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Firefox has no regular Settings switch for turning off update checks. Mozilla removed that option years ago. On managed desktop installations, an administrator can disable application updates with the DisableAppUpdate policy, but Mozilla warns that doing so can leave Firefox without important security fixes. If you only want to control whether downloaded updates install without approval, that is a different setting.
What you can—and cannot—turn off
Firefox distinguishes between checking for application updates and installing updates automatically after they have been downloaded. The DisableAppUpdate policy disables application updates in Firefox. By contrast, AppAutoUpdate controls whether downloaded updates install without user approval; it does not stop Firefox from checking for updates, and it has no effect when DisableAppUpdate is enabled. Mozilla documents these as administrator policies, not ordinary Firefox Settings controls. Mozilla’s end-user guidance directs users who need updates disabled to an administrator.
Disable Firefox application updates with policy
This procedure is intended for Firefox desktop installations managed by an administrator. Mozilla lists DisableAppUpdate as compatible with Firefox and Firefox ESR starting with version 60; Firefox Enterprise policy support is listed starting with version 149. Check the current Firefox policy reference if you are managing a different release or deployment.
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Create a folder named
distributionin the Firefox installation’s policy location for your operating system. The exact location varies by platform and installation type:#1 Best Overall
- Windows: the
distributionfolder beside the Firefox executable. - macOS:
Firefox.app/Contents/Resources/distribution. - Linux: the Firefox installation’s
firefox/distributionfolder, or/etc/firefox/policiesfor a system-wide policy. Installation paths vary; Flatpak uses a separate policy location.
See Mozilla’s policies.json customization instructions for current platform-specific details.
- Windows: the
-
In that folder, create a UTF-8 encoded file named
policies.jsonwith this content:{ "policies": { "DisableAppUpdate": true } } -
Restart Firefox so it reads the policy.
-
In the address bar, open
about:policies. Check the Active tab to confirm thatDisableAppUpdateis applied. If it is missing or listed with an error, recheck the file name, JSON syntax, encoding, and policy-file location.Recommended: Crashes or Glitches? A Free Driver Scan Usually Finds the Culprit →Recommended: Fix Windows Errors and Clear Junk Files in Minutes - Free Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Using Windows Group Policy
Administrators can also configure the policy through Windows Group Policy. Mozilla documents the setting as SoftwarePoliciesMozillaFirefoxDisableAppUpdate = 0x1. The current policy reference also gives the supported macOS configuration form and the available platform-specific policy details: Firefox policy templates.
Understand the security trade-off
Disabling application updates can prevent Firefox from receiving fixes for security vulnerabilities addressed in newer versions. Mozilla says disabling update checks is not recommended and recommends keeping automatic updates enabled where possible. For managed deployments, consider controlling rollout or installation behavior without leaving the browser indefinitely unpatched.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Consider Firefox ESR if release frequency is the concern
If you want fewer major-version changes rather than no updates, Firefox Extended Support Release (ESR) is a separate channel to evaluate. In its 2026 enterprise guidance, Mozilla lists major updates every year for ESR, compared with every two weeks for Rapid Release. Mozilla lists ESR minor updates every two weeks or when necessary; ESR therefore still receives updates, including updates that may address security or stability issues. See Mozilla’s Firefox update guidance for the stated schedule and deployment advice.
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