Windows 10 will reach EOS (end of support) on October 14, 2025. For more information, see this article.

Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Why do I have multiple instances of Firefox?

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 9 views
  • Last reply by Vagulus

Vagulus
Vagulus
more options

On bootup I regularly get multiple instances of Firefox (see image). I only need one instance at a time. Why do I get so many? How do I organize to just have the one (unless I ask for another)?

On bootup I regularly get multiple instances of Firefox (see image). I only need one instance at a time. Why do I get so many? How do I organize to just have the one (unless I ask for another)?
Attached screenshots

Chosen solution

Hi Vagulus, it's common to have between 3 and 12 Firefox processes running at a time. Firefox uses different processes both for security and to make the program more resilient against crashes and hangs. You can reduce the number of processes used for web content, but you'll probably still end up with about 3 processes. See: Firefox's performance settings.

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (2)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

Chosen Solution

Hi Vagulus, it's common to have between 3 and 12 Firefox processes running at a time. Firefox uses different processes both for security and to make the program more resilient against crashes and hangs. You can reduce the number of processes used for web content, but you'll probably still end up with about 3 processes. See: Firefox's performance settings.

Vagulus
Vagulus Question owner
more options

Thanks for that. Now I know I won't worry about it. :)