Firefox always crashes on first launch; previous session tabs are forgotten
1. Whenever I open Firefox for the first time since boot, it crashes, and I have to click on it a second time for a window to actually show up. Once it shows up, it's forgotten all about the previous session - none of my tabs re-open, the window opens up maximized.
2. Whenever I close the last open window, my previous tabs are completely forgotten. Checking task manager reveals that there are 10 or 11 Firefox processes that are still running.
- I have a second Windows 11 device that DOESN'T exhibit any of these issues and works correctly. Closing Firefox does not leave any running processes around.
- "Open previous windows and tabs" is enabled in options.
- "Firefox will: Remember history" is set in the History options.
- Both devices are running Firefox 137.0.2 64 bit.
Problematic PC specs: Edition Windows 11 Pro Version 24H2 Installed on 3/23/2025 OS build 26100.3476 <<< This is different! Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.54.0 <<< This is different!
Working PC specs: Edition Windows 11 Pro Version 24H2 Installed on 3/4/2025 OS build 26100.3194 Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.48.0
Vahaolana nofidina
Starting with #2, it's possible that an off-screen window is preventing your session from actually ending when you close the visible window using the X button. Suggestions:
(1) Close out Firefox using the menu. Either:
- 3-bar menu button > Exit
- (menu bar or Alt+F) File > Exit
(2) Check Firefox View for hidden windows. Either:
- Click the file drawer icon at the left end of the tab bar
- Type or paste about:firefoxview in the address bar and press Enter to load it
In the left column, click Open Tabs. There should be tab lists for each window. Are there any windows shown here that don't appear on screen? You should be able to close it/them out.
Hamaky an'ity valiny ity @ sehatra 👍 1All Replies (2)
Vahaolana Nofidina
Starting with #2, it's possible that an off-screen window is preventing your session from actually ending when you close the visible window using the X button. Suggestions:
(1) Close out Firefox using the menu. Either:
- 3-bar menu button > Exit
- (menu bar or Alt+F) File > Exit
(2) Check Firefox View for hidden windows. Either:
- Click the file drawer icon at the left end of the tab bar
- Type or paste about:firefoxview in the address bar and press Enter to load it
In the left column, click Open Tabs. There should be tab lists for each window. Are there any windows shown here that don't appear on screen? You should be able to close it/them out.
Thank you so much for your help - your suggestion solved both my issues! There was a rouge tab in Firefox view which, after closing, fixed everything.
It's strange though - that open window never appeared in the Windows task bar or while alt-tabbing. I'm not sure if that means it's a Windows or Firefox issue, but at least I know this work around now.
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