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Why is C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\updated hidden?

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  • Last reply by cor-el

MozillaUser5829486
MozillaUser5829486
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Multiple Firefox users have posted on various sites over the years about C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\updated and/or C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\updated as a hidden, inaccessible, or nonexistent folder containing a Firefox executable that several antivirus programs sometimes identify as a threat. What exactly is this folder and why can it not be seen or accessed? Can any official Mozilla staff comment on this?

Multiple Firefox users have posted on various sites over the years about C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\updated and/or C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\updated as a hidden, inaccessible, or nonexistent folder containing a Firefox executable that several antivirus programs sometimes identify as a threat. What exactly is this folder and why can it not be seen or accessed? Can any official Mozilla staff comment on this?

All Replies (2)

YeshuaB777
YeshuaB777
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This issue was referred to in another post https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/que.../1035314

cor-el
cor-el
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The updated is the folder that stores a new Firefox update that is prepared for updating. Firefox downloads the minor or full update file and prepares the new version in the updated folder, so on the next start Firefox only needs to replace the current Firefox installation folder instead of a lengthy updating process like you see with a Windows update. Past version used to prepare the new version on startup and displayed a progression bar, but in current releases this is done in the background immediately after the Mozilla maintenance Service has downloaded the update. Your security software may not yet know about this new version and notice it as a threat. This folder is hidden because you should never run this version from the updated folder. Apparently your security software isn't prepared to see this new version although this is well known and published and they should expect it.