Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy

In this blog post, I will discuss the best way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser using Intune configuration policy. Keeping Firefox up-to-date on Windows protects you with the latest security patches and improvements.

Mozilla frequently releases updates to address vulnerabilities and enhance performance, so staying current is essential. Firefox’s auto-update feature makes this simple by automatically downloading and installing updates without manual intervention.

To enable auto-updates in Firefox on Windows manually, open the browser and click the menu button (three lines) in the top-right corner. Go to Settings, and under the General tab, scroll to the Firefox Updates section. Ensure that Automatically install updates (recommended) are selected. Here we are using imported Mozilla, Firefox ADMX templates with that we can create configuration policies.

If Firefox requires a restart to complete an update, it will prompt you with an option to restart when convenient. This auto-update process ensures you’re always running the most secure and efficient version of Firefox, keeping your browsing experience safe and optimized.

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Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 1
Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 1

Mozilla Firefox ADMX Templates Policy Settings

Using Mozilla Firefox ADMX templates with Microsoft Intune allows IT Administrators to manage and enforce Firefox policies across managed Windows devices. By importing ADMX templates into Intune, admins can configure various Firefox settings such as auto-updates, privacy controls, and default homepage settings directly from the Intune portal. Here’s a table summarizing few Firefox ADMX settings that are commonly managed via Intune.

CategoryPolicy SettingDescriptionOptions/Values
Auto UpdateDisableAppUpdateControls whether Firefox automatically updates itself.Enabled (disables updates), Disabled (allows updates)
HomepageHomepageLocationSets a specific homepage URL for all users.URL value
BrowsingDisablePrivateBrowsingPrevents users from using Private Browsing mode.Enabled (disables), Disabled (allows)
Browser FeaturesDisablePocketDisables Pocket integration in Firefox.Enabled, Disabled
Default Search EngineDefaultSearchProviderEnabledSets the default search engine for FirefoxEnabled, Disabled
Privacy and SecurityCookiesControls whether cookies are allowed, blocked, or restricted.Allow, Block third-party, Block all
Tracking ProtectionEnableTrackingProtectionEnables or disables tracking protection in Firefox.Enabled, Disabled
Password ManagementPasswordManagerEnabledAllows or prevents Firefox from saving passwords.Enabled, Disabled
Pop-up BlockingDisablePopUpBlockingEnables or disables pop-up blockingEnabled (disables blocking), Disabled (allows)
Proxy SettingsProxyServerSets a custom proxy server for all Firefox installations.Proxy server URL or IP address
BookmarksBookmarksToolbarEnabledEnables or disables the bookmarks toolbar.Enabled, Disabled
Flash PluginEnableFlashPluginControls whether the Flash plugin is enabled in Firefox.Enabled, Disabled
Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Table. 1

Create Configuration Policy to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser

Here are the steps to create the configuration policy to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser using Intune. Let’s discuss the step-by-step method to create this policy. Follow the below-mentioned steps.

Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 2
Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 2

We can create a profile using an Imported Administrative template. To do that, select the following options under the Create a profile.

  • Platform: Windows 10 and later
  • Profile type: Templates
  • Template name: Imported Administrative templates (Preview)
Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy 1
Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 3

In the Basics pane, we can name the Configuration Profile “Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser” If needed, add a short description and click Next.

Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 4
Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 4

We will be directed to Computer Configuration under the Configuration Settings page. Click on Mozilla > Firefox respectively, and need to select Application Autoupdate.

Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 5
Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 5

Once you select “Application Auto Update“settings, select the Enabled radio option and click OK. Now you can see that the Application Autoupdate has been enabled. Click on Next.

Note! Firefox will automatically be updated without user approval if this policy is enabled. If this policy is disabled, Firefox updates are downloaded, but the user can choose when to install them. If this policy is not configured, the user can choose whether not Firefox is automatically updated. Supported on: Firefox 75 or later, Firefox 68.7 ESR or later.

Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 6
Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 6

On the next page, Leave the Scope tags as Default. If you want to make any custom scope tags available to your tenant, you can also select them based on the requirement.

Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 7
Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 7

Click on Next and assign the policy to HTMD – Test Computers. In your case, Click Add groups and select the required device group in the Included groups section.

Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 8
Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 8

On the Review + Create page, carefully review all the settings you’ve defined for the Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser configuration policy. Select Create to implement the changes once you’ve confirmed everything is correct.

Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 9
Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 9

Monitor the Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Configuration Policy in Intune

The policy has been deployed to the Microsoft Entra ID groups. Once the device is synced, it will take effect as soon as possible. To monitor the policy deployment status from the Intune Portal, follow the steps below.

  • Navigate to Devices > Windows > Configuration > Search for the “Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser” policy.

This will provide the Device and user check-in status. You can levelage View report option to get the detailed summary of the deployment.

Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 10
Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 10

End User Experience – Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Configuration

Now, we have to check whether the Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser configuration policy is working fine or not. Log in to one of the policy-targeted devices. Navigate to below mentioned registry path.

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Mozilla\Firefox

We can see a new registry entry got created AppAutoUpdate and the value is 1. Which means the our configuration policy is working as expected!

Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 11
Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy. Fig. 11

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Author

Vaishnav K has over 11 years of experience in SCCM, Device Management, and Automation Solutions. He writes and imparts knowledge about Microsoft Intune, Azure, PowerShell scripting, and automation. Check out his profile on LinkedIn.

4 thoughts on “Best Way to Auto Update Mozilla Firefox Browser Using Intune Configuration Policy”

  1. Great Article – was wondering why my configuration wasnt working but it was cause it was done under the user config setting instead of computer! So this clarified for me, The reg key is also a great sanity check. Now back to impatiently waiting and hoping this works!

    Reply
    • Hi Kavi Kasilingam, It’s not a best practice I would say. So as I mentioned please use the Device > Configuration > imported Administrative templates (Preview) option in Intune.

      If you not able to find Mozilla Configuration. Download and Import mozilla.admx and firefox.admx into Intune portal then use the “Application Auto Update” option.

      Reply

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