Users coming from earlier versions of Firefox may notice that the menu bar, containing the File, Edit, View, History, Bookmarks, Tools, and Help menus, appears to be missing. In the newest versions of Firefox, the menu bar is hidden by default, to give you more screen space for browsing.

However, the menu bar is still there. To view the menu bar in Firefox, or troubleshoot your Firefox menu bar if it’s not working correctly, select from the options below.

Temporarily show the File, Edit, View menu

Pressing Alt temporarily shows the file menu bar and allow users to use any of its features. The menu bar is located above the Address bar, in the upper-left corner of the browser window.

  • Temporarily show the File, Edit, View menu.
  • Permanently show the File, Edit, View menu.
  • Browser in full-screen mode.
  • Menu bar won’t display.

Permanently show the File, Edit, View menu

If you want to have the File, Edit, View menu always shown, like in previous versions of Firefox, follow the steps below.

After making a selection from one of the menus, the menu bar is hidden again.

  • Press Alt to show the menu bar temporarily.

  • Click View (A), and select Toolbars (B) in the drop-down menu that appears.

  • Click Menu Bar.

  • A check mark will appear next to the Menu Bar option, indicating that it’s permanently visible.

Browser in full-screen mode

If Firefox is set to run in full-screen mode, the menu bar isn’t visible, even if it’s enabled.

If pressing Alt does not make the menu bar visible, try pressing Alt+V. This keyboard shortcut opens the View menu, even if the menu bar is hidden.

To make the menu bar auto-hide again, repeat the steps above.

To exit full-screen mode, press F11 key on your keyboard. Check to see if the menu bar is now visible or if pressing Alt makes it visible.

If you’ve tried the steps above and the menu bar is still not visible or accessible, your Firefox installation may be corrupt or damaged. It is also possible your computer has malware that is preventing the menu bar from being displayed.

If the problem is your Firefox installation, it may be necessary to uninstall and then reinstall. Alternatively, if there is a newer version of Firefox available, try upgrading to the latest version. Doing so may fix the problem.

  • How to install or uninstall the Mozilla Firefox browser.

In the case of a virus or malware infection, use an antivirus and anti-malware software program to clean your computer and remove the infection. Malwarebytes, Webroot SecureAnywhere, and Kaspersky Internet Security are excellent software programs for removing virus and malware infections, and preventing future ones. You can also try one of the many free antivirus and anti-malware programs available on the Internet.

  • Where can I find free online virus scanners?
  • How to remove an Internet browser toolbar.
  • Mozilla Firefox help and support.