i REALLY do not like that Firefox is using FORCED updates. If I wanted to update Firefox, I would update manually. as a information security specialist, i do not trust ANY app that auto updates or especially does FORCED updates.
How can a user disable the forced updates - the new version hides too many options and settings, i do not like the “style” of the new version and prefer the older version…
I am hesitant to post the workaround here, because if Mozilla is trying to be like Microsoft and control the users, posting the workaround will result in them attempting to remove that workaround…
i have finally found a workaround… its not pretty. but it works. i am back to my older version of firefox (that has my security settings HONORED) that i prefer
Yes, you can stop Firefox installing updates on its own, though I would not stay on an old version for long — you would miss security fixes.
The simplest option is Settings > General > Firefox Updates, and choose “Check for updates but let you choose to install them”. Firefox will then tell you an update is available, but will not install it until you say so.
If that setting keeps being overridden, the supported way to enforce it is a Firefox policy. Mozilla documents `DisableAppUpdate` and `ManualAppUpdateOnly` in its policy templates — the second one is specifically for manual updates only, so Firefox will not check in the background or prompt you, but you can still update manually when you choose:
That is a better route than trying to block the update service or installer, which tends to break and can leave Firefox in a half-updated state. If the main problem is the look of the new version rather than the version number itself, Firefox ESR may also be worth a look, as it changes less often while still receiving security updates.