Waterfox update settings

Waterfox checks for application updates by default. Where the built-in updater is available, the default choice downloads updates automatically and installs them when Waterfox restarts.

These instructions apply to Waterfox on desktop. Available controls depend on how Waterfox was installed and whether an administrator manages updates.

Open the Waterfox update settings

Open the Waterfox menu and select Settings.
Select About Waterfox in the sidebar.
Find Waterfox updates and its Installation section.

The status area shows the installed Waterfox version and the current update state. Depending on that state, it can check for an update, download one or ask you to restart Waterfox. Show update history opens the list of updates installed for this application.

Choose an update mode

The Installation section provides three choices:

Automatically download updates and install them on restart (recommended) keeps automatic checks and downloads enabled. Waterfox applies a downloaded update the next time it restarts.
Check for updates and ask before downloading keeps automatic checks enabled but waits for your approval before downloading an available update.
Do not check for updates automatically (not recommended) stops scheduled checks for this Waterfox profile. You can still check manually from About Waterfox.

If an update is already being checked or downloaded when you leave the automatic option, Waterfox asks whether to discard that update or let it continue.

Install updates while Waterfox is closed

On supported Windows installations, the automatic option can include When Waterfox is not running. This lets the background update agent prepare application updates without an open Waterfox window. The setting is on by default where it is supported.

This control is not shown when the background agent, per-installation settings or the required permissions are unavailable.

Platform and administrator limits

On Windows, the automatic download choice is shared by every Waterfox profile and Windows account using the same Waterfox installation. The Do not check for updates automatically choice applies only to the current profile.
On other supported desktop systems, the automatic download choice is stored per profile.
If Waterfox was installed as an operating-system-managed package, Settings reports that updates are managed by the operating system instead of showing the built-in installation choices.
Enterprise policy, installation permissions or a manual-update-only build can hide or lock update choices. A save error identifies the update configuration file that Waterfox could not write.

Disabling automatic checks can leave Waterfox without security and stability fixes. If you use that mode, check About Waterfox regularly or rely on the update mechanism provided by your operating system package.