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Downloads window can only be closed using Cmd-W in Firefox Quantum for Mac

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I'm using Firefox Quantum on an Mac (macOS High Sierra 10.13.2). When you open the separate Downloads window (either by click on Show All Downloads or from the Tools menu), it automatically opens the window maximized and gives no options for closing the window. I've tried placing my cursor at the top of the window to bring up the Title bar, but that didn't work. The only way I've found to close the window without closing the entire app is by using the Cmd-w shortcut. This definitely needs to be addressed.

I'm using Firefox Quantum on an Mac (macOS High Sierra 10.13.2). When you open the separate Downloads window (either by click on Show All Downloads or from the Tools menu), it automatically opens the window maximized and gives no options for closing the window. I've tried placing my cursor at the top of the window to bring up the Title bar, but that didn't work. The only way I've found to close the window without closing the entire app is by using the Cmd-w shortcut. This definitely needs to be addressed.

Chosen solution

That's strange. Downloads are displayed in the same Library window as Bookmarks ("Show All Bookmarks" or Command+Shift+b) and History ("Show All History"). Is the window oversized with either of those methods?

Sometimes the file that stores window sizes and positions becomes corrupted with nonsensical values. You can rename the file and customize to restore certain defaults.

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

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

In the first table on the page, click the "Show in Finder" button. This should launch a new window listing various files and folders. (If it shows only a folder with a partially random name, double-click into that folder.)

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

  • "3-bar" menu button > "power" button
  • (menu bar) Firefox > Quit

Pause while Firefox finishes its cleanup, then rename xulstore.json to something like xulstore.old. If you see a file named localstore.rdf, rename that one to localstore.old.

Start Firefox back up again. Does the Library window display normally again?

Resetting the display file may re-hide the Bookmarks Toolbar. To turn that back on, you can use one of these methods to show the toolbar list:

  • right-click (on Mac Ctrl+click) a blank spot on the tab bar (or the "+" button)
  • (menu bar) View > Toolbars
    On Windows, tap the Alt key to activate the menu bar temporarily.
  • in Customize mode > Show/Hide Toolbars (see: Customize Firefox controls, buttons and toolbars)

To turn on the Bookmarks Toolbar, click it on the list.

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Chosen Solution

That's strange. Downloads are displayed in the same Library window as Bookmarks ("Show All Bookmarks" or Command+Shift+b) and History ("Show All History"). Is the window oversized with either of those methods?

Sometimes the file that stores window sizes and positions becomes corrupted with nonsensical values. You can rename the file and customize to restore certain defaults.

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

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

In the first table on the page, click the "Show in Finder" button. This should launch a new window listing various files and folders. (If it shows only a folder with a partially random name, double-click into that folder.)

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

  • "3-bar" menu button > "power" button
  • (menu bar) Firefox > Quit

Pause while Firefox finishes its cleanup, then rename xulstore.json to something like xulstore.old. If you see a file named localstore.rdf, rename that one to localstore.old.

Start Firefox back up again. Does the Library window display normally again?

Resetting the display file may re-hide the Bookmarks Toolbar. To turn that back on, you can use one of these methods to show the toolbar list:

  • right-click (on Mac Ctrl+click) a blank spot on the tab bar (or the "+" button)
  • (menu bar) View > Toolbars
    On Windows, tap the Alt key to activate the menu bar temporarily.
  • in Customize mode > Show/Hide Toolbars (see: Customize Firefox controls, buttons and toolbars)

To turn on the Bookmarks Toolbar, click it on the list.