How to Fix Chrome Tabs Opening in New Windows When You Don’t Want Them To?

Why Your Chrome Downloads Aren’t Opening Where You Want Them To?

Google Chrome changed how it handles Downloads, History, and Bookmarks pages. These pages now open in new tabs instead of the same tab like they used to. Many users find this change annoying because it creates extra tabs they don’t need.

A Google Product Expert confirmed this change happened because Chrome updated how it handles tabs. There’s no direct setting to force these pages to open in the same tab anymore. The update makes managing tabs harder for many users who liked the old way better.

Quick Fix Without Chrome Flags

The easiest way to solve this problem is simple. When you want to open a bookmark in the same tab:

1. Long-press the bookmark you want to open
2. Select “Open in this tab” from the menu that appears

This method works every time. But you have to do it for each bookmark individually. It’s not a permanent fix, just a workaround.

Permanent Solution Using Chrome Flags

Chrome flags offer a better solution that fixes the problem for good. Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: Access Chrome Flags

1. Open Chrome on your device
2. Type this address in your browser: chrome://flags/#android-native-pages-in-new-tab
3. Press Enter to go to the flags page

Step 2: Change the Setting

1. Find the flag called “Android native pages in new tab“
2. Change the setting from “Default” to “Disabled“
3. Click the “Relaunch” button to restart Chrome

Step 3: Verify the Fix

After Chrome restarts, try opening your Downloads, History, or Bookmarks. They should now open in the same tab like they used to.

Why This Change Frustrates Users

Chrome’s new behavior creates several problems:

• Too many tabs: Extra tabs pile up quickly and make browsing messy
• Harder navigation: Finding the tab you need becomes more difficult
• Slower workflow: You waste time closing unwanted tabs
• Memory usage: More open tabs use more device memory

Many users prefer the old way because it kept their browser organized. The single-tab approach worked better for quick tasks like checking downloads or finding bookmarks.

Understanding Chrome Flags

Chrome flags are experimental features that let you test new browser functions. Google uses them to try different options before making permanent changes.

Important warnings about flags:

• These settings are experimental and might not work perfectly
• Google can remove or change flags in future updates
• Some flags might affect browser stability
• Only change flags if you understand what they do

The flag we used (android-native-pages-in-new-tab) specifically controls how Chrome opens internal pages like Downloads and History.

Alternative Approaches

If the flag method doesn’t work for you, try these options:

Use Keyboard Shortcuts

• Press Ctrl+J for Downloads
• Press Ctrl+H for History
• Press Ctrl+Shift+O for Bookmarks

These shortcuts might behave differently than clicking menu buttons.

Browser Extensions

Some Chrome extensions can modify tab behavior. Look for extensions that control how links and pages open.

Different Browser

If Chrome’s behavior really annoys you, consider switching to Firefox or Edge. These browsers might handle tabs the way you prefer.

Future Considerations

Google might change how this flag works in future Chrome updates. The company sometimes removes flags or makes them permanent features. If your fix stops working after a Chrome update, check if Google changed the flag’s behavior.

Stay informed about Chrome updates by checking Google’s official Chrome blog. They announce major changes that might affect your browsing experience.

The tab management issue shows how software updates can disrupt user workflows. Sometimes new features that seem helpful to developers actually make things harder for regular users. Your feedback to Google through official channels can influence future changes.

This Chrome tab problem demonstrates why understanding browser settings matters. Small changes in how your browser works can significantly impact your daily computer use. Learning to use flags and other advanced settings helps you customize Chrome to match your preferences.