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.

Note: If you use your Linux distribution's packaged version of Firefox, you will need wait for an updated package to be released to its package repository. This article only applies if you installed Firefox manually (without using your distribution's package manager).

Automatic updates

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

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.
When the install process is complete, you must restart Firefox. To close Firefox and re-open it, click Done.
After Firefox restarts, all updated versions of Firefox components are available.

Minor updates will be downloaded in the background and installed when you restart Firefox.
If an update has been waiting to be installed for more than 24 hours, you'll see a notification with the option to restart Firefox and install the update.

Having problems?

Manually check for updates

At any time, you can check for updates.

At the top of the Firefox windowOn the menu bar, click on the HelpFirefoxHelpFirefox menu, go over to the Help menu and select About Firefox menu, and select Check for Updates...About Firefox
- For Windows XP: At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Help menu and select About Firefox
  - If it is grayed out, see Check for Updates is disabled.
The About Firefox window will open and Firefox will begin checking for updates. If updates are available, they will begin downloading automatically. If Firefox is already up to date, just close the About Firefox window.
When the updates are downloaded and ready to be installed, click Apply Update. Firefox will be restarted and the updates installed.
If major updates are available, click Get the New Version to begin the update process.
- If no updates are available, click FinishDone to close the window.
When the install process is complete, you must restart Firefox. To close Firefox and re-open it, click Restart Firefox.

Having problems?

Configuring update options

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

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.
Click the Advanced icon.
Click the Update tab. The auto-update options are displayed.
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. If you deselect the Firefox option, you will not receive critical security updates that may keep you safe online unless you frequently do a manual check for updates.
- 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.
Close the Settings page. Any changes you've made will automatically be saved.