We're calling on all EU-based Mozillians with iOS or iPadOS devices to help us monitor Apple’s new browser choice screens. Join the effort to hold Big Tech to account!

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

Firefox is opening websites and suggesting I download add-ons that I don't trust.

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 4 views
  • Last reply by rtmjr

more options

Since I updated a few weeks ago Firefox keeps randomly opening browser windows and prompting me to download something called "playmediaplayer" and suggesting I update Java to the latest version. In the past Firefox suggested I disable Java because it was a security risk. Also I have been getting a ton of pop-ups on every website I go to with the exception of secure banking sites. I am concerned that Firefox is not as secure as it should be or used to be. It is sick with pop-ups and ad's.

Since I updated a few weeks ago Firefox keeps randomly opening browser windows and prompting me to download something called "playmediaplayer" and suggesting I update Java to the latest version. In the past Firefox suggested I disable Java because it was a security risk. Also I have been getting a ton of pop-ups on every website I go to with the exception of secure banking sites. I am concerned that Firefox is not as secure as it should be or used to be. It is sick with pop-ups and ad's.

Chosen solution

hello, this sounds like a problem possibly caused by malware on your pc. please go to firefox > addons > extensions & remove any suspicious entries (toolbars, things that you have not installed intentionally, don't know what purpose they serve, etc). also go to the windows control panel / programs and remove all toolbars or potentially unwanted software from there and run a full scan of your system with the security software that you have in place and different other tools like the free version of malwarebytes & adwcleaner.

Remove a toolbar that has taken over your Firefox search or home page Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (2)

more options

Chosen Solution

hello, this sounds like a problem possibly caused by malware on your pc. please go to firefox > addons > extensions & remove any suspicious entries (toolbars, things that you have not installed intentionally, don't know what purpose they serve, etc). also go to the windows control panel / programs and remove all toolbars or potentially unwanted software from there and run a full scan of your system with the security software that you have in place and different other tools like the free version of malwarebytes & adwcleaner.

Remove a toolbar that has taken over your Firefox search or home page Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware

more options

Thanks for replying. I found a skin that I hadn't installed and a web experience add on that I hadn't installed and the Java application was enabled with automatic updates enabled. The kids use this computer so I suppose they were clicking on anything. I have had problems with toolbars in the past.