This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

why isn't firefox freeing memory when a page is closed?

  • 1 cavab
  • 3 have this problem
  • 6 views
  • Last reply by bygabyga

more options

I just read that in the next version (54), firefox will be using up to four separate processes, and that that would save memory. I think my version may be doing so since 53, since it does no longer appear to keep session cookies for windows/tabs shut down. What I do NOT understand is why firefox does never free memory. I have to quit it for it free memory, even for closed tabs/windows. The free memory method provided by some plugins does not help. This ia a major issue with firefox, for me the worst one. :(

I just read that in the next version (54), firefox will be using up to four separate processes, and that that would save memory. I think my version may be doing so since 53, since it does no longer appear to keep session cookies for windows/tabs shut down. What I do NOT understand is why firefox does never free memory. I have to quit it for it free memory, even for closed tabs/windows. The free memory method provided by some plugins does not help. This ia a major issue with firefox, for me the worst one. :(

All Replies (1)

more options

To restore it immediately?

Is your computer running out of memory?

Have you tried to fill it with other programs? Does Firefox unload then?

You could have a look at about:memory