Block Firefox from using Windows BITS Service to download updates

Windows 10 provides programs with a background update feature that allows them to update in the background without interruption. The service is calling PARTS or Intelligent transfer service in the background. Firefox can also use this service to update its browser even if it is not running. However, if you do not like Firefox to update everything in the background, here's how to prevent Firefox from using the Windows BITS service to download updates.

What is the intelligent transfer service in the background or BITS?

The Background Intelligent Transfer Service is an integrated service of Windows. Although it is mainly used to download Windows updates, it can be used by any other program with appropriate permissions. Because it runs in the background, it is transparent and handles network interruptions. The download may stop and resume using this service. It only works when the network is idle, in order to preserve the interactive user experience with other network applications.

Here's what Microsoft says about BITS:

It transfers files in the background using inactive network bandwidth. If the service is disabled, BITS-dependent applications, such as Windows Update, will not be able to automatically download programs and other information.

Prevent Firefox from using the Windows BITS service to download updates

Firefox also uses BITS to download updates in the background. It ensures that downloads are available as soon as it is available on the Mozilla server. BITS ensures that your Firefox is always on the latest version.

In addition to keeping a tab on the download, many extensions stop working with the new versions. If you rely heavily on extensions, it's best to prevent Firefox from updating automatically. Here's how you can disable the BITS update download support in Firefox.

Firefox comes with a preference flag This will prevent the browser from using the BITS service to download future updates. Here's how to prevent Firefox from using the Windows BITS service to download updates:

• Open Firefox and type about: config in the address bar and press Enter. You will receive a prompt with a warning message. Click on "I accept the risk!"To open the Firefox configuration page.
• Now type PARTS in the Search box. It should reveal a parameter app.update.BITS.enabled.
• Double-click to disable it. You can also right-click and select Toggle to disable it.

To enable BITS for Firefox, double-click again, and then restart the browser.

Post this; Firefox will not use BITS to download updates in the background. It will only download when it will be running or using. However, this may slow down your browsing when the download is in progress.

Finally, do not disable the BITS service. It is mainly used by Windows to download Windows updates.

We hope that the steps have been easy to understand and that you have been able to prevent Firefox from using Windows BITS Service to download updates.