Most websites rely on special features to animate menus and play sounds. JavaScript is a programming language used to enhance web content and it is used to display this multimedia content. If you see errors on websites, such as incomplete images or stuttering slowing down your Firefox browser, it's probably because JavaScript has been disabled. You can turn it back on in one of the browser's advanced settings menus. If the classic repair methods don't work, you can try a different one.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Enable JavaScript in Firefox 23 and later
To know your version of Firefox, press alt = "Image" + H to open the Help menu, then click on About Firefox.
Step 1. Open Firefox
Firefox's icon is a fox wrapped around a blue globe. If the browser is already open, press Ctrl + T (on PC) or Command + T (on Mac) to open a new tab.
Step 2. Type about:
config in the address bar. Then press Enter or Return to open a configuration menu that you won't find in the usual Firefox options menu.
To return to the setup menu without typing next time, you can just bookmark it by pressing Ctrl + D (on PC) or Command + D (on Mac)
Step 3. Click I'll be careful, I promise! to continue. Firefox wants to make sure that you are aware that all settings in the about: config menu are intended for advanced users only. Changing settings you are not familiar with can cause the browser to malfunction, so think twice before you touch anything.
Step 4. Click in the search bar
Then type javascript.enabled. All the settings you can change will be displayed in alphabetical order. Each parameter has a mention under the Option Name, Status, Type and Value headers. By typing a specific term in the search bar, you will eliminate all other entries that do not match your target.
- Another way to search is to click once on one of the settings under Option Name and then press the j. The page will automatically scroll to the first parameter that begins with "j". Keep typing "javascript" to scroll down to the option you are looking for.
Step 5. Modify the indicated value
If the value of javascript. enabled indicates False, double click on it to change it to True. JavaScript should be enabled by default. If the value is already True, do not touch anything.
Step 6. Refresh your browser
Click on the button Refresh to save any changes you have made. It's the curved arrow button in a circle. You'll find it to the right of the address bar.
You can also press F5 on a PC or Mac to refresh your browser
Method 2 of 4: Enable JavaScript in Firefox 22 and earlier versions
Step 1. Open Firefox and click on the Tools menu
You will find this menu on the top edge of the Firefox window. If you can't find it, press alt = "Image" to make it visible.
Step 2. Click Options
If you're using a Mac, click Preferences.
Step 3. Go to the Content tab
The Content tab contains options that affect the fonts, languages, and media content that your Firefox browser can display.
Step 4. Click Enable JavaScript or Enable Java
The option differs depending on the type of computer you are using. Mac users will see Enable Java, while Windows PC users will see Enable JavaScript.
Method 3 of 4: Repair extensions
If Firefox continues to malfunction after you enable JavaScript, there are a number of ways you can resolve the issue.
Step 1. Click on the Menu button at the top right
Then select Extensions. Firefox uses add-ons, extensions, and plug-ins interchangeably to refer to downloadable programs that you can use to personalize your browsing experience.
Step 2. Select Extensions and browse your list of extensions
Disabled extensions appear grayed out and have (Disabled) next to them. Those that are activated appear more colorful.
Step 3. Disable an extension
Click on an activated extension and then select Deactivate. You can also right click on an extension to display a menu of options.
Step 4. Click Restart Now at the top of the window
If your problem persists, you will know that the extension you disabled is not to blame. Reactivate the extension whenever you want by selecting it and clicking Activate.
Step 5. Go to Plug-ins to display your list of active plug-ins
The plugins run in the background and provide additional functionality to Firefox, such as the ability to make Skype calls directly from the browser.
- Most of the problems come from outdated plugins. You can update your plug-ins at once by clicking on Check if your plug-ins are up to date at the top of the Plug-ins page.
Step 6. Select a plug-in by clicking on it
Step 7. Click Always Activate or Ask to Activate
Change this setting to Never activate. As with extensions, you have to deactivate plugins one by one to see if the Firefox malfunction is from there.
You do not need to restart Firefox after activating or deactivating a plug-in
Step 8. Scroll down to view the disabled plug-ins
Firefox sorts plug-ins alphabetically and by status. Disabled plugins are at the bottom.
Step 9. Click Never Activate
Then select Ask to activate or Always activate depending on your preference.
Method 4 of 4: Try other methods
In Firefox, press alt = "Image" + T to open a new tab, then close all others. Refreshing Firefox will erase all add-ons and your settings and restore the browser settings to their defaults. To avoid losing important data, close these tabs and leave a blank tab open.
Step 1. Click Help menu> Troubleshooting Information
Don't forget to press Alt if you cannot see the menu bar at the top of the screen.
Step 2. Choose Reactivate Firefox
This option is at the top right of the page.
Step 3. Click Refresh Firefox again
When you're ready, click again Refresh Firefox. Remember that refreshing Firefox removes any add-ons you use to personalize your browsing experience. You can easily re-download them later.
