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!

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 Quantum does not warn on exit when downloading files. This is an issue in private browsing windows.

When in private browsing mode, Firefox can be closed accidentally while files are downloading. There is no warning message from Firefox and the downloads are lost and cannot be resumed on restart (since it was a private browsing session).

When in private browsing mode, Firefox can be closed accidentally while files are downloading. There is no warning message from Firefox and the downloads are lost and cannot be resumed on restart (since it was a private browsing session).

All Replies (3)

It's true, the warning about closing multiple tabs doesn't work in private windows. Does Firefox have a warning about active downloads when closing a regular window?

Here in support we work with the Firefox we have today and can suggest relevant features, available settings changes, and workarounds such as add-ons. If don't have anything useful/efficient for you, you can submit comments and suggestions through one or more of the following links:

In the regular mode, Firefox does warn about active downloads when exiting.

Hi zbuckeye, I have created an experimental extension that keeps a private window open when you try to close it. If you want to test it out:

https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/prevent-closing-window/

It uses the (usually) annoying "do you want to leave the page" prompt to do this:

Right now, it only protects 1 regular window and 1 private window. I need to build an options page or toolbar button to give it more capabilities.