How to Completely Remove Firefox from Your Computer
Most uninstalls leave traces behind — leftover folders, cached data, saved profiles, and registry entries that quietly persist after you think Firefox is gone. If you're troubleshooting a broken installation, switching browsers for good, or doing a clean reinstall, knowing how to fully remove Firefox matters.
Here's what a complete removal actually involves, and why the standard uninstall often isn't enough.
Why a Standard Uninstall Leaves Firefox Behind
When you uninstall Firefox through your operating system's default method — Control Panel on Windows, dragging to Trash on macOS — the core application files are removed, but Firefox deliberately preserves your user profile. This includes:
- Bookmarks, passwords, and history
- Extensions and themes
- Cookies and cached website data
- Preference files and configuration settings
Mozilla does this intentionally so your data survives a reinstall. But if your goal is a completely clean slate, those leftover files need to be found and deleted manually.
How to Completely Remove Firefox on Windows 🖥️
Step 1: Run the Standard Uninstaller
Go to Settings → Apps → Installed Apps, find Mozilla Firefox, and select Uninstall. Follow the prompts. This removes the core application but not your profile data.
Step 2: Delete the Remaining Profile Folder
After uninstalling, navigate to this folder and delete it entirely:
The AppData folder is hidden by default. To access it, open File Explorer, click View, and enable Hidden items — or type %AppData% directly into the address bar and press Enter.
Also check:
Delete both folders if they exist.
Step 3: Clean Up Registry Entries (Advanced)
Residual registry entries are harmless for most users but worth removing for a truly clean system. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Win + R, typing regedit, and pressing Enter.
Search for and delete any remaining entries under:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMozilla
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMozilla
Only do this if you're comfortable editing the registry. Incorrect changes to the registry can cause system issues. Back up the registry before making any edits.
Optional: Use a Third-Party Uninstaller
Tools like Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller automate the leftover-file and registry cleanup process. They scan for remnants after the standard uninstall and let you remove them in one step. This is a practical option for users who don't want to manually hunt through AppData folders or the registry.
How to Completely Remove Firefox on macOS 🍎
Step 1: Quit Firefox and Move It to Trash
Make sure Firefox isn't running, then drag the Firefox application from your Applications folder to the Trash. Empty the Trash.
Step 2: Remove the Profile and Support Files
The app deletion alone leaves behind profile data. Manually delete these folders:
| Folder Path | What It Contains |
|---|---|
| ~/Library/Application Support/Firefox | Your profile (bookmarks, history, passwords) |
| ~/Library/Caches/Firefox | Cached website data |
| ~/Library/Preferences/org.mozilla.firefox.plist | App preferences |
| ~/Library/Saved Application State/org.mozilla.firefox.savedState | Window state data |
To reach the Library folder, open Finder, hold Option, click Go in the menu bar, and select Library. It's hidden by default.
Delete each of these locations if they exist.
How to Completely Remove Firefox on Linux
On Debian/Ubuntu-based systems installed via the package manager: