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Repetitive update request

  • 16 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 52 views
  • Last reply by NoahSUMO

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I keep getting this message that pops up in a private window to restart to keep using firefox. Everytime I click restart Firefox, it closes my tabs and opens them again. However, 5 minutes later the window pops up again. Even after repeated attempts of updating, even doing a full restart on the computer, Firefox continues to send this window to me. The private window in the bar says about:restartrequired.

I've tried uninstalling Firefox with a fresh install as well as doing a Refresh of Firefox. Neither seem to solve this problem.

I keep getting this message that pops up in a private window to restart to keep using firefox. Everytime I click restart Firefox, it closes my tabs and opens them again. However, 5 minutes later the window pops up again. Even after repeated attempts of updating, even doing a full restart on the computer, Firefox continues to send this window to me. The private window in the bar says about:restartrequired. I've tried uninstalling Firefox with a fresh install as well as doing a Refresh of Firefox. Neither seem to solve this problem.
Attached screenshots

All Replies (16)

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Can't you update or install Firefox 124.0.2?

You can find the full installer of the current Firefox release (124.0.2) in all languages and all operating systems here:

Note that Firefox 125.0 is scheduled for release tomorrow Tuesday 16th.

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Hello, thank you for your response. I tried your suggestion and have upgraded to 125.0. Unfortunately this issue still occurs where the page pops up. It repeatedly pops up when I leave my computer and it idles and I come back to multiple tabs opened with the same message.

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I've now updated Firefox to 125.0 and have attached a screen capture that repeatedly pops up still. Multiple tabs open up in Private Windows suggesting I restart Firefox which after clicking still does not resolve this issue.

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It seems to be getting worse the longer I stay inactive on the computer.

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Does it still happen in a new profile? An easy way to test a new profile is to install Developer Edition and see if it happens there or refresh your existing profile. Make sure you stay signed out of your sync account when testing.

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Thank you for your reply, I am actually not signed in and do not have an account tied to Firefox. Is there still a profile that is created for me when I use the browser?

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Are you by chance using NordVPN as it is said to be interfering with Firefox updates of late.

example from /questions/1445030

"Figured it out. When NordVPN "Web Protection" is on, it fails to check for updates from the About menu as well. When "Web Protection" is off, it correctly checks for updates. I surmise that when Firefox fails to check, it assumes that I need an update and gives the original annoying message."

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Ah, not using Nord VPN or any VPN server.

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rxs621 said

Is there still a profile that is created for me when I use the browser?

Browser settings are stored locally in a profile folder, many issues can be fixed by refreshing the profile.

Did you try Developer Edition?

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I've deleted all profiles and started with a new install. Even with the Developer Edition, the Restart required private window keeps popping up.

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Are there any Mozilla engineers I can talk to? It seems my experience is getting worse. Now I have a screen that won't allow me to continue with browsing unless I restart Firefox.

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Try changing DNS over HTTPS (DoH) to "Off" or "Max Protection" and in Connection Settings change "Use system proxy settings" to "No proxy".

Are there any active enterprise policies listed in about:policies?

Disable any third-party antivirus or security software, this may require rebooting into Windows Safe Mode (networking enabled).

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Thank you for your help everyone. Unfortunately this issue is still occurring even in safe mode. It may be due to enterprise related policies that are implemented on my machine.

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Are you on a work or personal pc? Because it really does sound related to enterprise policies. There are some Mozilla engineers dedicated to working on updater problems.

File your bug using this link & they will respond when free: https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/enter_bug.cgi?product=Toolkit&component=Application+Update

But I'm weirded out that you appear to be getting nothing but private browsing windows while you're encountering this update error.

Do you have permanent browsing mode enabled?

Either way you need immediate relief. So when you file that bug, mention you don't have Nord VPN installed, that many "Restart Requied" tabs are being created, whether you're on a personal or work pc & if there are enterprise policies enabled. They'll probably ask you for a log from the updater that shows what error it keeps hitting.

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Hi

We believe that NordVPN have fixed their Web Protection feature and you should find that if you turn this back on, the issue is now resolved.

If you find that it is still not working correctly, please let us know and we can try to follow up with NordVPN.

Thank you.

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rxs621, I didn't forget about you.

I tracked down what's causing your repetitive update requests: Repeated 'Restart Required' popups even when on latest version with Proofpoint

It seems your issue is being caused by a internal threats management software called Proofpoint. The current workaround by the bug reporter's IT security is to turn off the Websecurity feature of Proofpoint.

That stops the endless Restart Required tabs from being created in Private windows.

If you look in your Task Manager, you might see it listed as "Proofpoint agent".

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