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Multiple firefox.exe (7) running in Task Manager / Details. Is this normal?

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  • 3 have this problem
  • 6 views
  • Last reply by FredMcD

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Firefox Quantum 65.0.2 (64bit) - PC - i5 6500, 16gb mem, Win 10

With 3 to tabs open, there are usually 6 to 7 firefox.exe files running when I look in Task Manager/Details. With 10 tabs open, the amount of firefox.exe files running stays the same (6 to7).

Is this normal?

If I have just one tab open (like now as I type this post, this is the only website/tab open) there are 4 firefox.exe files running.

Also, with say 5 tabs (or more) open, the percent of memory used by Firefox slowly continues to rise. My system has 16gb of memory. I've seen 60%~80% total memory being used with an occasional 100% spike with multiple tabs open. Firefox is always the major consumer. This obviously effect computer speed and will also not allow the computer to go to "sleep" at times. Normal total memory percent is about 20% with firefox running and one tab open.

Why do those tabs that are not being used, continue to draw and build up a significant amount of memory usage?

I realize the cure would be not have too many tabs open and do try and close them when not being used. I just don't remember this being an issue until this past year or so.

Thoughts?

Firefox Quantum 65.0.2 (64bit) - PC - i5 6500, 16gb mem, Win 10 With 3 to tabs open, there are usually 6 to 7 firefox.exe files running when I look in Task Manager/Details. With 10 tabs open, the amount of firefox.exe files running stays the same (6 to7). Is this normal? If I have just one tab open (like now as I type this post, this is the only website/tab open) there are 4 firefox.exe files running. Also, with say 5 tabs (or more) open, the percent of memory used by Firefox slowly continues to rise. My system has 16gb of memory. I've seen 60%~80% total memory being used with an occasional 100% spike with multiple tabs open. Firefox is always the major consumer. This obviously effect computer speed and will also not allow the computer to go to "sleep" at times. Normal total memory percent is about 20% with firefox running and one tab open. Why do those tabs that are not being used, continue to draw and build up a significant amount of memory usage? I realize the cure would be not have too many tabs open and do try and close them when not being used. I just don't remember this being an issue until this past year or so. Thoughts?
Attached screenshots

Modified by KC

All Replies (2)

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More than one process is normal for the current Firefox. http://www.ghacks.net/2016/07/22/multi-process-firefox/

Multi-process Firefox is codenamed "e10s". https://wiki.mozilla.org/Firefox/multiprocess

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Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web link}

A small dialog should appear. Click Start In Safe Mode (not Refresh). Is the problem still there?