How To Fix Google Chrome Keeps Opening New Tabs [2026 Guide]

I will teach you how to resolve the issue with Google Chrome that causes it to keep opening new tabs on its own. This is a common problem that can be quite frustrating, and we will address it with a series of easy to follow steps. For more help specific to this behavior, see automatic new tabs.

Make sure your Chrome is completely up to date. Outdated versions can cause unexpected behavior, and keeping your software current can prevent many issues.

Fix Google Chrome Keeps Opening New Tabs [2026 Guide]

Update Chrome

Open Chrome.

Click the three vertical dots in the upper right corner.

Navigate to Help and click About Google Chrome.

Allow this section to automatically check for updates and install them if necessary.

Check extensions

Check your settings for any unwanted extensions that could be causing this issue. Extensions can be helpful, but they can misbehave and cause problems such as opening new tabs randomly.

Click the three dots in the top corner.

Go to More tools, then Extensions.

View the list of your installed extensions.

Disable them one by one by toggling the switch off and checking if the problem resolves.

Once you pinpoint the troublesome extension, decide whether to update it, disable it permanently, or look for an alternative.

If you also run into links that refuse to open, see links not opening.

Scan for unwanted software

If disabling extensions does not solve the problem, check for malware or unwanted software that might be affecting your browser. Chrome has a built-in cleanup tool that can help with this.

Click the three dots and navigate to Settings.

Scroll down to Advanced and open the Reset and cleanup section.

Click Clean up computer.

Let the tool search for and remove any harmful software that could be causing your browser to behave strangely.

Reset settings

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, reset Chrome settings. This restores Chrome settings to their default state and often solves persistent issues. Resetting will disable all extensions and clear temporary data.

In the Reset and cleanup section, click Restore settings to their original defaults.

Click Reset settings.

If you run into an issue like an untitled blank page after changes, see blank page.

Startup settings

If none of these procedures work, tweak your startup settings. Control what opens when you launch Chrome and remove anything suspicious.

Go to Settings and open the On startup panel.

Choose Open a specific page or set of pages.

Review the list and remove anything you do not recognize or want.

Final thoughts

With these steps, you should be able to take control of your browsing experience and stop Chrome from opening new tabs on its own. Update Chrome, check extensions, scan for unwanted software, reset settings if needed, and review startup pages. These changes usually clear the issue quickly.