Does Tab now take you straight to the address bar text field? The search engine button has not disappeared. This guide helps desktop users and support teams distinguish the new focus order from a genuine navigation problem.
What changed
Mozilla released Firefox 156.0.1 on 22 September 2026. Tab now goes directly to the address or search bar text field; Shift+Tab still reaches the search engine button. Separately, the update fixes missing NVDA announcements when the mouse pointer moves over address bar buttons. This is not a promise that every screen reader issue is resolved. [1]
Preparation
You need Firefox for desktop. Record the operating system, Firefox version and, if relevant, NVDA version. On managed computers, follow your IT team's update process. There is no need to switch from ESR to the Release channel or change the default search engine.
A five-step check
- Save your work. Check the version in About Firefox and install offered updates through the appropriate channel. After any required restart, check the running version again. Linux installations managed by a package manager may update through the distribution. [3]
- Open a new tab. Focus the address bar with Ctrl+L on Windows/Linux or Command+L on Mac. Do not confuse this with Ctrl+Tab, which switches browser tabs. [2]
- Type a harmless test word without pressing Enter. From the text field, press Shift+Tab to reach the search engine button; Down Arrow opens its menu. Do not change the default search engine for this check. [2]
- Close the menu with Escape and focus the text field again. Check that you can type. Going directly to the text field is intentional; skipping an intermediate stop is not itself a fault. [1]
- If NVDA is involved, also check its announcement when moving the mouse over those address bar buttons. Record keyboard focus and mouse announcements separately. Passing the keyboard check does not prove the NVDA mouse issue is fixed. [1]
If it still fails
If the button remains unreachable, record the starting focus, exact key sequence, versions and observed result for support. The operating system or window manager may intercept shortcuts. Do not start by refreshing the profile, reinstalling or changing about:config; this diagnosis does not require it. [2]
Success criteria
A successful check means you can type, reach the button backwards, open and close its menu, and return focus predictably to the text field. Mark NVDA as checked only after actually checking the relevant announcement. Clearly leave untested parts pending.
Date and sources
As of 27 September 2026. Source-based guidance with an editorial checking procedure, not a hands-on Firefox/NVDA test. The occasion is the developer's release, not a demonstrated search surge. No affiliate links.