Many users did not like this innovation, including me. For example, I use several old, but still quite working add-ons, the development of which was stopped many years ago. And I myself modify some additions to suit my needs; naturally, after such changes, the digital signature becomes invalid. Fortunately, the developers then left an option in the browser settings that allows you to disable checking the digital signatures of installed add-ons.
However, the compatibility check here isn't just about frustrating users when they switch to new version. An incompatible add-on may reduce the stability of the entire browser, but changes between versions are not stressful and it is very likely that the plug-in will work well in the new one.
He intends to realize his intention this year. The goal is to improve the security of the entire expansion ecosystem. One of them is the wide user customizability of the browser. Secondly, there is a risk of abuse of the possibility of spreading injustice. Users are not aware of the changes directly, but they are intended to improve security. The goal is to avoid installing extensions that make various errors. A common example is that without the user's awareness, they scramble the web history by changing settings search engine by default or adding unnecessary toolbars which are even less serious incidents.
Starting from version 48, the freebie is gone, Firefox no longer accepts this parameter. Regardless of its value, if you try to set any unsigned extension you will see a warning about the danger, and the installation will be blocked. But there is a way by which you can still install third-party extensions in Firefox browser.
Their expansion is already under control. However, upon successful completion of the verification, they will be signed in in electronic format for free. Verification and subscription will be free. Finally, it is appropriate to point out that the new measure will only concern expansion. Other add-ons will continue to be distributed without digital signature. Light motives for appearances and so-called service cannot cause serious damage. Plugin support is undergoing a gradual overhaul, which is a longer conversation.
This guide will show you how to do it. With a warning from the road we can begin. Then install the extension and offer it for this or automatically install it as a temporary add-on at your discretion. You may notice minor issues with some extensions, as well as a layout that is not yet 100% accurate.
First you need to switch Firefox updates to the ESR (Extended Support Release) channel. This is an extended support version of the browser designed for use in organizations. Installed directly on top of the current one Firefox versions, all settings remain in place, nothing goes wrong.
Now go to the settings page by typing in the address bar about:config. There we find the parameter xpinstall.signatures.required and double-click to switch its value to false. That's all, now you can install any updates, including unsigned or modified ones, without any problems. Another idiotic quirk from the “effective managers” of Firefox has been successfully overcome.
Mozilla has been working for a long time to implement support for WebExtensions in Firefox, thanks to which the browser will work with various extensions originally developed for Google Chrome and compatible browsers. In other words, the Chrome extension can be used in Firefox.
Installing browser extensions
How to install them? You can practice the installation by installing a simple and useful translation extension selected on the text page. We'll install it one of two ways: Click on the name to learn more and click "Download." Go to the add-ons area and click the "Download" button that appears.
- If the language is not recognized well, you can change it at the bottom of the page.
- At the top of the list of possible add-ons, select Extensions.
- You can also search for add-ons using the search box.
Initial stable version The company will launch WebExtensions in Firefox 48 Stable, which is scheduled for release on August 2 this year. However, the developers warned that, although the achieved result is the first significant step towards the goal, full compatibility with Chrome extensions in new Firefox It's not worth waiting yet.
Installing extensions from a file on disk
If you want to save the add-on to disk after clicking on a site, proceed as follows. Installing add-ons from unknown sources may compromise the security of your browser or your entire operating system. Don't install anything via email unless you are sure the sender sent you. Email can be easily and automatically forged.
How do I update, change settings, or remove add-ons?
Upgrade to latest version to use these features. Temporary exception or complete removal additions. Return to the Add-ons screen by pressing the menu button, then tap Tools, then Add-ons. Click on the installed add-on to open the Options, Disable, and Uninstall buttons. Click Options to customize the add-on, disable it to temporarily deactivate it, or Remove to remove it completely. Return to the Add-ons screen by pressing the menu button, then Tools, then Accessories. Click "Disable" to temporarily disable it, or "Remove" to remove it completely.
Problems installing add-ons
- Click on the installed add-on to open the Disable and Uninstall buttons.
- Restart your browser if the message appears.
- Here's the request.
However, even in this form, WebExtensions technology will allow Firefox users to install many different Chrome extensions in the browser. And now we will tell you how this can be done.
So how to install Chrome extension in Firefox?
To begin with, we note once again that Firefox 48 supports many different Chrome extensions, but not all of them at once. Again, this is because the feature is in development (and, obviously, will not work with 1 for a long time), in addition, the Firefox browser does not support some of the functions of some extensions that Chrome supports.
The add-on is not installed and carries a high risk of loss of stability or security issues
If the installed browser version does not match a supported add-on, the installation attempt ends with an error message. Please use a different extension. Many extensions can be found with similar functionality. Find the version of the add-in that is compatible with installed version your browser. . "Blocked add-ons" page. If the site where the add-in is installed is not in the list of trusted sites, a bar with information similar to the following appears at the top of the page.
Now, actually, to the point:
- installing the Chrome Store Foxified add-on
First of all, install a special add-on Chrome Store Foxified (CSF), which will be responsible for the conversion and installation processes of extensions. Link to page in the official catalog Mozilla add-ons – Here . After installing this addon in the Chrome extension store, when you open it through Firefox, it will automatically change the standard “ “ button on the page of the selected extension. Install " on " Add to Firefox” (ADD TO FIREFOX).
You are incentivized to download the add-on rather than install it
To add a site to a trusted list. Some sites provide add-ons as regular downloads and require installation before saving them to disk. Sometimes firewalls or malware may display information about download errors. In the documentation included with the program.
There is no response from the program when you click on the installation link
Incorrect configuration files for extensions. Damaged files configurations for extensions in your user profile may cause problems when installing add-ons.- installing chrome extensions in firefox
Go to the section “ Extensions ” of the Chrome online store, select the desired extension and click the “ button Add to Firefox “. Next, depending on the settings you just installed Firefox add-ons, the extension will either be installed automatically or you will install it manually. CSF can also install in Firefox extensions Chrome in the form of temporary additions (addons) for the period of one browser session. Simply put, after closing the browser such temporary installed extensions-addons will be automatically removed.
Conflict with other extensions
Deleting these files will not result in the loss of extensions or settings. Other installed extensions may prevent new extensions from installing. In most programs, all such "installed things" are called "plugins". Plugins are small binary files located in the plugins directory in the program's installation folder. In general, they are responsible for communication between the browser and external programs. Plugins are usually installed automatically and theoretically normal users don't have to worry about them.
The option is not entirely familiar, but quite useful. For example, in case you just need to see how this or that Chrome extension will work in your Firefox. It will also be useful if you have problems loading the extension due to the need for prior authorization through account Mozilla.
After you press the “ Add to Firefox” a notification line with two buttons like these will appear at the top of the screen:
How to install the extension?
Therefore the list installed plugins available only when entering: plugins in the browser address bar. You can learn more about this extension on this page. They are managed through the extension manager. Choose one of them, the most convenient one. When the installation window appears, wait a few seconds and click the Install button when it becomes active. After installing the extension, restart the program.
How to install an extension to access other users?
First of all, you need to have administrator rights to write files to the program directory. This allows you to record the language pack, add-in location. Sometimes it can also be text file for the installer or file with initial settings extensions. Extensions are typically written in the following languages.
The first provides for temporary use of the extension after installation, the second - permanent use, but only after authorization through a Mozilla account. Chrome Store Foxified add-ons can be configured to automatically select temporary installation of Chrome extensions. To do this in “ Settings "Firefox select section" Add-ons “, in the list of extensions we find Chrome Store Foxified , press the button “ Settings ”next to the program name, scroll the window down and put a tick in the checkbox “ Don't sign “.
How to write your own extension?
As we can see, most add-ins do not contain compiled elements at all. It's not particularly difficult. On this moment this is not very convenient. In a few months the situation will change. In version 42, unauthorized add-ons will be automatically blocked without asking us a question. Changes in extension management are obviously dictated by the security of Internet users. The Foundation wants to allow unwanted browser add-ons that were installed accidentally or without any user knowledge.
The mechanism for installing Chrome extensions in the Firefox browser
The CSF add-on downloads the selected Chrome extension and converts it from the format crx (Google standard format for extensions) to format xpi (standard Mozilla format), making the necessary changes to the file manifest.json and adapting it to Firefox settings, and then saves the processed file on the desktop of your PC or in any other location that you specify in the addon settings.
The solution is very simple - extensions will be checked and, once approved, signed, and users will only receive them safely. This is the so-called model. A “white list” where some elements are allowed and all others reject the definition. The changes will be gradual. Revolution needs to be edited 42: when it goes to beta and then stable, it will not allow unused extensions, and we will not find any way to ensure this type of reliability.
What about users who don't want to use this type of security? Another option is to use a different browser - there are no plans to implement this option yet, for example if the extension can also be a silent user mail client. Only extensions are checked.
