We're calling on all EU-based Mozillians with iOS or iPadOS devices to help us monitor Apple’s new browser choice screens. Join the effort to hold Big Tech to account!

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Ctrl F4 closes Firefox, cancels all downloads

  • 1 reply
  • 8 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by TonyE

more options

When there is only one tab, using Ctrl F4 will close firefox and cancel all downloads. This happens when clearing a few tabs and pressing Ctrl F4 a bit too long. Alt F4 gives a warning that firefox is still downloading, just Ctrl F4 just doesn't. Ctrl F4 is supposed to close a tab, it should not terminate firefox in the first place. It should leave a blank tab after the last tab is closed, or, if you insist it must close firefox, then give a downloading warning just like with Alt F4. I suppose there is no way to change this? If so where can I make a complaint so it gets fixed?

When there is only one tab, using Ctrl F4 will close firefox and cancel all downloads. This happens when clearing a few tabs and pressing Ctrl F4 a bit too long. Alt F4 gives a warning that firefox is still downloading, just Ctrl F4 just doesn't. Ctrl F4 is supposed to close a tab, it should not terminate firefox in the first place. It should leave a blank tab after the last tab is closed, or, if you insist it must close firefox, then give a downloading warning just like with Alt F4. I suppose there is no way to change this? If so where can I make a complaint so it gets fixed?

Chosen solution

That is the default behaviour, but you can change it so that it goes to a blank tab rather than closing Firefox.

  1. Type about:config into the location bar and press enter
  2. Accept the warning message that appears, you will be taken to a list of preferences
  3. Locate the preference browser.tabs.closeWindowWithLastTab and double-click on it to change its value to false
Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (1)

more options

Chosen Solution

That is the default behaviour, but you can change it so that it goes to a blank tab rather than closing Firefox.

  1. Type about:config into the location bar and press enter
  2. Accept the warning message that appears, you will be taken to a list of preferences
  3. Locate the preference browser.tabs.closeWindowWithLastTab and double-click on it to change its value to false