How to Fix Chrome Keeps Opening New Tabs

Introduction

If you find that Chrome keeps opening new tabs by itself, this can be both frustrating and disruptive. This issue may be caused by malware, unwanted extensions, or incorrect settings. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to stop Chrome from opening tabs automatically on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Quick Fixes to Try First

• Restart your computer.
• Clear your browser cache and cookies.
• Update Chrome to the latest version.

Scan for Malware and Adware

Windows

1. Open Chrome and navigate to Settings by clicking the three dots in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Privacy and Security > Security.
3. Under “Advanced,” click Clean up computer.
4. Click Find to scan for harmful software.

macOS

For macOS, you may need to use a trusted third-party antivirus tool to scan for malware, as Chrome’s cleanup tool is unavailable on this platform.

Linux

Use an antivirus tool like ClamAV to scan your system for malware.

Remove Suspicious Extensions

Extensions can cause Chrome to open tabs automatically. To manage them:

1. Navigate to chrome://extensions in your browser.
2. Review the list of installed extensions and identify any that you do not recognize.
3. Remove suspicious extensions by clicking Remove next to their name.

Reset Chrome Settings

Resetting Chrome can help resolve persistent issues:

1. Go to Settings > Advanced.
2. Under “Reset and clean up,” click Restore settings to their original defaults.
3. Click Reset settings in the confirmation dialog.

Check Startup Pages

Ensure that unwanted tabs are not set to open on startup:

1. Open Settings and navigate to On startup.
2. Choose Open the New Tab page or Open a specific page or set of pages and manage them accordingly.

Run Chrome Cleanup Tool

The Chrome Cleanup Tool is a useful feature for Windows users to remove harmful software:

1. Visit Settings > Privacy and Security > Security.
2. Scroll to Clean up computer and click Find.

Android and iOS

For mobile devices, ensure your apps are up-to-date and consider using mobile security apps to scan for malware.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and stop Chrome from opening tabs automatically. Regular maintenance, such as updating your browser and scanning for malware, can prevent future issues. If the problem persists, consider consulting the official Google Chrome Help for more detailed assistance.