How to Disable AI in Firefox on Windows 11

Mozilla Firefox has recently introduced AI-powered features such as AI chatbots in the sidebar, experimental AI tools, and smart suggestions aimed at improving productivity and browsing assistance. While some users find these features useful, others prefer a traditional, distraction-free browsing experience or have privacy concerns related to AI integrations.

On Windows 11, Firefox enables certain AI-related features by default or as optional experiments, depending on the Firefox version and region. These AI components may appear in the sidebar, settings, or experimental feature flags and can consume system resources or alter the browsing workflow.

Disabling AI in Firefox on Windows 11 is possible using built-in settings and advanced configuration options. The steps below explain how to turn off AI features completely and restore a classic Firefox experience.

How to Disable AI in Firefox on Windows 11

The methods in this section focus on disabling Firefox AI features from settings, experiments, and advanced configuration. Follow the steps carefully and restart Firefox where recommended.

Before proceeding, make sure Firefox is updated so all settings are available.

1. Disable AI Chatbot and Sidebar AI Features

Firefox includes AI tools in the sidebar.

Open Firefox.
Click the menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
Select Settings.
Go to the General tab.
Scroll to the Browser Layout section.
Disable Show sidebar if AI chat tools are enabled there.
Look for AI Chatbot or AI tools and turn them off if listed.

This removes visible AI tools from the Firefox interface.

2. Turn Off Firefox Experiments Related to AI

Some AI features are delivered as experiments.

Open Firefox Settings.
Go to Privacy & Security.
Scroll down to Firefox Data Collection and Use.
Disable Allow Firefox to install and run studies.
Restart Firefox.

This prevents Firefox from enabling new AI experiments automatically.

3. Disable AI Features Using Firefox Advanced Configuration

Advanced settings allow deeper control.

Type about:config in the Firefox address bar.
Press Enter and accept the warning.
Use the search bar to look for AI-related preferences such as:
- browser.ml.enable
- browser.sidebar.ai.enabled
- browser.ai.enabled
Double-click each preference to set it to false.
Close the tab and restart Firefox.

These settings disable AI-related functionality at the engine level.

4. Disable Firefox Sidebar Completely

The sidebar often hosts AI tools.

Open Firefox.
Click the View menu.
Select Sidebar.
Choose Hide Sidebar.
Restart Firefox if necessary.

This removes AI chat access points entirely.

5. Review Extensions That Add AI Features

Some AI functionality comes from add-ons.

Open the Firefox menu.
Select Add-ons and themes.
Go to Extensions.
Disable or remove any AI-related extensions.
Restart Firefox.

Removing extensions ensures AI tools are not reintroduced.

6. Disable Online Suggestions and Smart Features

Smart suggestions may use AI models.

Open Settings.
Go to Search.
Under Search Suggestions, disable all suggestion options.
Go to Privacy & Security.
Disable optional data-sharing and recommendation features.

This reduces AI-driven suggestions.

7. Turn Off Telemetry and Data Sharing

AI features rely on data collection.

Open Settings.
Go to Privacy & Security.
Scroll to Firefox Data Collection and Use.
Disable all data-sharing options.
Restart Firefox.

This limits background AI-related processing.

8. Use Firefox ESR (Optional)

Firefox ESR minimizes experimental features.

Download Firefox ESR from Mozilla.
Install it on Windows 11.
Use ESR for a stable, non-experimental browsing experience.

ESR versions receive fewer AI additions.

9. Keep Firefox Updated but Review New Features

Updates may reintroduce AI options.

Regularly check Settings after updates.
Reconfirm AI-related options remain disabled.
Review Mozilla release notes when updating.

This prevents AI features from being re-enabled silently.

Final Thoughts

Disabling AI in Firefox on Windows 11 is possible through a combination of standard settings, advanced configuration options, and careful control over experiments and extensions. By turning off sidebar AI tools, experimental features, and telemetry, you can restore a clean, traditional Firefox browsing experience.