FAQ
TL;DR: Constant CAPTCHAs mean the site is verifying you’re human; average solve takes 32 seconds—“CAPTCHAs waste 500 years daily.” Fix triggers, not Firefox. Steps below help Windows 7/Firefox users facing reCAPTCHA on every device. [Cloudflare, 2022]
Why it matters: You’ll cut wasted time and resolve reCAPTCHA loops that block browsing across your home network.
Quick Facts
- If reCAPTCHA appears on every device on your Wi‑Fi, it’s a network-level challenge, not a Windows or Firefox setting. “Unusual traffic” is the cue. “Unusual traffic from your computer network”.
- In this thread, changing the public IP resolved the loop immediately, confirming an IP reputation issue. [Elektroda, laik84, post #17787331]
- You cannot disable reCAPTCHA in Firefox; websites embed and control it server‑side. “About reCAPTCHA”.
- VPNs, proxies, and shared IPs often trigger more challenges; test with them disabled. “Unusual traffic from your computer network”.
- Typical solve time ≈ 32 seconds per CAPTCHA, creating high friction across page loads. [Cloudflare, 2022]
How do I disable reCAPTCHA in Firefox on Windows 7?
You can’t disable reCAPTCHA in Firefox or Windows. Sites embed it server‑side to stop abuse. Bypassing or blocking it breaks logins and forms. Reduce triggers instead: avoid automation, remove proxies, and follow the on‑page verification. “About reCAPTCHA”.
Why is reCAPTCHA popping up on every device on my Wi‑Fi?
Google challenges your network when it sees automated‑like traffic. Shared IPs, proxies, or high request rates can trigger checks. “Our systems have detected unusual traffic from your computer network.” That means the flag is at the IP/network level. “Unusual traffic from your computer network”.
What fixed it for the original poster?
Their ISP changed the public IP, and the challenges stopped. Direct Ethernet still showed reCAPTCHA, so the router was not at fault. Away from home Wi‑Fi, reCAPTCHA never appeared. That confirmed an IP reputation issue. [Elektroda, laik84, post #17787331]
Is my router or my ISP the likely cause?
If every device shows reCAPTCHA, it’s not one PC’s fault. The issue points to your router or provider. Connect a computer directly to the modem to test. If it persists, contact your ISP. [Elektroda, pawelcb33, post #17774236]
Should I test with a direct modem connection?
Yes. Bypass the router to isolate it. In the thread, direct cable still triggered reCAPTCHA, ruling out the router. The ISP changed the IP, which fixed the issue immediately. [Elektroda, laik84, post #17787331]
What should I try before calling my ISP?
Try this quick isolation:
- Connect your PC directly to the modem to rule out the router.
- Test the same sites on a different Wi‑Fi to compare behavior.
- Ask your ISP to assign a new public IP if it persists.
This sequence resolved the case discussed. [Elektroda, laik84, post #17787331]
Will using a VPN help or make it worse?
VPNs and proxies often increase challenges because many users share an exit IP. Turn them off while testing. If challenges decrease, keep browsing without them or switch endpoints sparingly. “Unusual traffic from your computer network”.
Can malware or browser add‑ons trigger reCAPTCHA loops?
Yes. Automated queries from malware or aggressive extensions can cause the network to be challenged. Run a malware scan and disable suspicious add‑ons. Restart the browser and test again. If all devices still see challenges, contact your ISP. “Unusual traffic from your computer network”.
How do I clear cookies and cache in Firefox to reduce challenges?
In Firefox, open Settings. Go to Privacy & Security. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data and confirm. Reload the site and try again. This removes stale cookies that can affect challenges. “Clear cookies and site data in Firefox”.
What router settings should I review first?
Check for unexpected DNS servers or any proxy configuration in the router. If you didn’t set them, contact your ISP to audit the device. Suspicious DNS/proxy settings can correlate with increased challenges. [Elektroda, K_o_s, post #17775556]
Does changing DNS servers help with repeated reCAPTCHA prompts?
Changing DNS alone rarely removes challenges. Google issues CAPTCHAs based on traffic patterns and automation signals. Focus on removing proxies, malware, and high‑rate requests. If every device is challenged, ask your ISP about your public IP. “Unusual traffic from your computer network”.
Why did Firefox show CAPTCHAs while Internet Explorer did not?
Different browsers send different cookies, extensions, and user agents, which can change when a prompt appears. A user reported Firefox was affected, but not Internet Explorer. If phones and TVs also see prompts, troubleshoot the network. [Elektroda, laik84, post #17752254]
How much time do CAPTCHAs waste, and why reduce them?
Each CAPTCHA takes about 32 seconds to solve. At internet scale, that’s roughly 500 years of human time lost daily. Reducing unnecessary prompts saves real time and frustration. [Cloudflare, 2022]
Should I still scan my Windows 7 PC if all devices see reCAPTCHA?
Yes, but expect limited impact if every device is affected. That pattern points away from a single PC and toward the router or ISP. Scan anyway as good hygiene, then escalate to your provider. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #17754958]
What tool can I use to gather diagnostic logs for malware checks?
Use Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (FRST) to generate diagnostic logs for analysis. It scans startup entries, services, and browser hooks. Share logs with a trusted helper for review. “Farbar Recovery Scan Tool Download”.