uBlock Origin causes long lags

TVeblen · Dec 4, 2023

I run Firefox with the uBlock Origin extension to block ads. I formerly used Adblock Plus.
With uBlock enabled I experience long lags connecting to websites, sometimes 2 to 4 seconds, even common ones like DuckDuckGo and Google.
If I disable uBlock then everything is snappy - almost instantaneous connection.
I don't recall having any kind of lag with AdBlock Plus.

Before I switch back I want to be sure that I don't just have the extension configured wrong.
Does anyone else use uBlock with Firefox? Do you experience this problem?

Other than the lags, the extension is excellent at blocking popups and ads.

BamaInArk · Dec 4, 2023

Been using it with Firefox for several years now. I occasionally run into a site where I have to disable it for that site. But as for slowdowns not sure I've really noticed anything lately. At least it doesn't happen often enough for me to question whether it's uBlock causing it or not. There is a current issue for many with Youtube causing a loading slowdown but that may have more to do with Firefox rather than uBlock.

zebal · Dec 5, 2023

Discussing ad blockers is against forum rules, but I'll say only, to troubleshoot performance issue, try disabling static filters and then enabling one by one until you find balance.
Test each filter on multiple sites before leaving it enabled.

If you have dynamic filter enabled(advanced option), keep it at default and don't change anything except to troubleshoot.

trumpy81 · Dec 5, 2023

@TVeblen
Right click on the Start menu and select Run.

Type in Firefox.exe -p and hit enter.

Make a note of the current profile so you may return to it if necessary. Create a new profile and set it to be the default, then click on Start Firefox.

You will need to setup Firefox again, sorry about that, but after you install uBlock Origin, try it out and see if it still lags when navigating to your usual sites.

If not, then complete the setup of the new Firefox profile. You may go back and delete the older profiles by running Firefox.exe -p again, if you wish to.

If it still lags, then you have other issues affecting Firefox, you will need to track those down.

BTW: I also use uBlock Origin

TVeblen · Dec 5, 2023

zebal said:
Discussing ad blockers is against forum rules, but I'll say only, to troubleshoot performance issue, try disabling static filters and then enabling one by one until you find balance.
Test each filter on multiple sites before leaving it enabled.

If you have dynamic filter enabled(advanced option), keep it at default and don't change anything except to troubleshoot.

Static filters in uBlock I assume?

TVeblen · Dec 5, 2023

trumpy81 said:
@TVeblen
Right click on the Start menu and select Run.

Type in Firefox.exe -p and hit enter.

Make a note of the current profile so you may return to it if necessary. Create a new profile and set it to be the default, then click on Start Firefox.

You will need to setup Firefox again, sorry about that, but after you install uBlock Origin, try it out and see if it still lags when navigating to your usual sites.

If not, then complete the setup of the new Firefox profile. You may go back and delete the older profiles by running Firefox.exe -p again, if you wish to.

If it still lags, then you have other issues affecting Firefox, you will need to track those down.

BTW: I also use uBlock Origin

I'll give that a try. Thanks
Might be this weekend though....

TVeblen · Dec 5, 2023

Good to know it is not supposed to act like this. That is helpful. Thanks All.

cineman195 · Dec 5, 2023

TVeblen said:
Do you experience this problem?

Yeah, I have been experiencing these delays in reddit, youtube and some sites, didn't know ublock could be a reason, I will switch to adblock and try, thanks

HeavyHemi · Dec 5, 2023

I was noticing this pause in Fire Fox and Edge using ublock for the last week or so. Just loading the bare Google search page took a few seconds. Since I've updated to Windows 11, it's back to normal with no pause.

Scott · Dec 5, 2023

trumpy81 said:
Right click on the Start menu and select Run.

Type in Firefox.exe -p and hit enter.

TVeblen said:
I'll give that a try. Thanks

Another way to get there is to just enter about: profiles in the address bar.

EDIT: Remove the space between : p

it gave my this emoji

without the space

TVeblen · Dec 6, 2023

I tried Settings > Filter Lists > and unchecked the second item: "Suspend network activity until all filter lists are loaded".
It seems faster now. Too early to tell. I'll run it a few days like this and see.