As a Dutch proverb has it: “Old foxes want no tutors.” Unfortunately, this is not the case with Firefox, which could benefit from some mentoring. A browser that is constantly crashing cannot be considered a mainstay of excellent browsing experience despite its other redeeming features such as security, pop-ups blocking or the fact that it is issued free of charge. Those who use Firefox on Macs or MacBooks all the time are well familiar with annoying crashes and regular freezing. So what are the reasons for the browser getting paralyzed?
Although the causes may vary, they fall into the following categories:
Off-cycle stability update for Mac OS X only. Fixed an issue in Mac OS X 10.7 that could cause Firefox to crash; Fixed an issue caused by Apple's 'Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 5' where the Java plugin would not be loaded; End-of-life 5.0.x product line on August 16, 2011. 6.0 August 16, 2011 Official Firefox. With Firefox, you decide what to share online and when, because your life is your business. We designed Firefox with smart browsing features that let you take your privacy, passwords, and bookmarks with you safely wherever you go. PRIVACY CONTROL IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES Firefox gives you greater privacy protection while you’re on the web. The beta for it is out now for download and includes the new Servo engine whose performance couldn't be more heartening: Firefox is now twice as fast as it was a year ago. Although version 56 isn't set to auto-update to Quantum on iOS/Android and desktops until November 14, you can get a sneak peek by installing the beta via APK. Get Firefox, a free web browser backed by Mozilla, a non-profit dedicated to internet health and privacy. Available now on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS.
The user browses plugins-and animation-heavy websites, which have a lower than average loading speed, and put an additional burden on Firefox;
Poor browsing habits that are manifested in the excessively large number of opened tabs and windows;
Too many RAM intensive applications are running simultaneously, thereby slowing down the browser;
An old version of Firefox is used;
Unreasonably large size of the browser cache inhibits the optimal performance of Firefox;
A computer is slow in general.
What Can Be Done When Mozilla Firefox Not Responding on Mac?
After discovering why Firefox can be painfully slow, it is time to consider the avenues for improvement. Whenever the browser becomes totally unresponsive, it is a sure sign that one or several problems outlined in the previous section of the article have overwhelmed the once brawny and powerful fox.
The first recourse is to force quit the browser. To this end:
- In the Apple Menu, select the Force Quit option (you can also use the Command – Option – Esc combination);
- In the pop-up window, click on the Force Quit button to close Firefox.
If the entire system is frozen, it is necessary to make a hard reboot by holding the power button for a few seconds.
What needs to be done next is to open the browser and check its version. To do so:
- Click on the Firefox tab at the top of the browser’s window;
- In the window that opens, choose the About Firefox
- If you are using an outdated version of Firefox, it will automatically update itself.
- When the updates are downloaded, click on the Restart to Update Firefox button to initiate the installation of the latest version of the browser.
Ok, you have updated Firefox and try to use it to access your favorite website. However, after opening only a few tabs, it gets painfully slow and finally stops working altogether. Here’s a tested solution for this problem: try refreshing Firefox. The refreshing is used to restore the browser to its default settings, thereby improving its performance. To get rid of the drop in performance precipitated by misconfigured settings and the update, do the following:
- Click on the FirefoxMenu button and chose the Troubleshooting Information tab (alternatively, type about:support in the search bar);
After completing these steps, all add-ons and settings of the browser will be refreshed. It should also be mentioned that bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history will not be removed from Firefox.
If the browser can’t stand on its furry feet and crashes on startup, the problem might be rooted in outdated extensions. To check whether problematic add-ons are responsible for regular crashes, try launching it in the Safe Mode. To this end:
- Click on the Firefox Menu button;
- Select the Help tab;
- In the tab, choose the Restart with Add-ons Disabled option (another way to run the browser in the Safe Mode is to hold the Shift key during the launch).
Firefox For Mac Will Not Update Windows 7
If the browser runs normally in the Safe Mode, it is a sign that add-ons are responsible for the crashing. To disable or update the add-ons:
- Click on the Firefox Menu button;
- Select the Add-ons tab and proceed to the Extensions panel;
- Either disable or update each add-on;
- Restart Firefox.
To ensure that add-ons do not limit the functionality of the browser, keep them up to date by following the steps below:
- In the Firefox Menu, select the Add-ons tab and proceed to the Extensions;
- Click on the gear icon to change the update settings and select the Update Add-ons Automatically
- Open the Finder and navigate to the Applications folder;
- Locate Firefox;
- Drag it to the Trash;
- Enter your username and password to confirm the deletion;
- Click on the OK button;
- Empty the Trash;
- Download the latest version of the browser here;
- Reinstall Firefox.
You are using Firefox when all of a sudden a tab closes, and you are presented with the Gah. Your tab just crashed window.
If the disheartening window is an all too familiar sight for you, consider clearing the cache file. To clear the cache:
- Click on the Firefox Menu button;
- Select the Options tab;
- In the Privacy & Security tab, find the Cached Web Content section and click on the Clear Now button;
It is recommended to prevent the expansion of the cache file, which makes Firefox sluggish, by changing the browser settings to cleaning it automatically upon each closing. This can be done in seven simple steps:
- Click on the FirefoxMenu button and chose the Options tab;
- From the Privacy & Security tab navigate to the History section;
- Choose the Use custom settings for history option;
- Check the box next to Clear history when Firefox closes;
- Click on the Settings button;
- Check the box next to Cache and click on the OK button;
- Now close the window and you’re done!
One of the most important things you can do to have a safe, fast and secure online browsing experience is to make sure your browser is up to date. Update your browser like you would update your apps. No matter which browser you use, make sure you’re using the latest version.
Stay safe, browse safe
Up-to-date browsers protect you from viruses, security breaches and hacks. Older versions of browsers may be vulnerable to attacks and security holes. Firefox engineers have been known to ship a security update within a day of learning of a vulnerability.
The fastest Firefox yet
We work tirelessly to make sure Firefox is the fastest it can be, while making sure it doesn’t hog your memory or system resources. With each version we make improvements to the code that makes Firefox quick and nimble as you browse.
The best privacy
We are passionate about user privacy. With each new release we give you more ways to control who sees and accesses your personal browsing data. Tracking protection, private browsing and powerful privacy extensions all work together to make sure your private browsing information stays yours.
New features
Mac Kill Firefox
Whether it’s enabling powerful new Mixed Reality features, improving accessibility or testing extensions that enrich your life, new browser releases always have something new and innovative for you to enjoy. Don’t miss out by lagging behind on an older version.
Firefox is independent and a part of the not-for-profit Mozilla, which fights for your online rights, keeps corporate powers in check and makes the internet accessible to everyone, everywhere. We believe the internet is for people, not profit. Unlike other companies, we don’t sell access to your data. You’re in control over who sees your search and browsing history. All that and exceptional performance too.
How do I update?
Firefox Will Not Quit
Most major browsers update automatically, which means that when a new version is available, your system will download and install it for you. So that’s one less thing you have to worry about keeping on top of. First find out which version of your browser you’re on. Then, if auto update is switched off, here’s how to manually update Firefox, Edge, Chrome, Opera or Safari.