Configure Firefox on Windows with a Fileset

What this recipe does

This Fileset deploys Firefox AutoConfig files so you can set or lock browser preferences such as the home page, first-run behavior, telemetry, and update settings.

• Block auto updates
• Set home page
• Disable Mozilla First Run Pages

Choose the current Mozilla management method
Mozilla recommends Windows Group Policy for settings covered by policy and AutoConfig for preferences that are not. The downloadable Fileset uses AutoConfig. If you edit autoconfig.js for Firefox 60 or later, save it with Unix LF line endings.

Ingredients

• FileWave Central
• Firefox installer application already as a Fileset
• The provided configuration Fileset: Windows - FirefoxConfig.fileset.zip

Directions

• Download the Fileset ZIP, expand it, and drag the Fileset into FileWave Central.
• Two files are present in the Fileset.
  
  

  

  
  
• autoconfig.js tells Firefox to load mozilla.cfg:

// Any comment. You must start the file with a comment!
pref("general.config.filename", "mozilla.cfg");
pref("general.config.obscure_value", 0);

• Edit mozilla.cfg to choose the managed preferences. The example disables Firefox updates and telemetry, suppresses first-run pages, and sets a home page. Review every preference against the target Firefox release before deployment.

// Any comment. You must start the file with a comment!
 
// Disable updater
lockPref("app.update.enabled", false);
lockPref("app.update.auto", false);
lockPref("app.update.mode", 0);
lockPref("app.update.service.enabled", false);
 
// Set Homepage and stop Mozilla startup pages
lockPref("browser.startup.firstrunSkipsHomepage", false);
pref("browser.startup.homepage","http://www.filewave.com");
lockPref("browser.startup.homepage_override.mstone", "ignore");
 
// Disable Privacy telemetry
lockPref("datareporting.policy.firstRunURL",);
lockPref("datareporting.healthreport.service.enabled", false);
lockPref("datareporting.healthreport.uploadEnabled", false);
lockPref("datareporting.policy.dataSubmissionEnabled", false);
lockPref("toolkit.telemetry.unified", false);

Preference functions

Mozilla documents pref, defaultPref, lockPref, and the other available functions in Customize Firefox using AutoConfig.

pref

pref sets a user preference. Firefox reapplies it at every launch, so a user's change does not persist.

lockPref

lockPref sets and locks a preference so the user cannot change it.

defaultPref

defaultPref sets the default while allowing the user to keep an override until the preference is reset.

Preference Names
Navigating to 'about:config' in the Firefox URL bar will list all possible preference names and their values and types.

Association

Place the Firefox installer and configuration Fileset in a Fileset Group so both reach the same devices.

Associating the 'Firefox' Fileset Group will ensure both the Application and Configuration are associated to devices.  

When there is an update to Firefox, replace the version in the Fileset Group with the latest version after testing.

The template enables BlockAboutConfig so users cannot bypass the managed preferences through about:config. Confirm that this restriction matches your support policy before rollout.

Related Content

• Firefox Configuration Recipe (macOS)