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What changes does firefox make to my machine while updating to a new version?

  • 12 respostas
  • 1 has this problem
  • 8 views
  • Last reply by G_firefox

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While installing the newer version, there is a (windows 10 UAC pop-up) message asking - "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?". My question is not how to stop this message, but what exact changes firefox is making to my device. I tried running firefox as a non-administrator as suggested in this forum but that didnt help. Thanx for any help.

While installing the newer version, there is a (windows 10 UAC pop-up) message asking - "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?". My question is not how to stop this message, but what exact changes firefox is making to my device. I tried running firefox as a non-administrator as suggested in this forum but that didnt help. Thanx for any help.

All Replies (12)

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Firefox, like any other browser, is a software program that you install on your device, it takes up space on your hard drive. This UAC question is basically asking you : "Are you sure that you want to install this program  ?" Just in case you might be dealing with a malicious site that you're about to install.

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Separate Security Issue: Update your Flash Player or remove it using these links; http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/uninstall-flash-player-windows.html Uninstall Flash Player | Windows http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/uninstall-flash-player-mac-os.html Uninstall Flash Player | Mac

Note: Windows users should download the ActiveX for Internet Explorer. and the plugin for Plugin-based browsers (like Firefox).

Note: Windows 8 and Windows 10 have built-in flash players and Adobe will cause a conflict. Install the plugin only. Not the ActiveX.

Flash Player Version: Version 29.0.0.140

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ Direct link scans current system and browser Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/ Step 1: Select Operating System Step 2: Select A Version (Firefox, Win IE . . . .) Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only> +++++++++++++++++++ See if there are updates for your graphics drivers https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/upgrade-graphics-drivers-use-hardware-acceleration

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You can check that Firefox isn't set to run as Administrator.

You can open the Properties of the Firefox desktop shortcut via the right-click context menu and check the "Compatibility" tab.

Make sure all items are deselected in the "Compatibility" tab of the Properties window.

  • Privilege Level: "Run this program as Administrator" should not be selected
  • "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" should not be selected

Also check the Properties of the firefox.exe program in the Firefox program folder.

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The OP says :

My question is not how to stop this message, but what exact changes firefox is making to my device. "

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Happy112 said

Firefox, like any other browser, is a software program that you install on your device, it takes up space on your hard drive. This UAC question is basically asking you : "Are you sure that you want to install this program  ?" Just in case you might be dealing with a malicious site that you're about to install.

Thankyou Happy112, does that mean firefox makes absolutely no changes to my device other than taking up space?

Why would UAC use such strong terms as "making changes to a device" if it's just about using up space, which isn't actually any change to a device?

Is there a way to ask firefox this question directly?

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cor-el said

You can check that Firefox isn't set to run as Administrator. You can open the Properties of the Firefox desktop shortcut via the right-click context menu and check the "Compatibility" tab. Make sure all items are deselected in the "Compatibility" tab of the Properties window.
  • Privilege Level: "Run this program as Administrator" should not be selected
  • "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" should not be selected
Also check the Properties of the firefox.exe program in the Firefox program folder.

Thankyou cor-el, I tried these, but wan't helped.

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G_firefox said

Thankyou Happy112, does that mean firefox makes absolutely no changes to my device other than taking up space? Why would UAC use such strong terms as "making changes to a device" if it's just about using up space, which isn't actually any change to a device?

The way I see it ( and let somebody correct me if I'm wrong) :

By using Firefox (or any other software program) you will indeed be using space on your hard drive - you'll be using RAM. Firefox will be using CPU resources to display content, for instance.

Is there a way to ask firefox this question directly?

Firefox is the name of the browser, which is made by the company named Mozilla. This is the official support forum where users can post their questions. Firefox is a free browser and Mozilla doesn't have the financial resources for a call center.

If I haven't given you the answers you were hoping for : sorry ..... In that case I'm sure that somebody else will come up with better answers.

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Try to reinstall Firefox as a normal user.

You can find the full version of the current Firefox release (59.0.2) in all languages and all operating systems here:

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cor-el said

Try to reinstall Firefox as a normal user.

That way you won't see that UAC question - what Firefox 'does to your device' will still be the same.

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Happy112 said

G_firefox said
Thankyou Happy112, does that mean firefox makes absolutely no changes to my device other than taking up space? Why would UAC use such strong terms as "making changes to a device" if it's just about using up space, which isn't actually any change to a device?

The way I see it ( and let somebody correct me if I'm wrong) :

By using Firefox (or any other software program) you will indeed be using space on your hard drive - you'll be using RAM. Firefox will be using CPU resources to display content, for instance.

Usage of space /RAM is understandable since these are automatically "reversible", but making any changes to settings or the registry, etc., which might permanantly affect the functioning of some aspects of the device, or cause unexpected behavior, etc. are not in the same category as usage of space...(just sharing my thoughts, not intending to debate or argue with what you have said :) )

Is there a way to ask firefox this question directly?

Firefox is the name of the browser, which is made by the company named Mozilla.

Yes, by "firefox" I meant Mozilla.

This is the official support forum where users can post their questions. Firefox is a free browser and Mozilla doesn't have the financial resources for a call center.

True, I am not expecting a call center either, was just wondering if the company has declared somewhere, in their documentation for instance, what things firefox does to a device, atleast the ones that need a user's attention or permission.

If I haven't given you the answers you were hoping for : sorry ..... In that case I'm sure that somebody else will come up with better answers.

Appreciate your answers, thankyou.

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Please ask your questions about UAC in the appropriate place a Microsoft Win10 Forum and please read the easily found documents on UAC :

Forums ask your question here :

With any and all/most programs always write to the registry so it can install it self and perform the functions that aany program/s needs.

No there is not a way to ask Firefox Directly as you are asking Firefox Directly and all answers have been provided and more.

Last part of post : you have singled out Firefox for these answers when it is a issue of knowledge of the Operating System that you are asking for. Every program makes changes so please read and make your self aware in the appropriate Microsoft Forum or Documents on UAC and Microsoft Registry. Use the command from search Regedit and open the registry and explore it but do not touch.

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Happy112 said

cor-el said
Try to reinstall Firefox as a normal user.

That way you won't see that UAC question - what Firefox 'does to your device' will still be the same.

Why is the UAC question not seen in this case!? ... just wondering, not looking for an answer, may be firefox doesn't have much to do with this!?