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Firefox does not have a documented, general-purpose switch that turns off update notifications while leaving updates otherwise unchanged. First identify whether you are seeing a Windows notification or a prompt inside Firefox. If your goal is to choose when updates install, Firefox lets you keep update checks on and choose when to install them.
Identify which Firefox update notification you’re seeing
A notification outside the browser is different from an update prompt shown inside Firefox, so the right setting depends on where it appears.
- Windows toast: Mozilla describes a notification that can appear in Windows 10 and later when Firefox updates automatically while closed and has not been opened for 28 days. Mozilla characterizes this notification as part of a Firefox study. The 28 days is the condition in the help article, not a statistic about users. Mozilla’s Windows notification help
- Firefox interface prompt: An update notice inside the browser relates to Firefox’s update settings. Mozilla’s update help covers the browser’s update process.
Choose when Firefox installs updates
To retain update checks but have more control over installation, open Menu > Settings > General and scroll to Firefox Updates. Select Check for updates but let you choose to install them.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →This setting lets you choose when to install an update; it does not turn off update checks, and Mozilla’s documentation does not establish it as a notification-only off switch. Firefox may still alert you about updates.
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What if you want to stop updates entirely?
Disabling Firefox updates is a broader change than silencing a notification. Mozilla Support points to enterprise policies for controlling update behavior, but the support answers available here do not establish current policy names or platform-specific configuration steps. If this is a work- or school-managed device, ask its administrator rather than changing managed settings yourself.
Mozilla Support moderator Sebastian Becker wrote on May 28, 2024: “Important: Turning off Firefox automatic updates is not recommended.” Mozilla explains that only the latest Firefox version receives regular security updates. Mozilla Support answer
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check your Firefox version and update history
To see which version you have or review update history, open the Firefox menu and choose Help > About Firefox. Mozilla’s Settings overview also explains where updating Firefox fits in the browser’s settings.
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