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Files being downloaded even though "Open in Firefox" is selected

  • 3 replies
  • 5 have this problem
  • 6 views
  • Last reply by Terry

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I know firefox version 98.0 changed how downloads work, but I have my settings for downloads set to "Always ask you where to save files" and specifically for PDF files, I have the action set to "Always ask". However, when I click download on a PDF file and then select "open with firefox" as the action option, the file not only opens in the browser, but also gets downloaded automatically without even allowing me to select where. Is this intended behavior? There are lots of times I just want to view a file and not actually download it, and this is quite annoying.

I know firefox version 98.0 changed how downloads work, but I have my settings for downloads set to "Always ask you where to save files" and specifically for PDF files, I have the action set to "Always ask". However, when I click download on a PDF file and then select "open with firefox" as the action option, the file not only opens in the browser, but also gets downloaded automatically without even allowing me to select where. Is this intended behavior? There are lots of times I just want to view a file and not actually download it, and this is quite annoying.

All Replies (3)

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I have this problem too and it is HORRIBLE.

BTW Mozilla, I have a paid subscription to some of your services.

If you want to keep me as client FIX THIS NOW.

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https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/98.0/releasenotes/ Firefox has a new optimized download flow . . . .

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/manage-downloads-preferences-using-downloads-menu Changes to how file downloads are handled in Firefox version 98

  • Firefox no longer asks what to do for each file by default
  • Downloads panel automatically opens
  • Downloaded files are saved to disk
  • Set a default app to open a file type
  • "Always Open Similar Files" option from the Downloads panel
  • Frequently asked questions


You can set this pref to false on the about:config page to prevent opening the download panel on each download.

  • browser.download.alwaysOpenPanel = false

You can open the about:config page via the location/address bar. You can accept the warning and click "I accept the risk!" to continue.

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lukaslemke22 said

I know firefox version 98.0 changed how downloads work, but I have my settings for downloads set to "Always ask you where to save files" and specifically for PDF files, I have the action set to "Always ask". However, when I click download on a PDF file and then select "open with firefox" as the action option, the file not only opens in the browser, but also gets downloaded automatically without even allowing me to select where. Is this intended behavior? There are lots of times I just want to view a file and not actually download it, and this is quite annoying.

If, instead of "Always ask" you specify "Open in Firefox", the browser evidently uses your temp folder as was previously the case. If that doesn't suit you, there are other ways to change the destination folder.