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

How do I turn off the automate foxfire update? This is why I dumped MS, I only wnat to update when I am in control.

  • 9 replies
  • 4 have this problem
  • 3 views
  • Last reply by CMPPhils

more options

I really get annoyed when software decides to stop what I'm doing and go update itself with out asking first. I've turned off the auto update on my Norton and all Microsoft Products. Before you say the updates are needed that's BS it is just away of making computers obsolete or by using up their memory with constant updates.

I came to Firefox to get away from that nonsense don't change it now.

I really get annoyed when software decides to stop what I'm doing and go update itself with out asking first. I've turned off the auto update on my Norton and all Microsoft Products. Before you say the updates are needed that's BS it is just away of making computers obsolete or by using up their memory with constant updates. I came to Firefox to get away from that nonsense don't change it now.

Chosen solution

Thanks - "the-editor" and James

Now I understand - The answer is NO.

THE NORMAL USER CAN NOT TURN OF THIS FEATURE. Hate to see an otherwise excellent browser fall into the Microsoft mindset that if you want to change the no update you basically have to go into the code of the program and change the program. Most people will not do this.

James- your answer comes closest sending me the link to https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/advanced-settings-browsing-network-updates-encryption#w_update-tab the problem is I had already check off Never check for updates (not recommended: security risk) and the the bloody program still over rides and goes out and pulls up updates.

Think it will be easier just to change browser.

Problem closed unsolved.

Read this answer in context 👍 3

All Replies (9)

more options

Wow, turning off updates on your Norton (which means you have an out of data anti-virus database) and Windows (which means you have unpatched Operating security holes) is a horribly unwise thing to do. The same with Firefox. You can see at https://www.mozilla.org/security/known-vulnerabilities/firefox.html just how many security fixes get patched in each version of Firefox, and that doesn't include the stability fixes or performance improvements.

And no, updating software doesn't make computers obsolete (Computers make themselves obsolete by the development of new hardware) nor does it use up your memory. Updating will keep you more secure and will make your computer run faster and more stable.

Also, Firefox doesn't have you "stop browsing" to install an update, it installs it silently in the background, then just the next time you close and reopen Firefox it installs the update without interrupting you.

more options

Note that you are at least behind on Flash and Java.

  1. Next Generation Java Plug-in 1.6.0_35 for Mozilla browsers
  2. Shockwave Flash 11.1 r102
more options

Allow me to restate my question. I want to turn off the automatic update feature of Firefox? Is this possible? If so how?

As a matter of preference I choose manually check for updates, read what they do and then decide if I need them. I have manually controlled my Norton Internet Security for years, without problems.

Thank you

more options

Tools->Options->Advanced->Update

You should not allow the version to get behind. http://www.mozilla.org/security/known-vulnerabilities/firefox.html

more options

I believe the problem that SOOO many people are complaining about is not so much the updates as the notification page that garbages up the browsing experience every time firefox is opened.

Personally, I like to be notified about updates but prefer to choose when to do so as when all of your programs are set to update automatically it totally shuts your computer down for any other purpose until it's satisfied that everything is kosher.

I run regular updates on all of my software but only on my terms for the above stated reason. This auto notification at startup IS NOT a welcome service but a TOTAL nuisance. What is more annoying is all the replies on the BB's that people's software is out of date when they are asking a particular question that continually remains unanswered, namely how to shut the stupid startup screen off. What is the purpose of having a homepage when it isn't even loaded automatically at startup?

Some other notification system would be much more welcome. How about opening the page as a background tab or having some little light at the top of the page in the heading bar that changes color to notify of security risks due to out of date plug-ins? I want my homepage at startup!

Also, I want an answer to this question plagueing the forums rather than being told that my software is out of date. I typically work very hard to be pleasant when posting but that is just salt in an open wound and isn't at all helpful.

more options

First - NO James your response did not answer my question.

Second - Thank you cdeanoh - at last somebody who is actually reading my question and understands what I am asking for.

I thank all of you who have tried to explain why I should not turn off the auto update, but please bare with me, accept that I actually do understand the issue.

To restate my question once again-

How do I turn off the auto update feature or FireFox ?

If it can not be done then say so?

Modified by CMPPhils

more options

So you didn't find the Never check for updates option?
Or you weren't able to find the Update options which james mentioned?

If that doesn't work for you, put this in a user.js file.

 // turn off application updates:
user_pref("app.update.enabled", false);

// turn off Addons updates:
user_pref("extensions.update.enabled", false);

// turn off Search Engine updates:
user_pref("browser.search.update", false);t 

http://kb.mozillazine.org/User.js_file

This extension will create the user.js file for you, and give you access to changing prefs in the 3 "user" from within Firefox.
http://webdesigns.ms11.net/chromeditp.html

more options

It can be done where I stated.

Maybe you need a picture and description of each setting to understand them better. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/advanced-settings-browsing-network-updates-encryption#w_update-tab

more options

Chosen Solution

Thanks - "the-editor" and James

Now I understand - The answer is NO.

THE NORMAL USER CAN NOT TURN OF THIS FEATURE. Hate to see an otherwise excellent browser fall into the Microsoft mindset that if you want to change the no update you basically have to go into the code of the program and change the program. Most people will not do this.

James- your answer comes closest sending me the link to https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/advanced-settings-browsing-network-updates-encryption#w_update-tab the problem is I had already check off Never check for updates (not recommended: security risk) and the the bloody program still over rides and goes out and pulls up updates.

Think it will be easier just to change browser.

Problem closed unsolved.

Modified by CMPPhils