How to stop edge opening link in a new tab

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How to Stop Microsoft Edge from Opening Links in a New Tab

Microsoft Edge is a widely used web browser that offers various features to enhance user experience. However, some users might find it frustrating when links open in a new tab without their intention. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to prevent Microsoft Edge from opening links in a new tab, including understanding the underlying reasons, changing settings, and using extensions. Whether you’re a casual browser user or a tech-savvy individual, this guide will offer insights and practical solutions.

Understanding Edge’s Behavior

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why Microsoft Edge opens links in new tabs. Several factors can lead to this behavior:

  1. Web Design: Many websites are designed with features that force links to open in new tabs (using the target="_blank" attribute in HTML).

  2. User Preferences: Edge can be configured to change how links open based on user preferences or system settings.

  3. Extensions: Certain browser extensions installed by the user may automatically adjust link behavior.

  4. Mouse Settings: If you’re using a mouse with special buttons, they might trigger new tab openings when you click links.

Changing Microsoft Edge Settings

To stop Microsoft Edge from opening links in new tabs, you can modify settings directly from the browser’s interface. Although there isn’t a direct toggle to stop all new tab behaviors universally, there are some adjustments you can make:

Disable Background Services

Sometimes, background services use additional resources when opening links. Disabling these can help streamline your browsing experience.

  1. Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three horizontal dots in the upper right corner.

  2. Go to Settings.

  3. Click System and Performance.

  4. Disable the options related to background services.

This won’t directly prevent links from opening in new tabs, but it may improve overall performance and limit interruptions.

Adjust Your Default Browser Settings

Ensure that Microsoft Edge is your default browser. Sometimes, links might open in a different browser (like Chrome or Firefox) if they’re set to open in one of those instead.

  1. Open Settings on your Windows device.

  2. Navigate to Apps and then Default apps.

  3. Scroll down to find your current default browser settings and set Microsoft Edge as the default for all applicable file types and protocols.

Modify Privacy and Security Settings

Your privacy settings can also influence how links open.

  1. Again, access Settings in Edge.

  2. Select Privacy, Search, and Services.

  3. Review the options under Security and Privacy. Try adjusting your permissions and see if that helps manage how links behave.

Browser Extensions

In some cases, there might not be an inherent setting to prevent links from opening in new tabs. In situations like these, browser extensions may provide a solution. Consider using extensions to control link behavior within Edge.

Recommended Extensions

  1. Tabs Control: This extension allows users to exert more control over tab behavior. You can customize how links are handled, reducing unwanted tab openings.

  2. Link Blockers: Various extensions prevent specific links from opening in new tabs, giving you a granular level of control. Search the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store for options that suit your needs.

How to Install Extensions

  1. Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to the Edge Add-ons store.

  2. Browse or search for the required extension.

  3. Click on the extension, then on Get to begin the installation.

  4. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

  5. Configure the extension settings to fit your requirements.

Mouse and Trackpad Settings

If you’re using a mouse or trackpad, alterations in their settings may also cause unexpected tab openings. Here’s how to adjust those:

Mouse Settings

  1. Access Control Panel on your Windows device.

  2. Click on Mouse settings.

  3. Go to the Buttons tab. Check if the configuration allows links to open in a new tab when you click the mouse wheel, and adjust this setting as necessary.

Trackpad Settings

If you are using a laptop, the trackpad settings can also cause links to open in a new tab:

  1. Go to Settings on your Windows device.

  2. Click Devices and then Touchpad.

  3. Review the sensitivity and gesture configurations. Disable any gestures that may trigger link openings in new tabs.

Operating System Settings

Occasionally, user preferences set at the operating system level can impact how Microsoft Edge behaves.

Windows Settings

Microsoft Edge operates within the Windows environment. Therefore, certain Windows settings can influence link behavior.

  1. Open Settings and navigate to Ease of Access.

  2. Adjust the Mouse settings under the Mouse Pointer and ensure you don’t have features enabled that would complicate clicks.

  3. Check Ease of Access Mouse Settings to evaluate whether you need to enable or disable certain features.

Modify Registry Settings (Advanced Users)

If the previous solutions don’t suffice, advanced users can manipulate registry settings. This is only recommended if you’re confident in modifying system files:

  1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.

  2. Type regedit and hit Enter.

  3. Navigate to:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMain

  4. Look for the TabProcGrowth value and modify it to change how tabs are processed. Make sure to back up the registry before making changes.

  5. Make alterations carefully, ensuring not to disrupt the existing functionality of your browser or operating system.

Give Feedback to Microsoft

If you continue experiencing frustrations with link behavior that opens in new tabs, consider providing feedback to Microsoft.

  1. Click on the three horizontal dots in the top right corner of Edge.

  2. Select Help and Feedback.

  3. Choose Send feedback to report your experience.

By voicing concerns, you help improve Microsoft Edge for all users.

Conclusion

Managing how Microsoft Edge handles links, particularly when they open in new tabs, can be a nuanced task. With a mix of browser settings, user preferences, extensions, and system configurations, there are numerous strategies to tackle this inconvenience.

By understanding how Microsoft Edge interacts with links and applying the solutions provided, you can create a more streamlined and customized browsing experience. Whether it’s tweaking settings, installing extensions, or adjusting mouse configurations, your browsing can become more efficient and enjoyable.

Investing time in these adjustments will pay off in the form of reduced frustration and a more tailored online experience. If these solutions prove ineffective, always keep an eye on updates from Microsoft, as they continually evolve their browser to enhance user satisfaction.

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