Betterfox

https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox
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Firefox about:config tweaks to enhance Mozilla Firefox for privacy, security, and performance...
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Trust Score:8.5
License:MIT
Update:4 months ago
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### Display Installation Prompt for Extensions

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Force Firefox to display the installation prompt for all extensions, including recommended ones. This ensures user interaction before installation.

```javascript
// PREF: display the installation prompt for all extensions
user_pref("extensions.postDownloadThirdPartyPrompt", false);
```

--------------------------------

### Install user.js into Firefox Profile

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/blob/main/README.md

Steps to install the downloaded user.js file into your Firefox profile directory. This enables the custom configurations.

```markdown
3) Open Firefox. In the URL bar, type `about:profiles` and press **Enter**.
4) For the profile you want to use, click **Open Folder** in the **Root Directory** section.
5) Move the `user.js` file into the folder.
```

--------------------------------

### Download Latest user.js Directly

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Advanced-Users

Download the latest version of the user.js file directly for manual installation.

```bash
curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/main/user.js
```

--------------------------------

### Integer Preference Example

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/user.js-Syntax

Sets an integer preference to a whole number. Do not use quotes around the number.

```javascript
user_pref("network.http.max-persistent-connections-per-server", 6);
```

--------------------------------

### String Preference Example

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/user.js-Syntax

Sets a string preference, such as a URL, which must be enclosed in double quotes.

```javascript
user_pref("browser.startup.homepage", "https://www.duckduckgo.com");
```

--------------------------------

### Multi-line Comment Example

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/user.js-Syntax

Demonstrates how to create a comment that spans multiple lines using '/*' and '*/'. This syntax is less common in user.js but is standard for comments.

```javascript
/*
This is a comment
that spans multiple lines.
*/
```

--------------------------------

### Boolean Preference Example

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/user.js-Syntax

Sets a boolean preference to false. Do not enclose 'true' or 'false' in quotes as they are keywords.

```javascript
user_pref("browser.tabs.warnOnClose", false);
```

--------------------------------

### Single-line Comment Example

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/user.js-Syntax

Adds a comment to the user.js file. Lines starting with '//' are ignored by Firefox.

```javascript
// This is a comment explaining the next line.
user_pref("some.setting", true); // This part is also a comment.
```

--------------------------------

### Configure DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) Provider

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Set a specific DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) provider for enhanced security and privacy. This example uses DNSwarden with Hagezi's Normal and Threat Intelligence Feed lists.

```javascript
// PREF: set DoH provider
user_pref("network.trr.uri", "https://dns.dnswarden.com/00000000000000000000028"); // Hagezi Normal + TIF
```

--------------------------------

### Firefox Local Settings Configuration

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Advanced-Users

Configure Firefox to use a custom configuration file. This is typically placed in the Firefox installation directory.

```javascript
pref("general.config.obscure_value", 0);
pref("general.config.filename", "mozilla.cfg");
```

--------------------------------

### Enable Firefox Profile Manager

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Advanced-Users

Run Firefox with the --no-remote -P command-line argument to enable the Profile Manager for creating or selecting profiles.

```bash
firefox --no-remote -P
```

--------------------------------

### Download user.js File

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/blob/main/README.md

Instructions on how to download the main user.js configuration file for Betterfox. This file contains essential Firefox settings.

```markdown
1) Download the user.js file [here](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/main/user.js) (Right click > `Save Link As…`).
```

--------------------------------

### Generate System-wide user.js

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Advanced-Users

Generate a system-wide user.js file using make with specific targets for different locking behaviors.

```bash
make systemwide_user.js
```

```bash
make locked_user.js
```

```bash
make debian_locked.js
```

--------------------------------

### Betterfox Configuration Lists

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/blob/main/README.md

Overview of different configuration lists available for Betterfox, including user.js, Securefox, Peskyfox, and Smoothfox. Each list targets specific enhancements.

```markdown
| List      | Description |
|:---------:|-------------|
| [user.js](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/blob/main/user.js) | All the essentials. None of the breakage. This is your `user.js`. |
| [Securefox](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/blob/main/Securefox.js) | Protect user data without causing site breakage. |
| [Peskyfox](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/blob/main/Peskyfox.js)  | Provide a clean, distraction-free browsing experience. |
| [Smoothfox](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/blob/main/Smoothfox.js)<br>(optional) | Get Edge-like smooth scrolling on your favorite browser — or choose something more your style. |
```

--------------------------------

### Cloning Betterfox Repository and Linking user.js

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Advanced-Users

Update Betterfox by cloning the repository and creating a symbolic link to the user.js file. This allows for easy updates via 'git pull'.

```bash
cd ~/.mozilla/firefox
git clone 'https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox.git'
cd XXXXXXXX.your_profile_name
ln -s ../Betterfox/user.js user.js
```

--------------------------------

### Ask to Open or Save New File Types

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Set Firefox to ask the user what to do with a file type the first time it is encountered. This provides control over how new file types are handled.

```javascript
// PREF: ask whether to open or save new file types
user_pref("browser.download.always_ask_before_handling_new_types", true);
```

--------------------------------

### Clone Betterfox Repository

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Advanced-Users

Use git to clone the Betterfox repository for development or direct access to the source code.

```bash
git clone https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox
```

--------------------------------

### Ask Where to Save Downloads

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Configure Firefox to prompt the user for a save location for every download. This is useful for managing downloaded files.

```javascript
// PREF: ask where to save every file
user_pref("browser.download.useDownloadDir", false);
```

--------------------------------

### Basic user_pref Structure

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/user.js-Syntax

The fundamental format for setting a Firefox preference in user.js. Ensure the preference name is a string and the value is of the correct type, followed by a semicolon.

```javascript
user_pref("preference.name.here", value);
```

--------------------------------

### Restore Top Sites and Remove Default/Sponsored Content

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Common-Overrides

Use these preferences to re-enable the Top Sites feature on the new tab page, remove default sponsored sites, and disable other sponsored content.

```javascript
// PREF: restore Top Sites on New Tab page
user_pref("browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.feeds.topsites", true);

// PREF: remove default Top Sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
// This does not block you from adding your own.
user_pref("browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.default.sites", "");

// PREF: remove sponsored content on New Tab page
user_pref("browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.showSponsoredTopSites", false); // Sponsored shortcuts 
user_pref("browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.feeds.section.topstories", false); // Recommended by Pocket
user_pref("browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.showSponsored", false); // Sponsored Stories
```

--------------------------------

### Allow Websites to Request Site Notifications

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Common-Overrides

Enable websites to ask for permission to send desktop notifications. This preference is set to block by default to enhance security and minimize annoyances.

```javascript
// PREF: allow websites to ask you to receive site notifications
user_pref("permissions.default.desktop-notification", 0);
```

--------------------------------

### Enforce Certificate Pinning

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Configure the enforcement level for Public Key Pinning (PKP). Set to 2 for strict enforcement, which helps prevent connections to fraudulent websites. Antivirus software may require setting this to 1.

```javascript
// PREF: enforce certificate pinning
// [ERROR] MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_KEY_PINNING_FAILURE
// 1 = allow user MiTM (such as your antivirus) (default)
// 2 = strict
user_pref("security.cert_pinning.enforcement_level", 2);
```

--------------------------------

### Add Custom Google Search Engine

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Common-Overrides

Configure a custom Google search engine URL to use Google's less bloated Web mode and request more results per page. This helps in seeing uncluttered web results.

```url
https://www.google.com/search?udm=14&q=%s
```

--------------------------------

### Allow Websites to Request Location

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Common-Overrides

This preference allows websites to prompt the user for permission to access their location. By default, location requests are blocked.

```javascript
// PREF: allow websites to ask you for your location
user_pref("permissions.default.geo", 0);
```

--------------------------------

### Revert to Standard Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP)

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Common-Overrides

Use this preference to switch back to Firefox's standard tracking protection settings if strict mode causes issues.

```javascript
// PREF: revert back to Standard ETP
user_pref("browser.contentblocking.category", "standard");
```

--------------------------------

### Enable Container Tabs in Firefox

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Common-Overrides

Enables the container tabs feature in Firefox, allowing users to log into the same site with different accounts. This preference must be set to enable the functionality.

```javascript
// PREF: enable container tabs
user_pref("privacy.userContext.enabled", true);
```

--------------------------------

### Adding a Blank Comment to mozilla.cfg

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Advanced-Users

If mozilla.cfg fails to load, add a blank comment line to the top of the file to resolve potential parsing issues.

```javascript
//
```

--------------------------------

### Improve Font Rendering on Windows

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Common-Overrides

Enhance text rendering quality on Windows by enabling DirectWrite, similar to Chrome's behavior. This can make fonts appear sharper and more readable.

```javascript
// PREF: improve font rendering by using DirectWrite everywhere like Chrome [WINDOWS]
user_pref("gfx.font_rendering.cleartype_params.rendering_mode", 5);
user_pref("gfx.font_rendering.cleartype_params.cleartype_level", 100);
user_pref("gfx.font_rendering.directwrite.use_gdi_table_loading", false);
```

--------------------------------

### Disable Password, Address, and Passkey Management

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Disable the built-in login manager, address and credit card manager, and passkey support for enhanced security. It is recommended to use a dedicated password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password.

```javascript
// PREF: disable login manager
user_pref("signon.rememberSignons", false);

// PREF: disable address and credit card manager
user_pref("extensions.formautofill.addresses.enabled", false);
user_pref("extensions.formautofill.creditCards.enabled", false);

// PREF: disable passkeys
user_pref("security.webauth.webauthn", false);
```

--------------------------------

### Enforce DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) - Max Protection

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Enforce DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) with 'Max Protection' mode. This provides user-friendly error pages and allows for custom exceptions.

```javascript
// PREF: enforce DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH)
user_pref("network.trr.mode", 3);
```

--------------------------------

### Disable JIT Compilation

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Disables all JIT compilation, including baseline and optimizing compilers. This offers the highest security but may cause site malfunctions.

```javascript
// PREF: disable JIT compliation
// WARNING: Some sites may malfunction.
user_pref("javascript.options.ion", false);
user_pref("javascript.options.baselinejit", false);
user_pref("javascript.options.wasm_optimizingjit", false);
```

--------------------------------

### Disable All Web Compatibility Features

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Disables all web compatibility features, including dynamic heuristics and anti-tracking exceptions. Not recommended due to potential for significant website breakage.

```javascript
// PREF: disable all web compat
user_pref("privacy.antitracking.enableWebcompat", false);
```

--------------------------------

### Make Strict ETP Less Aggressive

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Common-Overrides

Adjust the aggressiveness of Strict ETP by disabling specific tracking lists like 'lvl2' or fingerprinting protection ('fpp'). This can reduce site breakage while maintaining a good level of privacy.

```javascript
// PREF: make Strict ETP less aggressive
user_pref("browser.contentblocking.features.strict", "tp,tpPrivate,cookieBehavior5,cookieBehaviorPBM5,cryptoTP,fp,stp,emailTP,emailTPPrivate,-consentmanagerSkip,-consentmanagerSkipPrivate,-lvl2,rp,rpTop,qps,qpsPBM,fpp,fppPrivate,btp,lna");
```

--------------------------------

### Enforce DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) - Increased Protection

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Enforce DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) with 'Increased Protection' mode. This setting will revert to the local provider if DoH encounters issues, suitable for environments that may block alternative DNS.

```javascript
// PREF: enforce DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH)
user_pref("network.trr.mode", 2);
user_pref("network.trr.max-fails", 5);
```

--------------------------------

### Disable DRM

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Disables Encrypted Media Extension (EME) to prevent DRM functionalities. Note that this will break most popular streaming platforms.

```javascript
// PREF: disable all DRM content
user_pref("media.eme.enabled", false);

// PREF: hide the UI setting
// This also disables the DRM prompt while browsing.
user_pref("browser.eme.ui.enabled", false);
```

--------------------------------

### Disable JIT Optimization

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Disables optimizing compilers (Maglev and Turbofan) while keeping the interpreter and baseline compiler. This reduces the attack surface with minimal impact on real-world performance.

```javascript
// PREF: disable JIT optimization
// This removes most of the attack surface while keeping JIT compilation.
user_pref("javascript.options.ion", false);
user_pref("javascript.options.wasm_optimizingjit", false);
```

--------------------------------

### Restore Search Engine Suggestions

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Common-Overrides

Re-enable search engine suggestions in the URL bar. This preference was disabled in Betterfox to prevent typed content from being sent to search engines.

```javascript
// PREF: restore search engine suggestions
user_pref("browser.search.suggest.enabled", true);
```

--------------------------------

### Restrict Dynamic Storage Access

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Restricts dynamic third-party cookie access, which can break SSO functionality. Recommended to keep enabled unless specific issues arise.

```javascript
// PREF: restrict dynamic storage access
user_pref("privacy.restrict3rdpartystorage.heuristic.navigation", false);
user_pref("privacy.restrict3rdpartystorage.heuristic.opened_window_after_interaction", false);
```

--------------------------------

### Restore AI Features in Firefox

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Common-Overrides

Re-enable various AI-powered features within Firefox, including general AI capabilities, chat functionality, AI chatbot in the right-click menu, smart tab groups, and link previews.

```javascript
// PREF: restore AI features
user_pref("browser.ml.enable", true);

// PREF: restore AI chat
user_pref("browser.ml.chat.enabled", true);

// PREF: AI chatbot option in right click menu
user_pref("browser.ml.chat.menu", true);

// PREF: smart tab groups
user_pref("browser.tabs.groups.smart.enabled", true);

// PREF: restore link previews
user_pref("browser.ml.linkPreview.enabled", true);
```

--------------------------------

### Disable Captive Portal Detection

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Disables captive portal detection, which is useful for connecting to public Wi-Fi. This is not recommended for mobile devices.

```javascript
// PREF: disable captive portal detection
// [WARNING] Do NOT use for mobile devices!
user_pref("captivedetect.canonicalURL", ""); 
user_pref("network.captive-portal-service.enabled", false);
user_pref("network.connectivity-service.enabled", false);
```

--------------------------------

### Clear Cookies and Cache on Shutdown

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Configure Firefox to clear only cookies, cache, and site data on shutdown, while retaining browsing history and allowing for session restore. This balances privacy with usability.

```javascript
// PREF: delete cookies, cache, and site data on shutdown
user_pref("privacy.sanitize.sanitizeOnShutdown", true);
user_pref("privacy.clearOnShutdown_v2.browsingHistoryAndDownloads", false); // Browsing & download history
user_pref("privacy.clearOnShutdown_v2.cookiesAndStorage", true); // Cookies and site data
user_pref("privacy.clearOnShutdown_v2.cache", true); // Temporary cached files and pages
user_pref("privacy.clearOnShutdown_v2.formdata", true); // Saved form info
```

--------------------------------

### Disable Firefox Sync and Firefox View

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Use these preferences to disable Firefox Sync and the Firefox View feature. This can minimize connections and remove unused UI elements.

```javascript
// PREF: disable Firefox Sync
user_pref("identity.fxaccounts.enabled", false);

// PREF: disable the Firefox View tour from popping up
user_pref("browser.firefox-view.feature-tour", "{\"screen\":\"\",\"complete\":true}");
```

--------------------------------

### Clear All Browsing Data on Shutdown

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Automatically clear all browsing data, including cache, cookies, history, and downloads, when Firefox is closed. This enhances privacy by removing stored data.

```javascript
// PREF: delete all browsing data on shutdown
user_pref("privacy.sanitize.sanitizeOnShutdown", true);
user_pref("privacy.clearOnShutdown_v2.cache", true);
user_pref("privacy.clearOnShutdown_v2.cookiesAndStorage", true);
user_pref("privacy.clearOnShutdown_v2.browsingHistoryAndDownloads", true);
user_pref("privacy.clearOnShutdown_v2.downloads", true); // [HIDDEN]
user_pref("privacy.clearOnShutdown_v2.formdata", true);

// PREF: after crashes or restarts, do not save extra session data
// such as form content, scrollbar positions, and POST data
user_pref("browser.sessionstore.privacy_level", 2);
```

--------------------------------

### Enable Weather Widget on New Tab Page

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Common-Overrides

Enable the weather widget to display on the Firefox new tab page. This preference is available in Firefox v.130 and later.

```javascript
// PREF: show weather on New Tab page
user_pref("browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.showWeather", true);
```

--------------------------------

### Customize New Tab Page Content

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Hide specific elements on the Firefox New Tab page, including site shortcut thumbnails and weather information. Also disables dropdown suggestions for top sites in the URL bar.

```javascript
// PREF: hide site shortcut thumbnails on New Tab page
user_pref("browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.feeds.topsites", false);

// PREF: hide weather on New Tab page
user_pref("browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.showWeather", false);

// PREF: hide dropdown suggestions when clicking on the address bar
user_pref("browser.urlbar.suggest.topsites", false);
```

--------------------------------

### Disable Unified Search Button in Firefox

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Common-Overrides

Hides the unified search button in the address bar, which also disables 'Quick Actions' suggestions. Apply this preference to disable the feature.

```javascript
// PREF: disable unified search button
// WARNING: Hides "Quick Actions" suggestions.
user_pref("browser.urlbar.scotchBonnet.enableOverride", false);
```

--------------------------------

### Disable Service Workers

Source: https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening

Disables service workers to prevent background activity and push notifications. This setting is generally safe and rarely causes site issues.

```javascript
// PREF: disable service workers
// This will break push notifications (blocked in Betterfox by default).
user_pref("dom.serviceWorkers.enabled", false);
user_pref("dom.serviceWorkers.privateBrowsing.enabled", false);
```
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