How to Install and Set Up PWAsForFirefox

Updated

PWAsForFirefox installs Progressive Web Apps as standalone apps in Mozilla Firefox by creating a separate, modified Firefox runtime alongside your normal browser. To set it up, install the browser extension first, then follow the in-browser installation instructions; the project's installation page and user guide cover the detailed steps. This is for Firefox users who want app-like, tab-free windows for web apps — it is not needed if you only want normal Firefox tabs.

What gets installed

The project is made up of three parts, and setup creates all of them:

  • A command-line tool — installs, manages, and runs PWAs in Firefox.
  • A browser extension — sets up the native programs and lets you install, manage, and run PWAs and their profiles from your main Firefox browser.
  • An isolated Firefox installation and profile(s) — a separate runtime that stores the PWAs, so your everyday Firefox profile is left alone.

Each installed PWA gets its own start/app menu entry and taskbar icon, opens in its own window, and has no tabs or address bar.

Setup steps

  1. Install the browser extension. The project's usage guidance says to start here.
  2. Follow the in-browser installation instructions. The extension walks you through setting up the native programs.
  3. Let it create the isolated runtime. Setup produces the separate Firefox installation and profile(s) that hold your PWAs. The project supports automatic, user-triggered installation and patching of the installation and profile(s).
  4. Install a PWA. Once set up, you install and manage PWAs from the extension in your main Firefox browser.
  5. Launch it like an app. The PWA appears in your start/app menu and taskbar and runs in its own window.

For step-by-step detail beyond the above, use the project's installation page and user guide.

Verify it worked

  • The PWA has its own entry in the start/app menu and a taskbar icon.
  • It opens in a dedicated window with no tabs and no address bar.
  • Your normal Firefox installation and profile are unchanged.

Common sticking points

  • Skipping the extension. The usage guidance is explicit: install the browser extension and follow the in-browser instructions rather than trying to set things up by hand.
  • Expecting it inside your normal Firefox. The PWAs live in the isolated Firefox installation and profile(s), not your everyday profile.
  • Setup or usage problems. Check the help section, especially the FAQ page, before troubleshooting further.

What you can install

The project supports installing all websites as Progressive Web Apps, and installed PWAs keep support for all Firefox addons/extensions and built-in Firefox features. A full feature list is on the project's dedicated features page.

Where to go next

  • Installation page — installing and setting up the project.
  • User guide and related pages — detailed usage instructions.
  • Help section and FAQ — setup problems and other questions.
  • Repository README — more project details.