this post was submitted on 02 Feb 2026
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@blaggle42 @solrize
https://www.w3tutorials.net/blog/firefox-add-ons-how-to-install-my-own-local-add-on-extension-permanently-in-firefox/
There er multiple ways but yes they don't make it easy cause the want to make the attack vector aka ( a "friend" sent you a email with the "hottest new" firefox extension ) as small as possible.
I understand what you are saying - but - if I want to install a program on my computer - I should be allowed to do so - the same with firefox
maybe it might need me doing the equivalent of sudo, entering some password - or just clicking through, "ok, yes I know, extensions can do bad things.", "yes I really know that I shouldn't install an extension if I don't know exactly what it is" 10 times, but
etc..
I just don't buy the "attack vector" argument. There are many ways to mitigate, without removing the ability.
Anyway, in a way this was a good experience - I am going to try to ditch firefox sooner than later now.
don't enable unsigned extensions. It's there for good reason.
upload your addon to addons.mozilla.org. there's an option to not publish, but only upload for signing. then you'll get back a signed xpi you can install properly.
Doesn't work. Try to do it without giving them a phone number or installing some other application. You can't. Or I couldn't.
Then, after you can't and you think, "I'll go to the forums, see if there is a way." You'll find out Mozilla has problems with sign in. I mean come on.. But this is irrelevant, this whole flow is dumb. And it presumes that I shouldn't be able to control my own browser.
We need a new firefox - just like the original firefox showed that Mozilla was bloat and dumb, we need another that shows the current is bloat and dumb.
Using dev edition is the equivalent of sudo.
Firefox can just install an extension from clicking a link, combine that with tech illiterate people just panic-clicking "ok" on every popup, that really is an attack vector.
I mean, billions of people click yes on a "hey we're gonna take all your data and sell it to everyone, are you okay with that?" screen multiple times a day...
Again. You are saying you shouldn't be able to install applications on your computer.
I mean, if that's what you believe. I don't. I think I should be able to decide what I run and where I run it.
Especially if the company thinks of itself as open source.