Tag: firefox

Firefox 143.0.4 fixes Google connection problems

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

If you use Firefox and have had issues connecting to some Google-owned properties and services, then you may have experienced an issue that Mozilla fixed in Firefox 143.0.4.

The fourth point update for Firefox 143 addresses a single issue. While it is not uncommon for Mozilla to release point updates — smaller updates that fix pressing matters or security issues — it is rarer to see a single issue release.

It has been less than a week that Mozilla released Firefox 143.0.3 to address bugs and security issues in the browser.

Mozilla notes that the release improves “Firefox’ connection fallback behavior to mitigate sporadic slow/failed loads on some Google sites”. The issue affected devices with Firefox with certain third-party software installed.

The release notes do not provide any details, but the bug report over at Bugzilla does.

According to it, users started to note the behavior on Google Drive. Tests with other browsers confirmed that the issue was Firefox-specific. The investigation revealed that HTTP/3 connections were blocked, which forced Firefox to fallback to HTTP/2, but a bug caused these connections to fail to be created.

The update fixes the issue. Firefox users who use the browser to connect to Google services and noticed issues connecting to them should install it right away to fix the issue. Everyone else shouldn’t feel any hurry to install it.

The new version is available already. You can force the installation by selecting Menu > Help > About Firefox in the main menu. This should trigger the download and upgrade.

The next major Firefox release is scheduled for October 14, 2025. It is the same day that Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on officially.

Firefox 143.0.3 is out with security fixes and more

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Mozilla released a new point update for its Firefox web browser today. Firefox 143.0.3 is a security update that fixes also some non-security issues in the open source browser.

The new update is available already via the browser’s automatic update feature. Existing users may speed up the installation of the update by selecting Menu > Help > About Firefox. This opens a small window in the browser that displays the current version and a check for updates.

Firefox should pick up the update automatically at this point, but you need to restart the browser once to complete the installation. Opening the page again after installation should reveal the new version.

The official security release notes reveal that Mozilla addressed two security vulnerabilities in the release. Both have a severity rating of high. They affect the JavaScript engine and the Canvas2D component of the browser. Mozilla makes no mention of exploits in the wild, but it is still recommended to update quickly.

The non-security release notes list six issues that Mozilla fixed or improved in the release. Probably the most noteworthy is a fix for extension not updating via the add-ons manager of the browser.

Another issue fixes a Firefox crash that could happen when certain extensions are installed. These caused a storage issue that could lead to Firefox crashing on start of the browser.

Firefox users who noticed long delays when opening certain websites may also see improvements after installing Firefox 143.0.3. Mozilla reduced the delays, which happen on certain websites if the network blocks UDP connections.

The three remaining fixes address minor problems in Firefox, such as Firefox View sections not collapsing or expanding as expected. You can check out the full release notes on Mozilla’s website.

Search image with Google Lens

Firefox is getting visual search capabilities powered by Google Lens

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Mozilla is rolling out a new feature in recent versions of the Firefox web browser that introduces visual search functionality. This allows users to run visual searches by right-clicking on images.

Mozilla lists several main applications for the new feature on its Connect website.

  • Find similar products, places, or objects.
  • Copy, translate, or search text from images.
  • Get inspiration for learning, travel, or shopping.

Right-click on any image displayed in the browser and select the new “Search Image with Google Lens” option to start a new search.

The feature is limited to Firefox on the desktop currently and it is rolling out worldwide. Most Firefox users won’t see it right away, but it can be enabled via about:config.

Here is how that is done:

  1. Load about:config in the browser’s address bar.
  2. Search for browser.search.visualSearch.featureGate.
  3. Click on the toggle icon to set the feature to True.
  4. Restart Firefox.

This enables the feature. You can test it by right-clicking on an image in Firefox and selecting the new Google Lens visual search option from the context menu.

Tip: you can turn off the feature at any time by setting the experimental flag to false in about:config. This removes the context menu entry in Firefox.

Here is what happens when you select the option: Firefox redirects the search request to the official Google Lens website. From there it is all Google and you should see similar images and information about the image among other things.

The feature addition will likely see mixed receptions. Some Firefox users may like the ability to run visual searches quicker through the browser’s context menu. Before that, they had to go save and upload the image to Google Lens manually or install a browser extension such as Search on Google Lens.

Others may dislike the additional entry in the context menu, for instance in fear or accidentally sending an image they view in the browser to Google Lens.

To be honest, it is unclear why Mozilla would introduce the feature natively in Firefox if an open source browser extension is already available

Now You: what is your take on this? Useful addition in Firefox or something that you have no use for?

Mozilla extends Firefox for Windows 7 support again and it may not be the last time either

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Mozilla’s Firefox web browser continues to be supported on Windows 7 and older versions of Apple’s macOS operating systems, according to an update that Mozilla published on its website.

According to the update, Firefox ESR 115 support is extended until at least March 2026. Mozilla plans to evaluate the end of support again in March 2026 to determine whether it will extend support again.

Firefox is one of the few web browsers that continue to support Windows 7 and older macOS versions. Most browsers have ended support for the discontinued versions of Windows and macOS some time ago already.

Firefox ESR 115.33 will be released in February 2026. It could be the last version of that ESR branch, if Mozilla decides to end support then and there.

More than six percent of Firefox users use Windows 7. That is a large number, even with Firefox’s declining userbase.

Firefox 115 was released in 2023 initially. The Extended Support Release version of the browser is only supported with security and bug fix updates. New features are not introduced in the same ESR branch usually. The next major ESR release introduces the features that Mozilla released in stable Firefox in the meantime.

Since there is no upgrade for Firefox ESR 115 users, their version of the browser remains on the 2023 feature set. Means, features such as tab groups, vertical tabs and others are not available.

The consumer editions of Windows 7 are no longer supported by Microsoft. This means that the operating systems do not receive security updates anymore. Micro-patching service 0Patch continues to support the operating system, however.

Firefox

Mozilla plans to drop support for very-old Android versions

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Mozilla plans to drop support for Android versions older than Android 8. Android 8 was released in 2017, which means that the move will affect users who use Firefox on mobile phones that are nearly a decade old or older.

Current mobile versions of Firefox require at least Android 5.0, which was released in 2014.

Mozilla announced the intention to raise the system requirements for Firefox on Android on the organization’s bug tracking website. And the organization has good reasons for wanting to drop support.

It allows Mozilla to “implement newer technologies” and prevents engineers from “being burdened by fixing bugs that only emerge on a small population of people using old devices”.

Also worth noting is that libraries that Mozilla is using are dropping support for Android 5, which causes additional problems for Mozilla.

With Android 15 (API 35) official release last Oct 15, 2024 (for Pixel devices), we should be considering bumping up the min Android OS version of the Firefox Mobile Browser up to Android 8 (API 26). Doing so allows us to implement newer technologies, and prevents us from being burdened by fixing bugs that only emerge on a small population of people using old devices. By bumping the min Android OS version, users on those devices will no longer receive app updates.

Additionally, we are increasingly finding that libraries we use are dropping support for obsolete versions like Android 5. This causes us big problems for ongoing maintenance of our apps.

Mozilla is not the only browser maker that bumped Android version requirements recently. Google dropped support for Android 7 and 8 recently with the launch of Chrome 139 for Android. Most Chromium-based browsers for Android are likely affected by the change going forward.

So, if you are still using an Android device that is no longer supported, and has not been for a few years at least, you may find yourself without a supported browser as well.

Will there be browsers that continue to support Android 8 or earlier? That remains to be seen. For now, both Vivaldi and Opera support Android 8, as will Firefox going forward.

How to enable the advanced configuration about:config in Firefox for Android

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Mozilla has locked down Firefox for Android significantly. When it first launched the revamped version, it blocked access to what some Firefox users would call essential features: namely extensions support and access to the advanced configuration about:config.

It changes its stance on extensions support just recently, which is a step in the right direction and a main differentiating factor between Firefox and Google Chrome.

As for access to the advanced configuration, you may access it in all Firefox for Android versions. While you may get an error when you try to launch about:config in the address bar, you will get access to the configuration if you load chrome://geckoview/content/config.xhtml instead.

There you get the option to modify advanced configuration parameters. Also, if you want, you may switch the preference general.aboutConfig.enable to True to enable about:config. May be easier to access than the resource listed above.

It is a handy way to gain access to the advanced configuration of the browser on Android. Allows you to disable or enable certain features, and modify settings to your liking. (via AskVG)

Firefox 140.0.1 fixes a crash and a usability issue

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Hot of the heels of the Firefox 140.0 Stable update, released earlier this week, is the first point update for the web browser. It addresses two non-security issues in the browser, one of them a crash at browser start.

The main issue fixed in the update is a startup crash that Mozilla says affected some users of the browser. It is caused by DLL injection. The bug report on Mozilla’s bug tracking website suggests that Mozilla reverted a change that it made in Firefox 140 to address the issue.

Mozilla lists Windows 10 specifically, which suggests that the bulk of users who experienced the crash use devices with Microsoft’s operating system.

The second fix resolves text contrast issues in the sidebar. They occurred if certain dark themes were used by the user. The text in the sidebar was barely readable in some instances. The update addresses the issue.

Firefox users who are affected by one or both of the issues may want to upgrade to the new version to resolve these issues. Just select Menu > Help > About Firefox to run a check for updates.

The browser should pick up the new version so that it gets downloaded and installed automatically. A restart is required to complete the upgrade process.

You find the original release notes for the Firefox 140.0.1 update here.

Firefox

Mozilla should test Firefox with best-in-class ad blocker and privacy

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

The future looks quite grim for Mozilla and its Firefox web browser. The average monthly user count continues to drop while the browser of its ex-CEO is reporting new heights regularly. Then there is the looming death of Google and its impact on Mozilla’s finances to consider.

Mozilla’s reaction came as a surprise. It started to add features that users requested for years. Firefox supports vertical tabs now, tab groups, and a lot more.

It also took a look at its assets to figure out what to keep and what to terminate. This resulted in the termination of recent acquisitions, such as Fakespot, and long-standing staples, such as Pocket.

While these help free up resources and reduce expenses, it is likely that they won’t prevent the Mozilla-ship from capsizing, if things take a turn for the worse.

What to do? Here is an idea!

Why is Brave gaining users and Firefox losing them? You could say that it is all because of the different underlying platforms that the browsers use. Brave, after all, uses the same core as Google Chrome. Firefox uses Mozilla’s own engine. It has advantages, as it gives Mozilla full control over the engine. However, all development weight is on Mozilla whereas Brave and others reap what (mostly) Google developers and others work on.

It would be shortsighted to focus solely on this. Brave includes a content blocker by default. It also includes lots of privacy enhancements. While some criticize the browser for its integration of crypto-stuff, the combination of Chromium with its integrated content blocker works really well most of the time.

Firefox users can install uBlock Origin or another content blocker, but they have to do so manually.

Why is not Mozilla integrating its own content blocker or establishing a partnership with Raymond Hill, the creator of uBlock Origin? Mozilla never revealed the answer, but the most likely answer is because of its search deal with Google.

An ad blocker would prevent Google ads from showing up. Google would rightfully so want to pay less to Mozilla, as it would not make enough revenue anymore to justify the price that it pays Mozilla each year.

But what about running a test? Create a special version of Firefox. Install an ad-blocker and enable it by default. Distribute it, maybe ask for donations in the same way that the Thunderbird team is asking for them.

See how it goes. Just make sure that privacy is excellent for users, that they won’t see any sponsored content or other paid content in Firefox, and that their privacy is always valued more than anything else.

It might work. Users might pick Firefox as it would keep them safe and private while using the browser. It might not work, but Mozilla would at least tried something.

Now You: do you use Firefox or another browser? Let me know in the comments below.

Firefox 139.0.4 fixes a freeze and security issues

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Mozilla released a new version of its open source Firefox web browser today. Firefox 139.0.4 is a point update that addresses security issues and bugs in the browser.

The update is already live. Most Firefox installations should receive it automatically, but you can speed up the installation by going to Menu > Help > About Firefox.

The security fixes

Firefox 139.0.4 fixes two security issues in the browser. Both have a severity rating of high, which is second only to critical. Mozilla does not mention any exploits in the wild, which is good.

One issue fixes memory corruption in canvas surfaces, the other an Integer overflow in OrderedHashTable. You can check them out here if you want to take a look by yourself.

The non-security fixes

Mozilla lists four non-security issues on the official release notes website.

The big fix in the release addresses freezes in Firefox. Mozilla notes that these could happen when switching between apps or when certain panels were opened within the browser.

The linked bug reports reveal additional details. One report started that Firefox froze when the uBlock Origin icon or other icons were opened. A second report claimed that Firefox would freeze and crash when Alt-Tab was used on Windows while a full-screen game was being played.

The second and third bug fix address various selection issues in the web browser. Mozilla notes that one fix addressed an issue that made the selection of drop-down menu items when using the in-page search difficult. Another addressed selection issues when triple-clicking text “in some situations”.

The final bug addresses a filename issue. Firefox used an incorrect filename when an image is set as the desktop wallpaper on Windows.

Closing Words

Firefox users may want to update to the new browser version immediately to fix the security issues and prevent hypothetical attacks against them. Those affected by the non-security bugs may also want to update asap.

Now You: when do you update your browsers? Immediately after a patch is released or do you wait and see first? Feel free to leave a comment down below.

Mozilla finally makes it easier to add Search Engines to Firefox

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Firefox users have a few options to add new search engines to the browser. The entire process is not as straightforward as it could be though, especially when you compare it to how search engines are added to Chromium-based browsers such as Google Chrome.

The two main options are to add the new search engine from the address bar or search bar of the browser, or by installing it. The settings, for instance, are a place that that you can’t add new search engines from.

With Firefox 140 comes a change that adds two new option to the process.

The first allows you you to right-click on any search field to add that search engine to Firefox. Some users may find this new option more natural, especially when compared to the current status quo regarding search engines in the open source browser.

Firefox's new "add search engine" option

So, simply right-click the search field and select “add search engine” . This opens a prompt that gives you the option to change the name of the search engine and assign a keyword to it. Activate the “add engine” button to add it to Firefox.

The search engine is available now in Firefox. You still need to go to the Settings to make it the default, but you can select it right away when running searches in the browser.

Search Engines in Settings

Firefox Add a new search engine in Settings

The second option is available right in Settings. Open the Settings in Firefox and switch to the Search group to get started.

There you find the new Add option to add a new search engine to Firefox. You do need the search URL for this one and use the %s placeholder for your search terms. The two other options let you pick a custom name for the search engine and add an optional keyword.

There you have it, two new options to add search engines to Firefox. This improves the feature significantly.

Now You: how do you add new search engines to your browser of choice? Feel free to leave a comment down below.