Extensions in Private Browsing

This article explains how to set which extensions are allowed to run in Private Browsing windows. Note: Not all extensions can be allowed in Private Windows.

Extensions in private windows

An extension that runs in private browsing windows could be problematic if it has access to information you would rather keep private. Firefox lets you decide which extensions are allowed to run in private windows. Additionally, an extension is not enabled for private browsing by default. You must grant it permission, either during installation or later through the extension's settings.

If you do not give an extension permission to run in private browsing, it should still work normally in non-private browsing, unless the extension explicitly uses features that require private browsing access (like opening new tabs in a private window).

Granting permission on installation

When you install a new extension, you will see a prompt asking if you would like this extension to run in private windows.

If you would like the extension to work in private browsing, click on the box next to Allow this extension to run in Private Windows to add a check mark and then click on the Okay button.

Add-on installation panel Fx88

If you do not want the extension to have access to your data in private browsing windows, leave the box unchecked.

Enabling or disabling extensions in private windows

  1. Click the menu button The image "Fx57menu" does not exist.Fx89menuButton, click Add-ons and ThemesFx57Addons-icon Add-ons and select Extensions.
  2. Click on the extension that you would like to manage.
    • This will open a panel where you can manage extension settings.

Add-ons manager Fx88

Next to Run in Private Windows, select Allow to enable the extension to work in private browsing or select Don’t Allow to disable it in private browsing. Once you have made your selection, you can exit the Add-ons Manager.

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