websites after updating Firefox
• Enable SSL to fix the Firefox cannot connect securely error message
• How to fix the Update Failed error message when updating Firefox
• AUS Update XML File Malformed 200

Configuring update options

You can configure Firefox to automatically check for updates or to disable automatic updating.

1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and select Settings (select Preferences on older macOS versions).Click the menu button and select Settings.
2. Click the Advanced icon.
3. Click the Update tab. The auto-update options are displayed.
   
   
   
4. Update options:

• • Automatically check updates for updates to: Select the component types to which you wish Firefox to check for updates. Firefox can check for updates to the Firefox application, any installed add-ons, and search engines.
    • To disable automatic checking for updates, deselect all three options.
  • When updates to Firefox are found: Choose how you want Firefox to manage any found updates.
    • Ask me what I want to do: Firefox lets you choose if you want to download and install the update. If you do not choose to do so, you can download it at a later time.
    • Automatically download and install the update: Firefox automatically downloads and installs found updates. If you wish to be prompted if the downloads will disable any installed add-ons, select that option.
  • To review the history of updates that have been downloaded and installed, click Show Update History.

1. Close the Settings page. Any changes you've made will automatically be saved.

Having problems?

• The Firefox checkbox is disabled

Based on information from Software Update (mozillaZine KB)