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

Favorites Menu sidebar stopped opening with new window

more options

After updating, my sidebar with Favorites doesn't open automatically. How can I get it to open automatically each time I open a new window?

After updating, my sidebar with Favorites doesn't open automatically. How can I get it to open automatically each time I open a new window?

All Replies (1)

more options

There is a bug in Firefox 138. Currently, the workaround is to switch to the classic sidebar and remove a settings file. This assumes you do not need to use the new tabs-in-sidebar feature.

(1) Switch back to the Classic sidebar if you have the new design. The new design has a button bar at the left of the browser. Here's how:

On the Settings page, slowly type side into the tiny search box to filter the listed settings. This should bring the "Browser Layout" section to the top.

Un-check (clear) the checkbox for "Show sidebar". That should remove the launcher.

Then press Ctrl+B to open the classic Bookmarks Sidebar.

(2) Remove the xulstore.json file from your current profile folder. Here's how:

Open your current Firefox settings (AKA Firefox profile) folder using either

  • "3-bar" menu button > Help > More Troubleshooting Information
  • (menu bar) Help > More Troubleshooting Information
  • type or paste about:support in the address bar and press Enter

In the first table on the page, on the Profile Folder row, click the "Open Folder" button. This should launch a new window listing various files and folders in Windows File Explorer. (On Mac and Linux, the button is labeled a bit differently.)

Leaving that window open, switch back to Firefox and Exit, either:

  • "3-bar" menu button > Exit
  • (menu bar or Alt+F) File > Exit

Pause while Firefox finishes its cleanup, then:

Right-click xulstore.json then Rename to something like xulstoreOLD.json

Start Firefox back up again and show the Bookmarks Sidebar using Ctrl+B. Now it should stay open when you exit/restart Firefox.

To restore optional bars, see:

Helpful?

Ask a question

You must log in to your account to reply to posts. Please start a new question, if you do not have an account yet.