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

I cannot update, uninstall or install Firefox

more options

When launching Firefox an updating windows appears, after process reach 100% another one comes saying it cannot be done because Firefox is running and/or needs to reboot before applying updates. I reboot but this cycle continues over and over. I tried to uninstall but get another message saying and update is in progress and need to reboot first. same thing if I try to install a newer version. Bottom line, Firefox doesn't update, nor it let me uninstall of install another version.

When launching Firefox an updating windows appears, after process reach 100% another one comes saying it cannot be done because Firefox is running and/or needs to reboot before applying updates. I reboot but this cycle continues over and over. I tried to uninstall but get another message saying and update is in progress and need to reboot first. same thing if I try to install a newer version. Bottom line, Firefox doesn't update, nor it let me uninstall of install another version.

Chosen solution

Remove the Firefox program folder (C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\) before installing that newly downloaded copy of the Firefox installer.

  • It is important to delete the Firefox program folder to remove all the files and make sure that there are no problems with files that were leftover after uninstalling.

Your bookmarks and other profile data are stored elsewhere in the Firefox Profile Folder and won't be affected by a reinstall, but make sure that you do not select to remove personal data if you uninstall Firefox.

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (4)

more options

download fresh installer from here and try

more options

That's exactly what I download and after running still got "Your computer must be restarted to complete a previous update of Firefox. Do you want to reboot now?" If I click No. Setup just exit. If I click Yes, computer reboots and I'm in square one again.

more options

Chosen Solution

Remove the Firefox program folder (C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\) before installing that newly downloaded copy of the Firefox installer.

  • It is important to delete the Firefox program folder to remove all the files and make sure that there are no problems with files that were leftover after uninstalling.

Your bookmarks and other profile data are stored elsewhere in the Firefox Profile Folder and won't be affected by a reinstall, but make sure that you do not select to remove personal data if you uninstall Firefox.

more options

Sounds like Firefox is "hanging at exit". That problem is frequently caused by an Extension or a Plugin. Read all of the following articles.

Note:

  • You must wait a few seconds (10-30) after closing Firefox to allow it time to completely shut down all processes.
  • ALWAYS use Firefox button > Exit (or File > Exit) to close Firefox properly; avoid using the "X" close button in the upper right corner.


  1. Stop the Firefox process:
  2. Why Firefox may hang:
  3. Use Firefox Safe Mode to find a problem with an Extension or Plugin:


If this reply solves your problem, please click "Solved It" next to this reply when signed-in to the forum.



Not related to your question, but...

You may need to update some plug-ins. Check your plug-ins and update as necessary:

Modified by SafeBrowser