Manually Uninstall Firefox Extension - Global Installation
Managing Firefox Extensions and User Control
Firefox offers various methods through which external applications on your system can install browser extensions. This process can, at times, occur without your direct and informed permission.
Although disabling these extensions is possible, complete removal isn't always achievable through the standard Firefox Add-ons screen.
Enhanced Security Measures by Mozilla
Mozilla has significantly increased its focus on user protection. Now, a prompt appears, requesting your confirmation before enabling extensions installed by other programs.
Despite this improvement, extensions that have been disabled still remain visible within your list of installed extensions, potentially causing confusion.
Understanding Extension Installation Methods
- External applications can install extensions.
- Installation may happen without explicit user consent.
- Disabling an extension doesn't necessarily remove it.
The continued presence of disabled extensions can create a cluttered interface. It's important to be aware of how extensions are added to Firefox and to regularly review your installed extensions.
Mozilla’s recent changes aim to give users more control over what is added to their browser. However, managing existing, disabled extensions remains a challenge.
Windows Control Panel
A properly designed and installed browser extension can typically be removed through the Programs and Features section within the Windows Control Panel.
Locate the extension by its name and proceed with the uninstallation process, treating it as you would any standard application.
Limitations of the Control Panel Method
However, this method isn't universally effective. Certain extensions, like the one bundled with Logitech SetPoint, necessitate the removal of the entire software suite for complete uninstallation.
Occasionally, poorly designed extensions may deliberately omit an entry in Programs and Features.
This tactic is employed to conceal the extension’s presence and obstruct its removal from the system.
Dealing with Hidden Extensions
- Some extensions attempt to remain undetected by avoiding listing themselves in the standard uninstallation locations.
- This can make removal more challenging, requiring alternative methods to ensure complete eradication.
It's important to be aware that not all extensions adhere to standard uninstallation procedures.
Therefore, a comprehensive approach may be needed to fully remove unwanted or malicious browser extensions.
Locating the Firefox Installation Folder
When an extension proves difficult to remove through the standard Firefox interface, the initial step involves examining Firefox’s installation directory. Typically, on 64-bit Windows systems, Firefox is located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox. However, on 32-bit Windows versions, the path is C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox.
If a non-default installation location was chosen during setup, the directory will be found there instead.
Exploring the Extensions Directory
Within the Mozilla Firefox directory, navigate to the extensions folder. This directory can contain extensions added by other applications, making them accessible across all Firefox profiles on the system.
Important: Do not modify or delete the {972ce4c6-7e08-4474-a285-3208198ce6fd} folder, as it houses Firefox’s core default theme.
Other folders within this directory represent globally installed Firefox extensions and themes.
Identifying Extensions
To identify the extension contained within a specific folder, open the install.rdf file located inside it using a text editor. This file provides details about the extension residing in that directory.
For instance, the install.rdf file for the default theme includes the description “The default theme.”
Removing Globally Installed Extensions
The process for removing a globally installed extension is straightforward: simply delete the extension’s folder from the extensions directory.
Windows Registry
Firefox extensions can also be installed and linked to the browser through the Windows Registry on Windows operating systems. Accessing the registry editor is done by pressing the Windows key to open the Start menu. Then, type regedit and press Enter.
For Windows 8 users, the process is similar; press the Windows key to reach the Start screen, type regedit, and then press Enter.
Registry Key Locations
When searching for globally installed Firefox extensions, three distinct registry keys should be examined:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions\
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions\
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions (applicable only to 64-bit Windows versions.)
The globally installed Firefox extension will be located within one of these specified paths.
Removing an extension manually involves deleting its corresponding registry value. While this prevents Firefox from recognizing the extension, the extension’s files will remain on the system.
To completely eliminate the extension, locate the directory indicated in the Data column. Use Windows Explorer to find this directory and then delete it from your computer.
Although not essential, this step ensures the complete removal of the extension’s files.
Following the deletion of the registry value, the extension will no longer appear in the Firefox extensions list. A restart of Firefox is required for these changes to be implemented, regardless of the removal method used.
The Logitech SetPoint extension serves as a useful example of a globally installed Firefox extension that utilizes the Windows Registry for attachment. It’s important to note that this is not malicious software, nor is it intrusive like some toolbars.