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How do I disable automatic updates?

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I am going to have to use Firefox version 28 forever, exposing myself to many security risks in the process, because I do not like the drastic redesign of the interface in version 29 and Mozilla have not included an option to switch to the old interface.

Many support forum posts argue that bringing back the old interface is a 'simple' matter, but it is not. I have spent many hours on two PCs so far, fiddling with the recommended third-party add-ons (e.g. Classic Theme Restorer) in the attempt to get the browser looking the old way again. I can ascertain with confidence that it is NOT possible to get things looking exactly as they did before, and certainly not looking like the particular customized setup I had myself.

I have now re-installed version 28, and intend to continue using it indefinitely. However, automatic updates are still enabled, and Firefox has already tried to update itself to version 29 again. How can I disable automatic updates for good? I have tried some tricks like deleting the update files and then removing the update URL in about:config, but a new update was still downloaded somehow.

How can I nix automatic updates for good?

I am going to have to use Firefox version 28 forever, exposing myself to many security risks in the process, because I do not like the drastic redesign of the interface in version 29 and Mozilla have not included an option to switch to the old interface. Many support forum posts argue that bringing back the old interface is a 'simple' matter, but it is not. I have spent many hours on two PCs so far, fiddling with the recommended third-party add-ons (e.g. Classic Theme Restorer) in the attempt to get the browser looking the old way again. I can ascertain with confidence that it is NOT possible to get things looking exactly as they did before, and certainly not looking like the particular customized setup I had myself. I have now re-installed version 28, and intend to continue using it indefinitely. However, automatic updates are still enabled, and Firefox has already tried to update itself to version 29 again. How can I disable automatic updates for good? I have tried some tricks like deleting the update files and then removing the update URL in about:config, but a new update was still downloaded somehow. How can I nix automatic updates for good?

All Replies (5)

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Hi,

It is true that the Classic Theme Restorer add-on will NOT bring back all of your customized settings/appearance on Firefox 28, but it will help a little It's recommended that you stay on the latest version to receive the latest security fixes and bug patches but you're free to downgrade if you want.

You can set these prefs in about:config to disable automatic updating:
app.update.auto - false
app.update.enabled - false
app.update.silent - false

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Firefox Options > Advanced > Update.

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Thanks for your help!

Fingers crossed on the security front. I simply can't change interfaces now, so instead of security patches my main protection will just have to be hope.

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You will be a bit better off using the Firefox 24 ESR which are made more for Enterprise users in mind as it is basically security and allowed stability bug fixes on Firefox 24.0. It will be supported up till a couple update when the next ESR is based on Firefox 31.0

The current 24 ESR is 24.5.0esr which was released in line with Firefox 29.0 was released. https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/organizations/all/

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Thanks for the tip, will check it out.