First look: Firefox 20 new download manager

Firefox 20 new download manager pictures 780 wide

Firefox 20 was just released for Windows, Linux, and Mac, and this new version brings a new download manager. “New” doesn’t necessarily mean that users will need to relearn how to use it, the download manager works in the same way it did in previous versions, however now it has a few new additions that will probably make you ditch the current download manager plugin, if any.

For starters, immediately after updating to Firefox 20, users will notice a new button. The new download manager button located next to the Home button (image above) has a few functions: it adds a quick access to your downloads (in a tooltip-style menu), it displays the download remaining time. And also the downward arrow turns green after the download completes, as a reminder that you have a new item completed.

Furthermore, users can click the “Show All Downloads” link to open the Firefox “Library”, and view a history of all downloads, a folder-icon is also available next to the file name to access the containing folder. Note that from the Library, users can also access the web browsing History, Tags and All Bookmarks.

Firefox Library 640_wide

Finally, from either the new download button menu or Library, users can Pause, Resume, Cancel, Open Containing Folder and access to other options.

How to roll back the old download manager

Apparently, for those who don’t like the Firefox 20 new download manager, going to the web browser’s options page (about:config), doing a search for browser.download.useToolkitUI and setting it to “true” will roll back the old download manager (no restart necessary).

Firefox Download Manager old version 640_wide

That’s pretty much all you need to know about Firefox 20 new download manager. For more information you can also check the Firefox blog.

Source Cnet

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.