Firefox gets new address bar



 Mozilla Blog:

Firefox’s address bar just got an upgrade, and it’s all about putting you in control.

It’s faster, easier to use and built to support how you search and browse — while staying true to what makes Firefox, Firefox: real user choice, strong privacy and transparency.

Built to help you search faster and get things done

The address bar is where browsing begins. It’s more than a space for URLs. It’s a command center for search, navigation, productivity and discovery. Here’s how we’ve improved it:

Choose how you search, right from the address bar

The new search button puts your preferred engines front and center, making it easier to switch between providers and search modes based on what you need. It improves visibility, supports re-running searches with ease, and ultimately reflects something core to Firefox: giving users real choice in how they explore the web.

Unified-Search-Button-1024x578.png


Keep your original search visible

When you perform a search, your query now remains visible in the address bar instead of being replaced by the search engine’s URL. Whereas before your address bar was filled with long, confusing URLs, now it’s easier to refine or repeat searches. It’s especially helpful for keeping you productive while performing research and multistep tasks.

search-term-persistent-1024x550.png


Search your tabs, bookmarks and history using simple keywords

You can access different search modes in the address bar using simple, descriptive keywords like @bookmarks, @tabs, @history, and @actions, making it faster and easier to find exactly what you need.

intuitive-search-keyword-1024x525.png


Type a command, and Firefox takes care of it

You can now perform actions like “clear history,” “open downloads,” or “take a screenshot” just by typing into the address bar. This turns the bar into a practical productivity tool — great for users who want to stay in the flow.

quick-actions-1024x538.png


Do more from your search suggestions

These buttons appear contextually within your search suggestions, offering relevant shortcuts like “search this site” or “switch to tab.” They reduce clicks and help users get where they’re going faster.

smart-shortcuts-1-1024x601.png


Cleaner URLs with smarter security cues

We’ve simplified the address bar by trimming “https://” from secure sites, while clearly highlighting when a site isn’t secure. This small change improves clarity without sacrificing awareness.

Screenshot-2025-05-23-at-5.23.18%E2%80%AFPM-1024x512.png


More than a visual refresh

These updates are part of a larger direction we’re taking in Firefox — toward a browser that supports people in all parts of their online lives, from quick lookups to complex research. The new address bar is now available in Firefox version 138. It’s faster, more intuitive and designed to work the way you do.



 Source:

 
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To enable the new action feature, enter about:config in the search bar. Hit OK. Search for "browser.urlbar.scotchBonnet.enableOverride" and set it to "true". Quick Actions will now be an option in the Address Bar options in Search settings.

Odd parameter name.

But interesting. Enabling that gives me all the "Actions". Even without it, entering an @ still gets me all the search engines, even though I have them all shut off (no searching from address bar).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2
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    HP
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    Intel Ultra 7 155H
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So now I get the search engine suggestions but @bookmarks or @action is dead. All the above suggestions to turn things on have been done except about:config
 

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    Intel Ultra 7 155H
    Memory
    16gb
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    Intel Arc integrated
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    SSD
Thanks. So they expect the ordinary person to go through that to get theses new features? Are these still experimental or is ready for prime time?

Thank you for your response
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 Version V23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    i7-8700K
    Motherboard
    Asus Maximus X Code - Z370
    Memory
    G.Skill Trident Z 3200MHz F4-3200C16D-16GTZ (2) 32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated ROG SupremeFX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus VP279 27", Samsung BX2431 24"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung M.2 NVMe 960 EVO 500GB Boot,
    Samsung 840 EVO 250GB (System Copy Drive),
    Samsung 860 EVO 1TB (Primary Data Drive),
    WD Black 500GB (Data Copy Drive)
    ICY Dock 5.25 2.5/3.5 Bays MB971SP-B
    PSU
    Corsair RM 650i +Gold
    Case
    Phanteks Enthroo Primo
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H150i, 360mm Rad & Five Corsair 140mm Pro ML Case Fans
    Keyboard
    das Keyboard MX Brown Mechanical Switches Model DASKMKPROSIL-3G7-r1.0
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3 Wireless & Bluetooth
    Internet Speed
    500Mb +
    Browser
    Chrome (Pri), Firefox (Sec)
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes Premium, SuperAntiSpyware Pro (Licensed)
    Other Info
    Microsoft LifeCam HD,
    APC Back-UPS Pro 1500,
    Macrium (Licensed),
    Microsoft 365,
    Wise Disk Cleaner,
    Crystal Disk Info,
    Screenpresso (Licensed),
    AnyDesk (Licensed),
Thanks. So they expect the ordinary person to go through that to get theses new features? Are these still experimental or is ready for prime time?

Thank you for your response

No idea. If you visit the official release page, this feature is not mentioned. Firefox 139.0, See All New Features, Updates and Fixes

I'm guessing it's still pre-release i.e. the code is in there, but not enabled.

It's obviously on the Blog that @Brink posted and looks official there, graphics and all, but perhaps they're leading the pack just a bit.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    Intel Ultra 7 155H
    Memory
    16gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Arc integrated
    Hard Drives
    SSD

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