Plugins are Firefox add-ons that manage Internet content that Firefox is not designed to process. This article describes how to use and manage plugins in Firefox.
Table of Contents
What are plugins?
A plugin is a piece of software that manages Internet content that Firefox is not designed to process. These usually include patented formats for video, audio, online games, presentations, and more. Plugins are created and distributed by other companies.
Popular plugins
For instructions of how to install, use, and troubleshoot plugins in Firefox, see these articles:
- Adobe Flash: Flash Plugin - Keep it up to date and troubleshoot problems
- Java: Use the Java plugin to view interactive content on websites
- QuickTime: Use the QuickTime plugin to play audio and video
- Silverlight: Use the Silverlight plugin to play audio and video
- Adobe Acrobat: Use Adobe Reader to view PDF files in Firefox
- Windows Media: Play Windows Media files in Firefox with the Windows Media plugin
Update plugins
Visit the website of the plugin to find the latest update. Plugins involve using code written by third-parties, so it is critically important to keep your plugins up-to-date. A security vulnerability in a plugin you have installed could compromise your privacy.
Managing plugins
To see what plugins you have installed:
- Click the menu button
, click and select .
To disable a plugin, select a plugin in the list, then select . Disabling a plugin will turn it off without uninstalling it. To re-enable it, select .
Uninstalling plugins
- Visit the article above that corresponds to the plugin you want to uninstall for instructions.
- For instructions on how to manually uninstall a plugin, see Manually uninstalling a plugin.
Troubleshooting
If you have problems with Firefox, they may be caused by a plugin or combination of plugins. For help on how to diagnose plugin problems, see Troubleshoot issues with plugins like Flash or Java to fix common Firefox problems.
