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Firefox keeps updating even though I set it to ask and have set app.update.url to nothing.

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My Firefox updated to 66.0.2 (from an unknown prior version, probably 66.0.0) even though I have 'Check for updates but let you choose to install them' radio button ticked. I also do not have search engines set to automatically update, nor do I use the 'background service' to install updates. After my Firefox updated, I went to about:config and set app.update.url to "", and toggled some of the previously mentioned settings to get them to 're-stick' to not update anything. Also all my plugins are set to not update.

Today on April 10th, my Firefox automatically updated yet again to 66.0.3. Why is my Firefox updating when it should not be?

My Firefox updated to 66.0.2 (from an unknown prior version, probably 66.0.0) even though I have 'Check for updates but let you choose to install them' radio button ticked. I also do not have search engines set to automatically update, nor do I use the 'background service' to install updates. After my Firefox updated, I went to about:config and set app.update.url to "", and toggled some of the previously mentioned settings to get them to 're-stick' to not update anything. Also all my plugins are set to not update. Today on April 10th, my Firefox automatically updated yet again to 66.0.3. Why is my Firefox updating when it should not be?

Chosen solution

Firstly, it's not recommended to run Firefox without updating. Updates include various security and privacy fixes, so running older versions will leave your computer vulnerable to those known issues.

However, if you wish to receive updates, your best option is to use either Windows Group Policy or a policies.json file to block all updates.

The option to disable updates was removed from the Firefox settings because of the associated risk of blocking updates. I can't say for sure, but I'm not sure that Firefox honors previous update blocking methods (like app.update.enabled or app.update.url) anymore either.

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Chosen Solution

Firstly, it's not recommended to run Firefox without updating. Updates include various security and privacy fixes, so running older versions will leave your computer vulnerable to those known issues.

However, if you wish to receive updates, your best option is to use either Windows Group Policy or a policies.json file to block all updates.

The option to disable updates was removed from the Firefox settings because of the associated risk of blocking updates. I can't say for sure, but I'm not sure that Firefox honors previous update blocking methods (like app.update.enabled or app.update.url) anymore either.