Firefox takes a long time to start up

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This article describes some causes of a long start up time and steps you can take to improve it.

Note: The Refresh Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its default state while saving your essential information. Consider using it before going through a lengthy troubleshooting process.

Change the home page

Problems with a website can cause Firefox to take a long time to start. Try changing your Firefox home page to the default home page or a blank page. See How to set the home page for instructions.

Check your antivirus software

Firefox reads a number of files normally during startup. Some antivirus software may do intensive scans of each of these files during startup and block access until those scans complete. If the problem began after installing, updating, or reconfiguring your antivirus software, contact the software provider for assistance.

Troubleshoot extensions or themes

Firefox loads extensions when it starts up and many extensions add startup tasks. See Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Firefox problems for steps on how to identify an extension that may be causing the problem.

Optimize Windows

Speed up Windows and make your computer work better. See Speed up your computer at microsoft.com. See Speed up your computer and Optimize Windows 7 for better performance at microsoft.com.See Tips to improve PC performance in Windows 10 at microsoft.com.

Other solutions

If the previous suggestions don't significantly reduce Firefox startup time, see Troubleshoot and diagnose Firefox problems for other steps you can take to resolve the problem.

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