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I've tried every recommended fix, and the current version of Firefox is not usable due to its high CPU utilization.

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  • Last reply by FredMcD

MichaelDMc
MichaelDMc
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I have 4 computers, 2 laptops and 2 desktops. I have tried multiple times on each one to upgrade to the most current version of Firefox. When I do the upgrade, Firefox makes the system unusable for anything. When it opens, it creates 5 or 6 separate processes, runs the CPU to 100% and never releases. It is impossible to browse or do any other work.

2 of the computers are older running quad core Xeon processors with 16gb of memory. One laptop is a quad core AMD processor with 8 gb of memory and the other is a quad core I7 with 16 gb of memory. The laptops run Windows 10 professional. One of the desktops is running Windows 7 and the other Windows 8.1. The results are exactly the same on all 4 systems.

I have been through every suggested fix on every forum related to Firefox, and nothing works. I have reverted back to the last release of Firefox that works, version 56, and turned off the auto updates. I have been a Firefox user for over a decade and I really do not want to have to give up, but when Internet Explorer is a better option I'm not sure where else to go.

I have 4 computers, 2 laptops and 2 desktops. I have tried multiple times on each one to upgrade to the most current version of Firefox. When I do the upgrade, Firefox makes the system unusable for anything. When it opens, it creates 5 or 6 separate processes, runs the CPU to 100% and never releases. It is impossible to browse or do any other work. 2 of the computers are older running quad core Xeon processors with 16gb of memory. One laptop is a quad core AMD processor with 8 gb of memory and the other is a quad core I7 with 16 gb of memory. The laptops run Windows 10 professional. One of the desktops is running Windows 7 and the other Windows 8.1. The results are exactly the same on all 4 systems. I have been through every suggested fix on every forum related to Firefox, and nothing works. I have reverted back to the last release of Firefox that works, version 56, and turned off the auto updates. I have been a Firefox user for over a decade and I really do not want to have to give up, but when Internet Explorer is a better option I'm not sure where else to go.

All Replies (1)

FredMcD
FredMcD
more options

More than one process is normal for the current Firefox. http://www.ghacks.net/2016/07/22/multi-process-firefox/

Multi-process Firefox is codenamed "e10s". https://wiki.mozilla.org/Firefox/multiprocess


Try to disable multi-process tabs in Firefox. You can disable multi-process tabs in Firefox by setting the related prefs to false on the about:config page.

browser.tabs.remote.autostart = false browser.tabs.remote.autostart.2 = false

Type about:config<enter> in the address bar. If a warning screen comes up, press the I Accept the Risk button. At the top of the screen is a search bar.

Just food for thought; If you are thinking of downgrading,

First, Type about:preferences#advanced<enter> in the address bar. Under Advanced, Select Update.

[v56+] Type about:preferences#general<enter> in the address bar. Select Update.

Select Never Check For Updates.

Also turn off Use a background service to install updates <Windows Only>

Install Older Version Of Firefox {web link} Be sure to read everything here.

If you still want to downgrade, look under; I still want to downgrade. Click the Directory of other versions and languages link. Look for the directory of the version that you want. But, remember that old versions may have security issues.

You should also check out Firefox; Extended Support Release {web link} ESR Notes System Requirements