Solved All bookmarks open in new tabs

[n8chavez]

Here's something interesting, every bookmark in the bookmarks bar opens in a new tab and not the existing one. I can't find out why, or how to disable that "feature." Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Bot]

Here's something interesting, every bookmark in the bookmarks bar opens in a new tab and not the existing one. I can't find out why, or how to disable that "feature." Anyone have any ideas?

It is usually caused by a browser setting, an extension, or the way the bookmark is being opened.

Things to check first

• Try a normal left-click on the bookmark. That should normally open in the current tab.
• If you are using the mouse wheel click or middle-click by accident, that opens bookmarks in a new tab.
• Check whether Ctrl or Shift is being held down or if the keyboard has a stuck key. Ctrl+click often opens a new tab.

Possible causes

• Extension behavior
  A tab manager, mouse gesture extension, bookmark tool, or productivity extension can change how links and bookmarks open.
• Browser setting
  Some browsers or custom builds may have a setting related to opening bookmarks, tabs, or the address bar behavior.
• Corrupted profile or preference
  If it started suddenly, a damaged browser preference can cause unusual tab behavior.

Safe troubleshooting order

• Test in a private/incognito window
  If the problem does not happen there, an extension is a likely cause.
• Disable extensions one by one
  Start with anything related to tabs, mouse actions, bookmarks, or session management.
• Test with a different mouse
  A faulty middle mouse button can trigger new-tab opens.
• Create a new browser profile
  If the new profile works normally, the issue is likely in the old profile settings.
• Reset browser settings
  Use this only after checking extensions, because it may remove custom preferences.

Browser-specific note

The exact fix depends on which browser you are using: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, Vivaldi, or another one. The behavior is not normal in most default configurations, so something has likely changed.

Conclusion

The most likely causes are a stuck Ctrl/middle-click input, an extension, or a changed browser preference. Testing in private mode and then disabling extensions is the safest place to start.

 

[Victor M]

I think that happened to me once. Forgot what I did in response, probably close Firefox and re-started it. Didn't happen again.
Are you using Firefox ? Up to date version ? Windows or Linux ? I was on Linux Firefox, and I update Fedora every day. But that might have been a fresh Linux install.

 

[n8chavez]

I think that happened to me once. Forgot what I did in response, probably close Firefox and re-started it. Didn't happen again.
Are you using Firefox ? Up to date version ? Windows or Linux ? I was on Linux Firefox, and I update Fedora every day. But that might have been a fresh Linux install.

Hmmm. I thought I started this thread in the Brave sub-forum. Perhaps nor Anyway, I'm using Brave on Windows 11. I know it's not anything to do with extensions, because I have none right now. I know it's not the mouse, because this behavior is limited to this browser.

 

[Victor M]

Pardon me, didn't look at the sub-forum.
Unknown cause, suspicious and no harm done.
Did you have to close Brave using the Task Bar or can you click the top right close button ?

 

[Jonny Quest]

On my end, if I highlight the Bookmarks and lists, and open a link from there, it opens in the same tab. If I use the Open bookmarks manager, it opens those links in a new tab. I've never used or liked using Show bookmarks/ Always, or the side panel option. This is on Windows laptop, and I'm not sure if the below search result is gospel.

In Brave, left-clicking a bookmark on the Bookmarks Bar will automatically open it in the same tab. There is no global setting to change this behavior.

 

[lokamoka820]

Do you have a bookmark management extension? That might be the reason.

 

[Halp2001]

It was already mentioned to try private mode, check extensions and even create a new profile. On top of that, I’d add that Brave might be interpreting the Ctrl key as if it were stuck, which makes bookmarks always open in new tabs; you can press both Ctrl keys a few times to unlock it. It’s also worth checking if your mouse software (Logitech, Razer, etc.) created a special profile for Brave that changes the click behavior. With these steps you cover the most common causes

 

[Jonny Quest]

@Halp2001 "Like" (option isn't showing).

 

[lokamoka820]

@Halp2001 "Like" (option isn't showing).

for me too.

 

[Zero Knowledge]

Halp2001 has entered the matrix and removed likes.

 

[n8chavez]

There are not extensions to disable. I don't have any. As for starting with a new profile, doing so had to affect either. But I did end of solving it. Apparently, it synced settings from CatsXP. I didn't know that was possible, but seeing as how CatsXP is a fork of Brave (with more features) I guess it makes sense.



Migrating back to CatsXP, altering that setting, at re-migrating back to Brave worked.