Firefox 48.0.2 is available as an update, but the internal update checker is sometimes turned away by the server for one reason or another.

If you use the business security software Websense Endpoint, do not upgrade.

Otherwise, you can download an installer for Firefox 48.0.2 from the following page and run it, and it should detect an update your existing installation.

https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/

For maximum plugin compatibility, choose the regular Windows version, and not the 64-bit version.

Thanks so much for your reply.

1. How do I know whether I have Websense Endpoint? I never installed it, but I looked it up and learned that Facebook uses it, and I'm a Facebook member.

2. I stumbled upon this: http://www.ghacks.net/2016/08/31/mozilla-to-enable-updates-to-firefox-48-again/

Now more confused. Does this mean Firefox will patch the mess and release the patch? I changed my settings to Automatically Install Updates, hoping that when the patch is released, I'll get it.  ??

You would not install Websense Endpoint. Your company's IT department would install it. If you have a personal computer, not a company computer, you do not have it.

The automatic updates have gone back and forth. I got it at some point, but that doesn't mean you will get it now...

Thanks so much.

Last questions (I hope):

- Are you certain that the download (https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/) will really update--vs installing on top of my current Firefox, requiring configuration, etc?

- How is the download different from this one? https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/?scene=2

- How can I contact Mozilla directly to encourage them to fix this problem?

Many thanks.

susanpl13 said

- Are you certain that the download (https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/) will really update--vs installing on top of my current Firefox, requiring configuration, etc?

Normally, yes. There's no being 100% certain when it comes to computers...

- How is the download different from this one?
https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/?scene=2

The "new" page gives you a small download file called the stub installer that connects back for additional files. You get the same files either way in the end.

- How can I contact Mozilla directly to encourage them to fix this problem?

Hmm, I'm not sure who is the most relevant contact for this problem. It's not a feature that needs to be changed, I don't think, and we haven't yet discovered a problem with your settings (we didn't really check, did we?).

Firefox 49 is due out next week, which also has an initial limited release, so not getting the update Tuesday or Wednesday could be normal for most users.

I wish I had a better way to know for sure whether something is broken in your Firefox or this is an issue with the way Mozilla is releasing this particular update.

Thanks! I think I'll just sit tight and wait for 49. I just Googled it and learned that it changes add-ons to web extensions. Hard to keep up.

The first level of support for add-ons that use the WebExtensions system/framework/interface (I'm missing a good word for this) arrived in Firefox 48, but each release of Firefox will add more capability. I think it will be many months before the most unique and powerful extensions can be rewritten to work the WebExtensions way because the starting point (what works in Google Chrome) was limited compared with traditional Firefox extensions. Mozilla is trying to find a balance between this new "safer" technology and the comparative superpowers extensions have had historically.

Out of nowhere, Firefox downloaded v 48 and installed it when I relaunched the browser. I wonder if my switching from manual to automatic updates forced the issue?

Just switched back to manual, so we'll see what happens when 49 is released.

You've been so helpful. Thanks!