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Is Opera GX's Tab Highlight Feature Ruining Your Browsing Experience? Here's How to Disable It

By: Author Alex Lim

Posted on  - Last updated:

Categories Troubleshooting

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Will These Proven Methods Help You Remove Opera GX's Annoying Tab Highlight Forever?

Opera GX's recent Tab Highlight feature has sparked frustration among users who find the active tab highlighting distracting and disruptive to their browsing workflow. This gaming browser update automatically emphasizes the currently active tab, making it visually distinct from other open tabs. While intended to improve navigation, many users report that this feature interferes with their productivity and focus.

Is Opera GX's Tab Highlight Feature Ruining Your Browsing Experience? Here's How to Disable It

Why Users Want to Disable Tab Highlighting

  • Visual distraction during extended browsing sessions
  • Interference with established workflow patterns
  • Unnecessary emphasis that breaks concentration
  • Preference for minimalist tab appearance

Method 1: Adjust Theme Settings

The most effective approach involves modifying the browser's theme configuration:

  1. Navigate to Theme Settings in Opera GX
  2. Click the three horizontal lines located below the close button
  3. Select Themes from the dropdown menu
  4. Click Show All to expand theme options
  5. Access Advanced Configuration settings
  6. Locate the RGB controls and adjust the Lightness slider
  7. Gradually decrease lightness until the tab highlight blends with the background

This method allows you to maintain your preferred theme while eliminating the distracting highlight effect.

Method 2: Workspace Switching Technique

Some users have successfully resolved the issue through workspace management.

Switch between different workspaces within Opera GX This action resets the hover state across all tabs

The highlight effect may disappear temporarily or permanently

Method 3: Browser Downgrade (Advanced Users)

For users seeking a permanent solution, downgrading to a previous version eliminates the feature entirely:

  1. Download Opera GX version 118.0.5461.76 from the official website
  2. Locate your Opera GX installation folder on your system
  3. Navigate to the autoupdate subfolder
  4. Rename "auto_update.exe" to "auto_update.off" to prevent automatic updates
  5. Install the older version to restore previous functionality

Important Considerations

  • Disabling auto-updates may leave your browser vulnerable to security issues
  • Consider the trade-off between feature preferences and security updates
  • Monitor Opera GX forums for potential official toggle options in future releases