Member Avatar for j4usanjeev

How Can I stop Downloading From Mozilla Firefox ?

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  • 14 Replies
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  • 1 Year Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by crunchie

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Quick expert summary (for ): the easiest reliable way to stop casual downloads inside Firefox is to enforce the block at the browser level (so people cannot simply click the UI). Two practical approaches that do that without changing every Windows account are shown below: (A) install a tiny WebExtension that cancels any download and then force-install + lock it via Firefox enterprise policies; (B) a lower-effort, cosmetic deterrent that hides Firefox download UI with userChrome.css. These build on the thread but give an administrable, repeatable solution.

Option A — force an extension that cancels downloads (strong, manageable)
Create a tiny extension that asks for the downloads permission and cancels new downloads as they start.

Example manifest.json

{
  "manifest_version": 2,
  "name": "BlockAllDownloads",
  "version": "1.0",
  "permissions": ["downloads"],
  "background": { "scripts": ["background.js"] },
  "browser_specific_settings": { "gecko": { "id": "block-downloads@local" } }
}

Example background.js

browser.downloads.onCreated.addListener(item => {
  browser.downloads.cancel(item.id).catch(()=>{});
});

The WebExtensions downloads API provides the onCreated event and a cancel() call you can use to stop downloads programmatically. (docs.w3cub.com)

Deploy-and-lock the add-on with policies.json
Package the extension to an XPI, put it under the Firefox installation (distribution/extensions), then deploy a policies.json that force-installs the XPI so users cannot remove it. Example (use the ExtensionSettings/Extensions policy form shown in the docs):

{
  "policies": {
    "ExtensionSettings": {
      "block-downloads@local": {
        "installation_mode": "force_installed",
        "install_url": "file:///C:/Program Files/Mozilla Firefox/distribution/extensions/block-downloads@local.xpi"
      }
    }
  }
}

Put policies.json in the Firefox distribution folder (admin rights required). See Mozilla policy docs and the policies guide for exact formats and placement. (mozilla.github.io)

Option B — quick deterrent: hide download UI (cosmetic)
If you only need to stop non-technical users, hide the downloads button/context entries with userChrome.css and enable toolkit.legacyUserProfileCustomizations.stylesheets = true. Example CSS:

#downloads-button,
#downloadsPanel,
#downloadsContextMenu { display: none !important; }

This only hides UI (not a security boundary). For how-to and caveats see Firefox advanced customization docs. (support.mozilla.org)

Notes and cautions
Both methods need admin rights to install/lock. The extension+policy approach is robust for shared machines but not foolproof (users can use other browsers or portable Firefox). Test on a spare profile/machine before applying to your main setup.

Recommended Answers

All 14 Replies

Member Avatar for Salem

Member Avatar for klactose

My suggestion would be to get a download manager add-on (I use DownThemAll) most have a cancel download feature in their interface.

I suggest this because trying to cancel a download using the download manager that is built into firefox is actually more complex than you would think. From what I gather you have to change a default setting in one of the config files so that closing the browser completely stops the download instead of just pausing it until the next time you reopen the browser.

if you want to give it a shot, this link may help:

Member Avatar for caperjack

How Can I stop Downloading From Mozilla Firefox ?

when you get up in the morning go to work ,do not turn on computer ,I repeat do not turn on computer lol, works for me !

Member Avatar for Salem

You mean, press the little blue cross?

Untitled.png 9.45 KB
Member Avatar for cohen

I'm confused on what you want to do, and i think everyone is.

Please explain more - the more detail we have, the more we can help.

Thanks,

Cohen

Member Avatar for james chaco

I think the best thing will be to get a download manager like dap or idm.

Member Avatar for j4usanjeev

I'm confused on what you want to do, and i think everyone is.

Please explain more - the more detail we have, the more we can help.

Thanks,

Cohen

I Just want to disable downloading...
Many People use my Pc and download something else from it...
so i want to disable downloding manger from mozzila firefox....

Member Avatar for caperjack

so you want to disable downloading from your computer ,as there are more ways than firefox to download thing from the internet on your computer .

you need to password protect your computer and open a restricted acct for the other people

Member Avatar for shamrocksu88

You can try this.Hope it helps


Member Avatar for jingda

Near the files you are downloading there is a cancel button. There are other option like pause or resume download. I would recommend you to use download helper 4.8.1 It is good for me, so i think it will work for you. It works in firefox, you can always go to your add-ons to disable or enable it. Can also use it to download movies or videos.

hope it helps

Member Avatar for crunchie

2 year old thread guys :icon_rolleyes:

Member Avatar for jingda

Thanks crunchie for reminding, but while is it still active. I thought it was a new thread cause when i see it i saw someone posted here two days ago, i did not check when the thread started. Thanks anyway crunnchie

Member Avatar for mhanry

Well As i can see that Salem has already given you the perfect solution for the same. But if you still unable to stop download as if this window has minimized. Then you must maximize it by clicking at the right bottem of your browser where you will find the status of you download. check in the attachment.

mozila.JPG 13.26 KB
commented: sig spammer -4
Member Avatar for crunchie

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