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

Why does firefox automatically allow 'VLC Web Plugin' without asking me?

  • 4 replies
  • 5 have this problem
  • 71 views
  • Last reply by FriedOut

more options

When I installed VLC Media Player, it also installed a plugin. I expected Firefox to ask me to allow this plugin, but it allowed the plugin without asking. Is there an exception for this specific plugin?

When I installed VLC Media Player, it also installed a plugin. I expected Firefox to ask me to allow this plugin, but it allowed the plugin without asking. Is there an exception for this specific plugin?

Chosen solution

There is a bug in the current release of Firefox that equates the permission for Flash and VLC (probably because for some unknown reason VLC says it can handle Flash media). This will be fixed in Firefox 51 (due out Jan. 24). Until then, as suggested in the above reply, I agree that having both the Shockwave Flash and VLC plugins on Ask to Activate is safest.

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (4)

more options

Make sure the plugin is set to 'Ask to Activate'. Also see https://support.mozilla.org/kb/use-plugins-play-audio-video-games

more options

Chosen Solution

There is a bug in the current release of Firefox that equates the permission for Flash and VLC (probably because for some unknown reason VLC says it can handle Flash media). This will be fixed in Firefox 51 (due out Jan. 24). Until then, as suggested in the above reply, I agree that having both the Shockwave Flash and VLC plugins on Ask to Activate is safest.

more options

Also unlike Extensions and complete Themes which are installed in Firefox, the Plugins are on system and Firefox is making use of the Plugins.

Type about:plugins in Location (address) bar and you can see where the Plugin Firefox is using are located on your system.

Note Win64 Firefox from www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ only has 64-bit Flash Player and Silverlight Plugins white listed to run. To use other Plugins in Firefox on Windows you need the 32-bit Firefox.

Modified by James

more options

@christ1 , @jscher2000 , @James , Thanks for your response. It is actually set to Always Activate by default, even after I Refresh Firefox.