How to stop Firefox from opening on startup in Windows 11/10

If Firefox opens automatically when your Windows computer turns on then this post shows how to stop Firefox from opening on startup, it usually happens in a couple of scenarios. It’s possible that there was an abrupt shutdown of the computer or you may have set it to open it automatically as soon as you log in with your account.

Stop Firefox from opening on startup

Before we go ahead and disable some features, you should know that sometimes it’s helpful. This kind of restart also reopens the previously opened tabs which you were working on earlier. Before you begin, do check if Windows 11/10 is set to open programs after a restart.

1] Disable Firefox Application Restart

Open Firefox, and type about:config in the address bar of the new tab. Hit Enter.
You will receive a notice which says “This might void your warranty!” warning page may appear.
Click I accept the risk, to continue to the about:config page.
In the search bar, type toolkit.winRegisterApplicationRestart and double-click on it to set its value to false.

The changes apply immediately.

There is no need to restart Firefox. It will make sure to prevent Firefox from starting automatically.

2] Remove Firefox from Windows Startup

Many a time we set programs to launch as soon as we login to Windows automatically. While it does increase the startup time, but its useful for many. However, if you did not do it, here is how you can remove Firefox from Windows Startup.

Right-click on the taskbar, and click on the Task Manager.
Switch to Start-up, and find Firefox.
Right-click on it and select disable.

You may also use a Startup Manager app to stop apps from opening at startup.

3] Check the Startup folder

Windows 11/10 has a Startup folder. Any program or file you put inside this folder will be opened automatically every time you turn on your system. It is possible that the Firefox application shortcut is placed inside this folder due to which Firefox is starting by itself on your system startup. Check this. If you find the Firefox application shortcut there, delete it.

To open the Startup folder, open the Run command bix (Win + R). Type shell:startup and click OK.

4] Remove Firefox from Startup via Group Policy

Type gpedit.msc in the run prompt, and hit enter.
It will open the Group Policy Editor.
Navigate to User Configuration > Adminstrative Templates > System > Logon.
Check if Firefox is part of the list of programs which can start with Windows Logon.
If yes, remove it.
Save and Exit.

It’s relatively easy to remove programs from Windows Startup, but make sure you understand that you might lose tabs with which you were working.

Why does Firefox keep opening on its own?

If Firefox keeps opening on its own on system startup, it is possible that it is configured to do so. You should check startup apps. If Firefox is listed there, disable it from starting on system startup. Another cause of this problem is a virus or malware infection. Scan your system with good antimalware or antivirus software.

How do I stop Firefox from opening old tabs at startup?

The new Firefox is configured to restore the previous session by default. If you do not want Firefox to restore old tabs at startup, you have to disable this feature in Firefox settings. Click on the three horizontal lines on the top right side in Firefox and select Settings. Under the General category, uncheck the “Open previous windows and tabs” checkbox.

That’s it. I hope this helps.