Firefox is a popular web browser with lots of features and add-ons. If you are an IT administrator and want to restrict Firefox add-ons or extensions fron being installed, Windows 10 offers a Group Policy setting that allows you to do so. Here is how to disable add-on installation in Firefox using Group Policy Editor.
The Group Policy Editor is an essential component in Windows operating system that allows you to do various things with ease. From enable or disabling various features to customize the appearance, you can do everything with the help of Group Policy Editor. By default, you cannot customize Firefox from Group Policy Editor. However, if you are using Firefox v60+, you can manage various settings of Firefox right from Group Policy Editor. Before that, you need to integrate Firefox into Windows Group Policy.
How to add Firefox in Group Policy
There is an open-source policy template available on GitHub that helps you integrate Firefox settings in Group Policy. Download the Policy Template for Firefox from here. After downloading it, extract the ZIP file contents, and you should find a folder called windows.
Open the windows folder and copy firefox.admx and mozilla.admx files. Next, navigate to this path:
C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions
Here C is your system drive. Alternatively, you can press Win + R button and enter this in the command box:
%systemroot%\PolicyDefinitions
In the PolicyDefinitions folder, paste the firefox.admx and mozilla.admx files.
After that, open the windows > en-US folder. Here, you should find two files called firefox.adml and mozilla.adml. Copy these two files and paste them here:
C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-US
For a detailed read see this post – How to integrate Firefox with Windows Group Policy.
Disable add-on installation in Firefox using Group Policy
After carrying out the steps mentioned above, open Group Policy Editor. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc and hit the Enter button. Next, navigate to this path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Mozilla > Firefox > Addons
Here you will get a setting called Allow add-on installs from websites. Double-click on this option and select Disabled.
Now, whenever you try to install an add-on you will see this error message:
That’s all!
Hope you find this tip useful.
