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How to Stop Websites From Opening New Tabs Easily

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever felt frustrated when clicking a link only to have a swarm of new tabs pop up? You’re not alone. Unwanted tabs can clutter your browser, slow down your device, and make web surfing far less enjoyable.

With so many sites using pop-ups and automatic tab openings, knowing how to take back control is more important than ever. In this article, you’ll discover simple steps and smart tips to prevent websites from opening new tabs, making your online experience smoother and more focused.

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How to Stop Websites from Opening New Tabs: Your Complete Guide

When you’re browsing the web, nothing is more annoying than clicking a link or simply loading a page and suddenly being bombarded with new tabs or windows. It breaks your focus, clutters your browser, and, in some cases, even exposes you to unwanted ads or worse, malicious content. The good news is that you can take control! Let’s explore step-by-step solutions and best practices to stop websites from opening new tabs, so your browsing experience becomes seamless and secure.

Understanding Why Websites Open New Tabs

Before we dive into solutions, let’s understand the reasons behind this behavior:

  • Advertising Revenue: Some sites open new tabs for ads, hoping you’ll interact with them.
  • Pop-Ups and Redirects: Sites might force tabs to show you notices or offers.
  • Poorly Designed Links: Some use target attributes (_blank) in their code for every link.
  • Malicious Intent: A few sites may use new tabs/windows to trick you or install unwanted software.

Knowing the cause helps you choose the right fix.

Simple Steps to Prevent New Tabs Across Browsers

Whether you use Chrome, Edge, or another browser, there are effective ways to regain control. Let’s break it down by popular browsers and general practices.

1. Adjust Browser Settings

Most browsers give you some control over how links and pop-ups behave.

Chrome

  1. Block Pop-Ups:
  2. Click the three dots menu and choose ‘Settings.’
  3. Go to ‘Privacy and Security’ > ‘Site Settings.’

  4. Scroll to ‘Pop-ups and redirects’ and set it to ‘Don’t allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects.’

  5. Disable Extensions That Force New Tabs:

  6. Go to ‘Extensions’ under ‘More Tools.’
  7. Remove or disable extensions that could be causing tabs to open.

Microsoft Edge

  1. Manage Pop-Ups:
  2. Click the three dots > ‘Settings.’
  3. Select ‘Cookies and Site Permissions’ > ‘Pop-ups and redirects.’

  4. Ensure pop-ups and redirects are blocked.

  5. Change Link Behavior:

  6. Some versions of Edge include settings to change how links open. Look for options under ‘Tabs.’

Firefox

  1. Block Pop-Ups:
  2. Go to ‘Options’ > ‘Privacy & Security.’

  3. Under ‘Permissions,’ ensure ‘Block pop-up windows’ is checked.

  4. Control New Tabs:

  5. Look under ‘Tabs’ and disable ‘Open links in tabs instead of new windows’ if desired.

2. Use Browser Extensions

If default settings aren’t enough, browser extensions can give you even more control.

Recommended Types of Extensions:

  • Pop-up Blockers: These stop or warn you about popup tabs before they appear.
  • Ad Blockers: They filter out ad scripts that typically open new tabs.
  • Tab Management Tools: Help restrict or organize how new tabs are created.

Popular Examples

  • “uBlock Origin” for Chrome/Edge/Firefox
  • “Popup Blocker (strict)” for Chrome

Tip: After installing any extension, review its permissions to ensure your privacy.

3. Update or Reset Your Browser

Outdated browsers may miss critical security fixes that prevent tab-hijacking. If unusual tabs keep opening:

  1. Check for updates.
  2. If the problem persists, try resetting browser settings to default.

Most browsers have a ‘Reset’ option in their advanced settings or troubleshooting menu.

4. Watch Out for Problematic Websites

Some websites are simply aggressive with ads or pop-ups. If you notice the issue is specific to a few sites:

  • Add those sites to your block or restrict list in your browser’s site settings.
  • Avoid using those websites or look for their ‘lite’/‘ad-free’ versions.

Best Practices to Keep New Tabs Under Control

Here are some practical tips you can implement every day:

  • Hover Before Clicking: Before clicking links, hover your mouse to preview the URL (usually shown at the bottom of your browser). This helps you spot suspicious or misleading links.
  • Middle-click/Open in New Tab Intentionally: If you want to open a link in a new tab, use a middle mouse click or right-click and select “Open in new tab.” This keeps you in control.
  • Disable Unwanted Extensions Regularly: Occasionally review your browser’s extensions and remove those you no longer use.
  • Keep Everything Updated: Regularly update your browser and extensions for the latest protection.
  • Use Private Browsing Mode: If you’re visiting an unfamiliar site, private/incognito mode often has stricter default privacy and pop-up settings.

Challenges You Might Face

While the solutions above are straightforward, here are a few hitches you could encounter:

  • Some Links Are Supposed to Open in New Tabs: Many legitimate links are designed to open in a new tab for context or to help you multitask. Blocking all may affect your productivity.
  • Pop-up Blocker Overreach: Aggressive blockers can break legitimate site functions—like online forms or chat windows.
  • Extensions May Conflict: Adding many blockers can slow your browser or create compatibility issues.
  • Missing Out on Site Features: Some features (like embedded content or downloads) might not work if you block all pop-ups and new windows.

Solution: Use browser “exceptions” to allow pop-ups for sites you trust, and dial back blocking where needed.

Managing Tabs for Productivity and Focus

Beyond blocking unwanted tabs, managing your tabs can vastly improve your workflow.

  • Use built-in features (tab groups/pinning) to organize open sites.
  • Close unused tabs regularly, or use extensions that suspend inactive tabs.
  • Use a session manager extension to save your open tabs and resume later.

When the Problem Is Malware or Adware

If, despite all precautions, tabs keep opening automatically, your computer may be infected:

  1. Scan for Malware: Use a trusted antivirus or malware scanner.
  2. Remove Suspicious Programs: Check your list of installed programs and browser extensions/add-ons. Uninstall any you don’t recognize.
  3. Reset Your Browser Settings: This can remove malicious scripts embedded in browser settings.

Be especially cautious if new tabs show strange ads, surveys, or fake security alerts.

Cost Tips

While most solutions here are free, a few tips can help you avoid unnecessary costs:

  • Most Effective Extensions Are Free: Popular blockers and security extensions often don’t require payment. Avoid scams selling “premium pop-up blockers.”
  • No Paid Shipping/Downloads Needed: Only use official browser extension stores—never accept downloadable installers from random pop-up sites.
  • Beware of “Anti-adware” Offers: Sometimes, fake pop-up tabs will offer to “fix” your browser for a fee—don’t fall for it!

A Quick Checklist to Prevent Websites from Opening New Tabs

  1. Check and adjust your browser’s pop-up and tab settings.
  2. Install reliable ad and pop-up blocker extensions.
  3. Update your browser regularly.
  4. Remove or disable unnecessary browser extensions.
  5. Avoid sketchy websites; use trusted alternatives.
  6. Scan for malware if the issue persists.
  7. Use browser exceptions where necessary for sites you trust.

Summary

Unwanted new tabs can be a real annoyance, but you have the power to stop them! By tweaking browser settings, using the right extensions, and staying vigilant with your software and browsing habits, you can enjoy a cleaner, smoother web experience. Always keep your browser and its security features up to date, and remember—you’re in control of your online journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I stop every website from opening a new tab in Chrome?
To prevent all websites from opening new tabs due to pop-ups, go to Chrome’s settings, navigate to ‘Privacy and Security’ > ‘Site Settings’ > ‘Pop-ups and redirects,’ and set it to block. For links coded to open in a new tab, there is no universal way to stop this without using a browser extension designed to override or block target attribute behavior.

Why do some legitimate sites open links in new tabs?
Many sites use target=”_blank” in their links to help users open important or external pages without losing the main site. This is intended to help your navigation, but overly aggressive use can be frustrating. Some sites also do this for security, so you leave the original site open.

Are browser extensions safe for blocking pop-ups and new tabs?
Most extensions from official browser stores are safe, especially popular ones like “uBlock Origin.” Always review permissions, read user reviews, and avoid installing from pop-up ads or unofficial sources to ensure security.

Can pop-up blockers block all annoying new tabs?
Pop-up blockers are highly effective, but some sites use creative ways to open tabs that may bypass them. You might need to combine pop-up blockers, ad blockers, and secure browsing practices for comprehensive protection.

What should I do if new tabs keep opening even after blocking pop-ups?
If you’ve blocked pop-ups and still deal with unwanted tabs, it could be from a malicious browser extension, adware, or malware. Run a full antivirus/malware scan, check your browser extensions, and reset your browser settings if needed.

Take these strategies onboard, and you’ll soon browse the web on your terms—no more unexpected tabs stealing your attention!

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