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multiple instances of the firefox

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 4 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

holyapprentice2
holyapprentice2
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when i open firefox. it shows 6 instances open under task manager but i only have 1 tab of firefox open

when i open firefox. it shows 6 instances open under task manager but i only have 1 tab of firefox open

Chosen solution

Let's say you open 3 tabs and close two. Firefox may not terminate the content processes used for the closed tabs because you likely will open some more tabs during your session. At least, that's the theory. Also, some tabs are used for the browser itself.

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jonzn4SUSE
jonzn4SUSE
  • Top 10 Contributor
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What do you have set here? see screenshot

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
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Chosen Solution

Let's say you open 3 tabs and close two. Firefox may not terminate the content processes used for the closed tabs because you likely will open some more tabs during your session. At least, that's the theory. Also, some tabs are used for the browser itself.

holyapprentice2
holyapprentice2 Question owner
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thank for answering. hope you are having a merry Christmas.

cor-el
cor-el
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It is quite normal to see more Firefox processes running.

  • one process for the main Firefox thread (user interface)
  • one or more content processes, see:
    Options/Preferences -> General -> Performance
    remove checkmark: [ ] "Use recommended performance settings"
  • a process for the compositor thread
  • a process for the WebRender when this feature is enabled
  • a process for extensions

You can find the current multi-process state on the Troubleshooting Information page (about:support).

  • "Help -> Troubleshooting Information"
    "Application Basics": Multiprocess Windows
    "Remote Processes" further down

See also the about:memory page for information about the process IDs.