How To Stop Google Chrome From Automatically Opening New Tabs [2026 Guide]

I'm going to teach you how to stop Google Chrome from automatically opening new tabs. If you've ever found yourself frustrated by unintended new tabs popping up in your browser, you're in the right place.

Let's get into the process and regain control over your browsing experience.

Stop Google Chrome From Automatically Opening New Tabs [2026 Guide]

Startup behavior

To begin, open Google Chrome on your device.

We're going to access the browser settings.

Look at the top right corner where you'll see the three vertical dots.

This is the More menu.

Click on it to reveal a drop-down menu.

From here, find and click on Settings.

Once you're in the Settings menu, look to the left side.

You'll notice a list of options.

Scroll down until you reach On startup.

Selecting this brings you to a page where you can customize what happens each time you open Chrome.

You now have a choice to make.

There are a couple of options here.

You can choose Open the New Tab page, which means that each time you start Chrome, you'll be greeted by a new blank tab.

Alternatively, you can select Open a specific page or set of pages.

If there's a particular website or set of websites you regularly visit, this option allows you to set them as your startup pages.

For those opting to open a specific page or set of pages, you'll see another option called Use current pages.

Click on it and whatever tabs you currently have open will become your startup pages.

It's as straightforward as that.

If you also want to customize what appears on a fresh tab, see new tab page.

Extensions check

After addressing startup settings, it's crucial to inspect any installed extensions.

These small but powerful tools can greatly enhance your browsing experience yet occasionally cause unsolicited tabs to open.

To check out your extensions, head back to the main Settings menu by clicking Settings again.

This time, find the Extensions option.

Carefully review the list of extensions you have here.

Sometimes you might spot an unfamiliar or unnecessary extension.

These can often be the culprits behind unwanted tabs.

Should you find one you don't recognize or no longer need, it's time to remove it.

Click the Remove button next to the extension in question.

This action will uninstall the extension from Chrome, helping to prevent those pesky new tabs from appearing.

If some pop-ups are actually permission prompts, you can manage site notifications for specific websites.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps, you'll have more control over what happens each time you start up Google Chrome or when you're in the middle of browsing. It's a good practice to periodically review the settings and extensions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free online experience. Enjoy faster, cleaner browsing in Chrome.

If you need a quick reset at any point, you can close all tabs and windows at once.