Google Chrome is the most popularly known web browser used to surf the Internet. However, despite its popularity this browser is not without faults. Sometimes, we accidentally open new tabs on Chrome while searching or clicking on a webpage. These are not serious issues and a switch of Settings will fix them. But there are Chrome users that have complained that Google Chrome is opening new tabs by itself even when they don’t click on any hyperlink and have configured the settings correctly. This issue seems a bit serious and requires troubleshooting. This article will cover all the steps required to fix Google Chrome by opening new tabs by itself.
Different Methods On How To Fix Google Chrome Opening New Tabs By Itself On Windows?
Method 1: Check For “Open New Tabs” Shortcut Keys
You need to check your keyboard for hardware faults if you are facing this issue. The shortcut keys for opening a new tab in Chrome may be in a pressed state. This could be due to hardware faults and cannot always be identified by just looking at the keyboard. To check if this is the case, you need to launch the onscreen keyboard and check if the keys are pressed.
The default shortcut keys for opening a new tab on Chrome are Ctrl + T. Press Ctrl + Win + O to open the onscreen keyboard and check if the Ctrl and T keys appear to be pressed. If so, then try to release the Ctrl + T keys physically on your keyboard. You can try to unplug your keyboard and then plug it back again. Else you might need to replace your keyboard with a new one.
Also Read: Chrome Unveils Complete Google Password Manager UI With A Desktop Shortcut
Method 2: Alter Google Chrome Settings
Google Chrome has an in-built setting that allows users to search for webpages on a particular query and then when they click on each result it opens in a new tab. This is contrary to the default setting that allows users to go forward when they click on a search result and then have to come back to check another result. If your Google Chrome is opening new tabs by itself then you could perhaps try to alter the settings and check. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Open the Google Chrome browser and search for anything.
Step 2: The search results will now be displayed. Locate the Gear Icon in the upper right corner (Quick Settings) and click on it.
Step 3: Now a dropdown will open where you have to click on See All Search Settings.
Step 4: A new tab will open. Scroll down until you reach the “Where Results Open” section.
Step 5: Remove the check mark next to “Open each selected result in a new browser window”.
Also Read: 15+ Best ChatGPT Chrome Extensions Everyone Should Use
Method 3: Modify Chrome’s Startup Options
Some users configure it to open a bunch of new tabs every time the PC boots up. These settings should be changed. You need to change this from the PC startup options and Chrome’s Settings. Here is what you need to do:
Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Step 2: Locate the Startup Apps tab in the left panel and then locate Chrome on the right side.
Step 3: Make a right-click on Chrome and choose Disable to prevent it from opening new tabs on startup.
Step 4: Next, launch Chrome browser and click on the hamburger menu in the upper right corner.
Step 5: Choose Settings from the drop-down menu.
Step 6: Click on the “On Startup” tab in the left panel and then mark the circle beside the “Open The New Tab Page” option.
Method 4: Reset Google Chrome
Another option to try to fix Chrome opening new tabs by itself is to Reset the browser. Here are the steps to do that:
Step 1: Launch Chrome Browser and click on the hamburger button in the upper right corner.
Step 2: Choose Settings from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: The Chrome settings will now open in a new tab and you have to click on Reset Settings in the left panel.
Step 4: Click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” option located in the right panel.
Also Read: How to Manage Your Side Search Panel in Google Chrome
Method 5: Scan Your PC Using Antivirus
The final step to resolve Google Chrome opening new tabs by itself is to scan your PC using antivirus software. You may use any antivirus software you want to but if you ask us we recommend Systweak Antivirus. This amazing antivirus app is a real-time scanning and detection app that protects your PC from different types of malware. It also provides a free ad blocker extension and allows users to remove startup apps to boost boot time.
Also Read: How Antivirus Helps in Protecting Your PC
The Final Word On How To Fix Google Chrome Opening New Tabs By Itself On Windows?
These methods are what you need to follow if you are facing Google Chrome opening new tabs by itself on Windows PC. This issue can occur either due to certain settings or malware. You should always have a real-time antivirus like Systweak Antivirus running on your PC to protect your computer and avoid minor issues and errors.
Please let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or recommendations. We would be delighted to provide you with a resolution. We frequently publish advice, tricks, and solutions to common tech-related problems. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Flipboard, and Pinterest.