How do I stop Google search results from opening a new tab?

Question

How do I stop Google search results from opening a new tab?

KramdenAntiVirus 0

After a recent update, I can't click on any Google search result without a new tab opening.

2 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Hendrix-V 11,680 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi KramdenAntiVirus,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

I understand how disruptive it can be when search results suddenly start opening in new tabs, especially after a recent update.

Here are some possible checking steps that you can try in this case:

1, Check Google Search settings

Go to Google Search
Select Settings > Search settings
Under Results, turn off “Open selected result in a new browser window”
Scroll down and select Save

Note: This setting is tied to your Google account and cookies, so it may reset after updates or clearing browser data.

2, Review Edge extensions

Open Microsoft Edge
Go to Settings > Extensions
Temporarily disable extensions (especially ad blockers, tab managers, or search tools)
Test Google search again
If the behavior stops, re‑enable extensions one at a time to identify the cause.

3, Reset Edge browser settings

Open Edge Settings
Go to Reset settings
Select Restore settings to their default values
Confirm

You can also try the same search in an InPrivate window. If links open normally there, the issue is almost always related to extensions or account‑based settings rather than the browser itself.

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

KramdenAntiVirus 0 Reputation points

2026-02-25T21:03:51.3233333+00:00

I don't know what is meant by go to settings for Edge or Google search settings. And I don't use a Google account because I don't want them knowing everything.
Hendrix-V 11,680 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-02-26T06:57:08.7733333+00:00
Hi KramdenAntiVirus,

Thank you for clarifying.

“Google search settings” is just a webpage, not an account setting and you can proceed with the steps below:

Open Microsoft Edge

In the address bar, type exactly https://www.google.com/preferences then press Enter

Go to Other settings, look for “Result in a new window”

Make sure it is unchecked / OFF

Let me know how it goes in the Comments section. Thanks for your time and effort.
KramdenAntiVirus 0 Reputation points

2026-02-26T16:42:24.55+00:00

It did not work.
Hendrix-V 11,680 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-02-27T07:51:57.67+00:00
Hi KramdenAntiVirus,

Thank you for updating.

At this point, please try checking for extensions:

Open Edge

Select the three dots (⋯) in the top‑right

Select Extensions

Turn OFF all extensions

Test a Google search

If it’s fixed, turn extensions back on one at a time to find the culprit.

Let me know how it goes. Thanks for your time and effort.
KramdenAntiVirus 0 Reputation points

2026-02-27T17:47:35.38+00:00

Extensions were turned off. I couldn't tell that they were, but once I turned them off, I got messages from AdBlock. So what I did must have been to turn them on. This should be labelled because no one should be able to tell which is which from what is there.
Hendrix-V 11,680 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-01T07:34:04.11+00:00
Hi KramdenAntiVirus,

In Microsoft Edge, extensions do not show “Enabled / Disabled” text. The only indicator is the toggle switch, which can be easy to miss.

How to tell extension status:

Blue toggle = On

Grey toggle = Off

When you turned extensions back on, the AdBlock notification you saw is the confirmation that it is active and working.

Here are some checking steps for you to try:

1, Confirm extension is On

Open Edge > Extensions > Manage extensions

Ensure the toggle next to the extension is blue

2, Verify activity

Reload a webpage

Look for AdBlock pop‑ups, blocked‑item counts, or badge updates

3, Avoid confusion next time

Toggle the extension Off > On once to force a visible confirmation

Keep only needed extensions enabled to reduce mixed messages

If there is anything else I can assist you with, please feel free to let me know in the Comments section.
KramdenAntiVirus 0 Reputation points

2026-03-06T18:51:00.0133333+00:00

I can't say what took place, but when I click on search results now, they do not open in a new tab.
Hendrix-V 11,680 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-07T06:11:12.4233333+00:00

Hi KramdenAntiVirus,

It sounds like the setting or behavior that was causing links to open in a new tab is no longer active. If everything is working the way you expect now, you’re all set.

If there is anything else I can assist you with, please feel free to let me know in the Comments section.

In addition, if you found the answer helpful, we’d really appreciate it if you could click "Accept Answer" and kindly give it an upvote. Your acknowledgment helps others facing similar situations find useful references and contributes to building a stronger community.
KramdenAntiVirus 0 Reputation points

2026-03-11T20:42:27.93+00:00

And now there has been another update, and it's doing it again.
Hendrix-V 11,680 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-12T05:58:08.56+00:00
Hi KramdenAntiVirus,

After some updates, browser components or saved preferences can be reapplied, which may cause search results to start opening in a new tab again.

Please retry these checking steps to restore the expected behavior:

1, Verify search preference (no account needed)

Go to: https://www.google.com/preferences

Ensure “Open selected result in a new browser window” is unchecked

Select Save

2, Check extensions

Open Edge

In the address bar, type: edge://extensions

Turn Off all extensions

Close Edge completely, reopen it, and test a search result

If resolved, turn extensions back On one at a time to keep the setting stable.

Let me know how it goes in the Comments section. Thanks for your time and effort.

Answer 2

To stop Google search results from opening in a new tab in Microsoft Edge, you may want to check your browser settings or any extensions that could be causing this behavior. Here are some steps you can take:

Check Extensions: Sometimes, browser extensions can modify how links behave. Go to the Extensions settings in Microsoft Edge by clicking on the three dots in the upper right corner, then selecting "Extensions". Disable any extensions that might be affecting link behavior, such as ad blockers or tab management tools.
Browser Settings: Ensure that your browser settings are configured correctly. You can reset your settings to default by going to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values.
Update Edge: Make sure that your Microsoft Edge browser is up to date. An outdated browser can sometimes cause unexpected issues.
Clear Cache: Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can also help resolve issues with how pages load. Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data.

If the problem persists after trying these steps, it might be related to a recent update or a specific configuration in your browser.

Share via

How do I stop Google search results from opening a new tab?

2 answers

Your answer