Enable and Use Progressive Web Apps in Firefox: A Complete Guide

The relationship between Firefox and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) has been somewhat tumultuous. Initially, Mozilla was enthusiastic about PWAs, especially after Chrome adopted the feature. However, this interest waned, leading to a complete withdrawal from PWA support in 2020. Fast forward to this year, and Mozilla has made a surprising announcement: they are reintroducing PWA support through a new feature known as Taskbar Tabs. As of now, Windows users can take advantage of this feature. Here’s a guide on how to enable and utilize it effectively.

Understanding Progressive Web Apps

Progressive Web Apps are essentially enhanced websites that function similarly to native applications on an operating system. These web applications integrate seamlessly, appearing among the OS app listings and operating from a dedicated interface devoid of traditional browsing elements, such as secondary tabs or the address bar.

While PWAs might initially seem like a sophisticated bookmarking option, they offer several compelling benefits that warrant their usage:

Customizable Accessibility: Users can position the web app anywhere within their OS for quick access—be it on the desktop, taskbar, or Start menu. Keyboard shortcuts can even be assigned for convenient opening.
Resource Efficiency: PWAs allow users to interact with specific websites without launching the entire browser. Their simplified interface tends to consume fewer resources compared to traditional browsers.
Push Notifications: Unlike typical browser notifications, PWAs deliver timely alerts even when the browser or app is not active. This feature enhances user engagement without reliance on the browser being open.
Offline Functionality: With a more sophisticated caching mechanism than standard browsers, PWAs provide an improved browsing experience offline. Users can navigate through previously accessed pages without an internet connection and can still function optimally on slow connections.

PWAs are particularly advantageous for websites that require optimal background operation and instant access, such as messaging platforms, note-taking applications, or streaming services.

How to Enable Progressive Web Apps in Firefox

Since PWAs are still classified as experimental in Firefox, enabling them is the first step. To activate this feature, access the Firefox Settings from the menu located in the top right corner. In the left sidebar, select Firefox Labs and turn on the Add sites to your taskbar option. Alternatively, you can enter about:preferences#experimental directly in the address bar to reach Firefox Labs.

Another method to enable this feature is through the about:config page. Simply type about:config in the address bar and search for browser.taskbarTabs.enabled, then toggle it to true.

Accessing Progressive Web Apps in Firefox

After enabling the feature, you will notice a new Add to taskbar icon in the address bar. Simply open a PWA-compatible website and click this button. Firefox will transform the webpage into an app, complete with a dedicated icon in the taskbar. The browser’s typical tabs will be hidden, granting a focused experience devoid of the address bar, although you can still see content in the input fields.

This web app will then be visible in the Windows app directory and the Start menu. Users can reposition the icon or pin it for easy access.

It’s important to note that these PWA shortcuts are not standard applications, so removing them differs slightly. To uninstall a PWA shortcut, right-click on its icon and select Open file location. From there, you can delete the shortcut effectively.

While the PWA functionality in Firefox is still a work in progress and not as robust as what Chrome offers, Mozilla emphasizes user control and privacy through Taskbar Tabs. This mirrors their commitment to enhancing user experience without merely replicating existing features found in other browsers. If you’re excited about this addition to Firefox, consider exploring how to utilize PWAs on your Android device as well.

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