Firefox and Thunderbird install an optional service called the Mozilla Maintenance Service which allows application updates to occur in the background, without requiring you to click {button Yes} in the Windows User Account Control (UAC) dialog. {for mac,linux} {note}'''Note:''' The article only applies to Windows.{/note} {/for} :[[Image:No UAC]] =How does the Mozilla Maintenance Service work?= When Firefox or Thunderbird downloads an application update, the Mozilla Maintenance Service gets permission from Windows to allow the update to be applied, without requiring you to click {button Yes} in the Windows User Account Control (UAC) dialog. Until that time, the service doesn't run so it doesn't use any computer resources and, once the update process begins, the service quits. {note}'''Note:''' Even though Windows XP doesn't include the UAC dialog, the Mozilla Maintenance Service is installed so that it can further streamline the update process in the future.{/note} Want more technical details? [https://wiki.mozilla.org/Windows_Service_Silent_Update Check out the Mozilla wiki]. =Disabling the Mozilla Maintenance Service= If you'd like to be prompted to authorize updates, you can disable the Mozilla Maintenance Service as follows: ==Firefox== # [[Template:optionspreferences]] #Click the {menu Advanced} panel. #Click the {menu Update} tab. The update options are displayed. #Uncheck the box next to '''Use a background service to install updates'''. #{for not fx38}Click {button OK} to close the Options window.{/for}{for fx38}Close the about:preferences page.{/for} ==Thunderbird== # [[Template:optionspreferences TB]] #Click the {menu Advanced} panel. #Click the {menu Update} tab. The update options are displayed. #Uncheck the box next to '''Use a background service to install updates'''. #Click {button OK} to save your changes and close the Options window. =Uninstalling the Mozilla Maintenance Service= You can uninstall the Mozilla Maintenance Service from your computer, if you wish. * '''Windows XP:''' See Microsoft's article, [https://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/win_addprog_remove_software.mspx?mfr=true To change or remove a program]. *'''Windows Vista:''' See the Microsoft forum thread, [https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/35ba1e3a-c0c4-4a33-81e3-03892a38f050/addremove-programs-in-windows-vista Add/Remove Programs in Windows Vista]. * '''Windows 7:''' See Microsoft's article, [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2601726 Windows 7 – How to properly uninstall programs]. * '''Windows 8:''' See the Microsoft Community forum thread, [http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-files/how-do-i-delete-or-uninstall-a-program-in-windows/a4cbeb29-2ca3-46f0-855f-ba5e8df2436c How do I delete or uninstall a program in windows 8]. * '''Windows 10:''' See Microsoft's article [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/repair-or-remove-programs Repair or remove programs].

Firefox and Thunderbird install an optional service called the Mozilla Maintenance Service which allows application updates to occur in the background, without requiring you to click Yes in the Windows User Account Control (UAC) dialog.

How does the Mozilla Maintenance Service work?

When Firefox or Thunderbird downloads an application update, the Mozilla Maintenance Service gets permission from Windows to allow the update to be applied, without requiring you to click Yes in the Windows User Account Control (UAC) dialog. Until that time, the service doesn't run so it doesn't use any computer resources and, once the update process begins, the service quits.

Want more technical details? Check out the Mozilla wiki.

Disabling the Mozilla Maintenance Service

If you'd like to be prompted to authorize updates, you can disable the Mozilla Maintenance Service as follows:

Firefox

1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and then select Preferences or Settings, depending on your macOS version.Click the menu button and select Settings.
2. Click the Advanced panel.
3. Click the Update tab. The update options are displayed.
4. Uncheck the box next to Use a background service to install updates.
5. Click OK to close the Options window.Close the about:preferences page.

Thunderbird

1. In the menu bar, click the Thunderbird menu and select Settings.Click the menu button and choose Settings.
2. Click the Advanced panel.
3. Click the Update tab. The update options are displayed.
4. Uncheck the box next to Use a background service to install updates.
5. Click OK to save your changes and close the Options window.

Uninstalling the Mozilla Maintenance Service

You can uninstall the Mozilla Maintenance Service from your computer, if you wish.

• Windows XP: See Microsoft's article, To change or remove a program.
• Windows Vista: See the Microsoft forum thread, Add/Remove Programs in Windows Vista.
• Windows 7: See Microsoft's article, Windows 7 – How to properly uninstall programs.
• Windows 8: See the Microsoft Community forum thread, How do I delete or uninstall a program in windows 8.
• Windows 10: See Microsoft's article Repair or remove programs.