Chrome keep opening new tabs or windows on its own

Some people using Google Chrome on Windows 11/10 have been reporting that the web browser keeps opening new tabs irrespective of any command from the user. There can be a ton of causes for this issue, but the main ones are narrowed down to adware, corrupt installation, background applications, rogue extensions, etc. Today, we will be taking a look at the fixes for this issue.

Chrome browser automatically opens a new tab

We will be taking a look at the following fixes to get rid of this issue:

Remove Browser Extensions.
Disable applications from running in the background.
Run a Malware Scan.
Reset or Reinstall Google Chrome.
Configuring the Google Chrome Search Settings.

Chrome keeps opening new tabs or windows on its own

1] Remove conflicting Browser Extensions

There are high chances that the extensions and toolbars installed on your browser might be conflicting with the loading of your website. So, to fix that, you need to remove or disable these extensions and toolbars. Maybe you could start Chrome in Safe Mode and then try o identify the offending extension.

2] Disable applications from running in the background

Start by launching the Google Chrome browser. Now, click on the menu button on the top right corner, and from the drop-down, select Settings.

Scroll down and click on the button named as Advanced.

Under the Section of System, Turn off the toggle for Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed.

Restart Google Chrome and check if that fixes your issues.

3] Run a Malware Scan

As mentioned before, this problem can occur due to some changes made by malware or adware. Therefore, scan your whole system for malware or adware. Use any antivirus software to scan your computer.

You may want to also use AdwCleaner. This useful freeware lets you carry out the following tasks with the click of your button:

4] Reset or Reinstall Google Chrome

Hit the WINKEY + R combinations to open Run and then navigate to the following path-

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data

Now, select the folder named as Default and hit the Shift+Delete button combinations and then click on Yes for the confirmation prompt you get.

After deleting the Default folder, open Google Chrome and click on the Menu button denoted by three verticle dots in the top right corner.

Then, click on Settings. In the Settings section, scroll down and click on Advanced to reveal the Advanced Settings.

Now, scroll down to the Restore Settings to their original defaults button and click on it.

This will now give you a prompt like this-

Click on Reset, and this will reset Chrome browser.

Now check if your issue is fixed or not.

Alternatively, you can download and install the latest version of Google Chrome after uninstalling it completely from your computer.

5] Configuring the Google Chrome Search Settings

Start by opening Google Chrome and type any search term in the address bar and hit Enter.

It will open the Google Search Engine.

In the top right corner, you will find the Settings button, select it and from the drop-down menu, select Search settings.

Scroll down to the new page that opens, and make sure that the Open New Window for each result is set to Unchecked.

Save the changes and check if your issue is now fixed.

I hope something helps!

Why is Chrome opening new tabs by itself?

Chrome may open new tabs by itself due to adware, a browser hijacker, or problematic extensions. Remove suspicious extensions, run a malware scan, and restore Chrome settings to default to resolve this.

Why does Chrome keep opening random windows?

Chrome may open random windows due to background processes and extensions that run even when the browser is closed. To resolve this, try disabling unnecessary extensions and background apps to see if it prevents new tabs from opening unexpectedly. Also run AdwCleaner to check for browser infections..