How To Fix Google Chrome Opening Unwanted Sites on New Tab Automatically [2026 Guide]

I’m going to teach you how to fix Google Chrome when it starts opening unwanted sites on a new tab automatically. You’re trying to get work done, but tabs and ads pop up out of nowhere. Follow these steps to regain control and enjoy a hassle-free browsing experience.

Fix Google Chrome Opening Unwanted Sites on New Tab Automatically [2026 Guide]

Check extensions

Open Google Chrome on your device. At the top right corner, click the three-dot icon to open the drop-down menu.

Hover over Extensions. Click Manage extensions from the submenu to view everything currently active in your browser.

Extensions can be the culprits behind unwanted sites and pop-ups, especially if you unknowingly installed a rogue or malicious one. Review the list carefully and look for anything suspicious or unfamiliar.

Click Remove on any extension you don’t recognize or no longer need. If you’re unsure which one is causing the trouble, start fresh by removing all extensions, then re-add only trusted ones.

Read More: Fix Google Chrome Opening New Tabs

Reset Chrome

Return to the main menu by clicking the three-dot icon again. Choose Settings to open Chrome’s configuration page.

Scroll until you see Reset settings. Click it to open the confirmation dialog.

Select Restore settings to their original defaults. This reverts any configuration changed by you or unwanted software back to Chrome’s original setup, removing pesky settings or redirection rules that were causing issues.

Confirm by choosing Reset settings in the dialog box.

Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults

Read More: How To Change The New Tab Page In Google Chrome

Restart Chrome

Restart your browser to apply the changes. Close Chrome completely, then reopen it instead of just closing individual tabs.

Following these steps should resolve the unwanted pop-up problem and return your browsing to normal. You should also avoid those tabs reappearing going forward, making your experience smoother and more reliable.

Read More: Create New Tab Google Chrome

Final thoughts

Address extensions first, then reset Chrome to defaults, and finish with a full restart. These simple steps remove malicious add-ons, revert altered settings, and clear lingering triggers. With that, your browser should stay clean and focused on the pages you actually want to open.