Use plugins to play audio, video, games and more

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  • Creator: AliceWyman
  • Comment: linked to new blog post for fx43 win64-bit Firefox warning
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  • Reviewed by: Noah_SUMO
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Plugins are Firefox add-ons that manage Internet content that Firefox is not designed to process. This article describes how to use and manage plugins in Firefox.

What are plugins?

A plugin is a piece of software that manages Internet content that Firefox is not designed to process. These usually include patented formats for video, audio, online games, presentations, and more. Plugins are created and distributed by other companies.

Popular plugins

For instructions of how to install, use, and troubleshoot plugins in Firefox, see the articles below:

Important: The new 64-bit version of Firefox for Windows currently recognizes and supports only the Adobe Flash plugin. See this Mozilla blog post for details.
Important: The new Windows 64-bit version of Firefox currently recognizes and supports only the Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight plugins.

How to update plugins

Plugins involve using code written by third-parties, so it is critically important to keep your plugins up-to-date. A security vulnerability in a plugin you have installed could compromise your privacy.

Managing plugins

To see what plugins you have installed:

  1. Click the menu button Fx89menuButton, click Add-ons and themes and select Plugins.

To disable a plugin, select a plugin in the list, then click Disable. Disabling a plugin will turn it off without uninstalling it. To re-enable it, click Enable.

To disable a plugin, select a plugin in the list, then select Never Activate. Disabling a plugin will turn it off without uninstalling it. To re-enable it, select Always Activate.

Uninstalling plugins

  • Visit the article above that corresponds to the plugin you want to uninstall for instructions.
  • For instructions on how to manually uninstall a plugin, see Manually uninstalling a plugin

Troubleshooting

If you have problems with Firefox, they may be caused by a plugin or combination of plugins. For help on how to diagnose plugin problems, see Troubleshoot issues with plugins like Flash or Java to fix common Firefox problems.