How to update Firefox extensions manually

Extensions play an important part in the Firefox ecosystem; they add functionality to the browser, may improve privacy of users, or add features to sites that users visit in the browser.

Mozilla implemented an automatic update system in Firefox that updates the browser and installed extensions and other components automatically by default.

Firefox users can disable automatic updates for individual extensions or all installed extensions in the browser. (Tip: Chrome users can update extensions manually as well)

Firefox checks for updates frequently when automatic updates are enabled in the browser; this means that there is a delay between the release of an extension and the update of that extension in the Firefox browser.

You may want to force extension updates, e.g. when a new version fixes issues that you experienced or when it introduces new functionality that you want to make use of right away. Problem is, it is not really clear how you can get Firefox to download and install the new version of an extension directly.

There are quite a few options when it comes to immediate updates for extensions in Firefox. First thing you may want to do is check the installed version against the latest version.

Load about:support in the Firefox web browser and scroll down to the Extensions listing. Each installed extension is listed with its version; compare that version to the latest version to determine whether you have installed the most recent version.

Option 1: Check for Updates

One of the easier options that Firefox users have at their disposal is to run a check for updates from within the browser. Firefox queries the add-ons database to find out if updates are available for any of the installed extensions.

These updates are downloaded and installed then if that is the case.

1. Load about:addons in the browser's address bar to get the list of installed extensions.
2. Click on the cogwheel icon at the top and select "check for updates".

Option 2: Check for individual extension updates

You have another update check option if you configured Firefox to never check for updates for extensions automatically, or disabled update checks for individual extensions.

1. Select the "more" link next to any extension on the about:addons page. Firefox displays information and update configuration options for that extension on the page that opens.
2. Activate the "check for updates" link there to run a check for updates for that extension.

Firefox displays the link only if you have disabled update checks for extensions on about:addons.

Option 3: Install the new version manually

One of the great advantages of Mozilla AMO, the official repository for Firefox extensions, is that Mozilla maintains an archive of extension versions.

The latest version of an extension is listed on that page; all you have to do is install it to update it in the browser.

1. Visit the page of an extension on Mozilla AMO, e.g. the uBlock Origin page: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/
2. Scroll down to the "More Information" section and select the "See all versions" link.
3. Click the "Add to Firefox" button next to the version that you want to install. Versions are listed chronologically on the page with the most recent version listed at the top.
4. Firefox starts the extension installation process.

Now You: Are add-on updates installed automatically in your browser?

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