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Not sure if you have the latest version of Firefox? You have to check since it’s an important security update. You don’t want hackers to weaponize the bugs that the updates fix, do you?
We’re sure you don’t, so to make sure you have the latest version, you have to check right in your Firefox app. It doesn’t take much to know if your Firefox is up to date. We’ll guide you through the process and explain some things along the way.
Ready to get started? Then, first, open your Firefox app and follow our instructions below.
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Check the Version Using Method # 1
If you have Windows OS, click the menu button (symbolized by three horizontal lines atop each other). Then, select Help from the drop-down menu and choose About Firefox next.
If you have a Mac, click on Firefox and then About Firefox on the drop-down menu.
This will open a dialog window that will contain the information you’re looking for. Under the “Firefox Browser” text, you’ll see some numbers like “77.0.1.” This is the version number.
You’ll notice a “What’s new” button beside it; this will open a new window on your browser. It contains the Release Notes or the list of fixes and changes this update brings. On this page, you’ll also see the Release Notes of the latest updates to Android and iOS.
What if it’s not the latest version? We’ll discuss that later.
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Check the Version Using Method # 2
The first method is easier since it has fewer steps than this method. Still, it’s nice to have an option and since we’re going to the settings this way, you can check the version while you’re checking or altering the settings.
Again, open the Firefox app first. On a Windows, click the menu button on the top-right corner and select Options from the drop-down menu. On a Mac, it’s named Preferences and you’ll find it under Firefox in the menu bar.
Then, choose General and navigate to the Updates section. This section will show you pretty much the same information as the first method. It tells you the version installed and a “What’s new” button.
You’ll also see a “Firefox is up to date” message if it has the latest version installed. If you aren’t sure, make sure you’re connected to the internet and click the Check for updates button.
Here, you can also view all the updates you have installed by clicking the Show Update History button. If your Firefox app is new, it won’t show anything.
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How to Update Firefox to the Latest Version
By default, Firefox automatically updates itself. You’ll know when the recent update has landed when you open it and a dialog box tells you that you now have the latest version. It will also open a new tab that will outline the changes in this new version.
If for some reason, this doesn’t happen, you’ll have to learn how to update Firefox by yourself.
You can download updates using either of the two methods above. You open Firefox, navigate toward Help (for Windows) or Firefox (for Mac), and then select About Firefox. Or you go to Options/Preferences and look for the Updates section.
It an update is available, you can update it on the same part as the one where you can view the version of your browser. A button will appear that says, “Restart to Update Firefox.”
This downloads the latest updates to your app. They will come into effect when it relaunches.
You’ll see the same message as when it updates itself. To make sure, you can check what version you have again.
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How to Set Automatic Updates
Updates keep your browsing experience safe and secure. It fixes some bugs, maintains stability, and sometimes, fixes a huge security issue.
It was only this year that a security firm discovered a vulnerability in Firefox, which could have opened a door for hackers to your computer. A quick update fixed that exploit.
While security is the most important part of keeping your browser up to date, it also installs new features that will improve your experience.
To ensure you always have the latest version, opt for automatic updates. You don’t have to do anything going forward as Firefox will download the updates as soon as they become available and install them the next time it launches.
You can set it to automatic updates by following the steps of the second method. Once you get to the Updates section, you’ll find a couple of options. The first one should be something like “Automatically install updates.”
Select it, and you’re done.
The second option allows Firefox to check for updates but it’s up to you whether you want to install them. The app will still work even if it’s not updated to the latest version as soon as it’s out.
If you let too many updates go by (i.e. years’ worth of updates), though, you might have some trouble with websites. Aside from security concerns, some websites might require updates to work properly. Some might not work altogether, so it’s still best to keep your browser up to date.
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Want to Use an Older Version of Firefox?
If there’s a reason why you need the older version, you’ll have to uninstall your app first. Then, look for a downloadable older version. The one you’ll download from the official download page is always the latest version.
Remember to disable the automatic updates, as well. Make sure it doesn’t get updated to the latest version without your knowledge.
Make Sure Your Firefox is Up to Date
Like we said above, updating your Firefox is important for security and stability concerns. Having the latest version gives you peace of mind, knowing that you can browse without worrying about having your information compromised.
You might also check out other browsers, like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. No matter which app you have, though, it’s still important to keep them updated.
Of course, you shouldn’t settle with a quick update. To stay tuned with the latest guides and trends, feel free to check out our blog posts right here!
