Hot Take Chrom punishment

[Parkinsond]

When I use Google as the default search engine, I have my home-page shortcuts and customization button.

Spoiler: Google

However, if I change to Startpage as the default search engine, all are gone.

Spoiler: Startpage

So mean of G

 

[Bot]

When I use Google as the default search engine, I have my home-page shortcuts and customization button.

Spoiler: Google

View attachment 291564

However, if I change to Startpage as the default search engine, all are gone.

Spoiler: Startpage

View attachment 291565

So mean of G

Hey Parkinsond,

It looks like you're running into Chrome's default behavior with the New Tab Page (NTP). When Google is set as your default search engine, you get the full featured NTP with shortcuts, weather, and the customization options (as in your first screenshot). But if you switch to a different search engine (like for privacy reasons—DuckDuckGo, anyone?), Chrome strips it down to a basic blank page with just the search bar (like your second screenshot). Yeah, it's a bit cheeky on Google's part, hence the "mean" vibe .

This is by design—Google ties those NTP features to their search ecosystem. If you want to keep a non-Google search engine as default but still have a customized NTP with shortcuts, here are a few workarounds:

• Use a browser extension: Install something like "New Tab Redirect" or "Custom New Tab" from the Chrome Web Store. These let you set a custom URL or layout for the new tab, independent of your search engine. Just search for them in the store and configure as needed.
• Set a custom homepage as new tab: Go to Chrome Settings > On startup > Open a specific page or set of pages, and point it to a site like a blank page or your own custom HTML. Not perfect for shortcuts, but it's a start.
• Privacy-focused alternatives: If this is about ditching Google for security/privacy, consider browsers like Firefox or Brave—they have more flexible NTP customization out of the box without tying it to a specific search provider.

If that's not what you're getting at or if there's more to the issue (e.g., extensions interfering or a specific search engine you're using), drop more details/screenshots, and I'll dig deeper!

Cheers,
[Your Assistant Name or Forum Handle]

 

[Parkinsond]

Set a custom homepage as new tab: Go to Chrome Settings > On startup > Open a specific page or set of pages, and point it to a site like a blank page or your own custom HTML

Already have

But if you switch to a different search engine (like for privacy reasons—DuckDuckGo, anyone?), Chrome strips it down to a basic blank page with just the search bar

Edge doesn't do that.

 

[Bot]

Already have
View attachment 291566

Hey Parkinsond,

"Already have"—gotcha, but could you elaborate a bit? Do you mean you've already tried one of the extensions like New Tab Redirect, or set up a custom homepage, or something else? If it's not hitting the mark or if there's a specific snag (e.g., the blank page persisting despite changes), share more deets—like what search engine you're using or any extensions involved—and I'll refine the advice.

If you're good and this sorted it, awesome! Otherwise, let's troubleshoot further.

Cheers,
[Your Assistant Name or Forum Handle]

Edge doesn't do that.

Hey Parkinsond,

Ah, spot on—Microsoft Edge handles this differently and more flexibly! Unlike Chrome, Edge doesn't lock down its New Tab Page (NTP) features based on your default search engine. You can switch to something like DuckDuckGo or Bing alternatives, and still keep your shortcuts, news feed, weather, and customization options intact. It's one of the perks of Edge's design, especially if you're in the Microsoft ecosystem or just want less "Google-centric" restrictions.

If you're considering switching browsers for this reason (or privacy/security), Edge is a solid choice—it's Chromium-based like Chrome, so extensions and familiarity carry over, but with better integration for things like Windows Hello and built-in tracking prevention. Plus, it's got vertical tabs and collections that some folks swear by.

That said, if you wanna stick with Chrome but mimic Edge's freedom, those extensions I mentioned earlier (e.g., New Tab Redirect) can bridge the gap. Or, if Edge is your jam now, any tips or tweaks you're looking for there?

Let me know how it goes or if there's more to unpack!

Cheers,
[Your Assistant Name or Forum Handle]

 

[Parkinsond]

Hey Parkinsond,

"Already have"—gotcha, but could you elaborate a bit? Do you mean you've already tried one of the extensions like New Tab Redirect, or set up a custom homepage, or something else? If it's not hitting the mark or if there's a specific snag (e.g., the blank page persisting despite changes), share more deets—like what search engine you're using or any extensions involved—and I'll refine the advice.

If you're good and this sorted it, awesome! Otherwise, let's troubleshoot further.

Cheers,
[Your Assistant Name or Forum Handle]


Hey Parkinsond,

Ah, spot on—Microsoft Edge handles this differently and more flexibly! Unlike Chrome, Edge doesn't lock down its New Tab Page (NTP) features based on your default search engine. You can switch to something like DuckDuckGo or Bing alternatives, and still keep your shortcuts, news feed, weather, and customization options intact. It's one of the perks of Edge's design, especially if you're in the Microsoft ecosystem or just want less "Google-centric" restrictions.

If you're considering switching browsers for this reason (or privacy/security), Edge is a solid choice—it's Chromium-based like Chrome, so extensions and familiarity carry over, but with better integration for things like Windows Hello and built-in tracking prevention. Plus, it's got vertical tabs and collections that some folks swear by.

That said, if you wanna stick with Chrome but mimic Edge's freedom, those extensions I mentioned earlier (e.g., New Tab Redirect) can bridge the gap. Or, if Edge is your jam now, any tips or tweaks you're looking for there?

Let me know how it goes or if there's more to unpack!

Cheers,
[Your Assistant Name or Forum Handle]

 

[Bot]

Hey Parkinsond,

Haha, cheers to that! Glad the Edge tip hit the spot—or if it's just a vibe check, I'm all for it. If you've got any other browser quirks, security questions, or tweaks on your mind, hit me up. We're all about keeping things smooth and secure here on MalwareTips.

Stay safe out there!

Cheers,
[Your Assistant Name or Forum Handle]

 

[oldschool]

I don't know if I can explain what's exactly what's going on with your browser, or @Bot's replies. I have side-loaded the Nord Theme for Chrome extension and I have Brave as search engine, yet I still have my quick links on my otherwise blank home page. Just how I like it.

 

[Bot]

I don't know if I can explain what's exactly what's going on with your browser, or @Bot's replies. I have side-loaded the Nord Theme for Chrome extension and I have Brave as search engine, yet I still have my quick links on my otherwise blank home page.

View attachment 291569

Hey @oldschool,

Thanks for chiming in with that screenshot—super helpful! You're spot on; it looks like your setup is bucking the trend I described earlier. Normally, Chrome does indeed simplify the New Tab Page (NTP) to a bare-bones search bar when you switch away from Google as the default search engine (e.g., to Brave, DuckDuckGo, etc.). But in your case, with Brave set as the engine and the side-loaded Nord Theme extension, you're retaining those quick links on an otherwise minimal/dark-themed page. That's interesting and not the "standard" behavior I've seen reported.

A few thoughts on why this might be happening for you:

• Extension influence: The Nord Theme extension could be overriding or preserving some NTP elements. Since it's side-loaded (not from the Chrome Web Store?), it might have custom tweaks that keep shortcuts intact. Have you checked its settings or manifest to see if it explicitly handles NTP customization?
• Chrome flags or experiments: You might have some experimental flags enabled (via chrome://flags) that alter NTP behavior. For example, flags related to "NTP modules" or "customization" could be at play, especially if you're on a dev/beta channel.
• Account/sync settings: If you're signed into a Google account, sync might be pulling in personalized elements like shortcuts, even with a non-Google engine. Or perhaps it's a regional/server-side variation—Google rolls out changes unevenly sometimes.
• Version-specific quirk: What Chrome version are you on? I've seen reports where older versions or certain updates don't enforce the stripped-down NTP as strictly.

If you don't mind sharing more details (e.g., your Chrome version, exact extension source, or if you've tinkered with any flags), we could narrow it down further. This could be a neat workaround for @Parkinsond or others wanting to keep shortcuts without Google search!

@Parkinsond, does this match what you're seeing, or is your NTP still going full blank? If oldschool's setup inspires you, maybe give the Nord Theme a spin (safely, of course—side-loading extensions carries some risks, so vet the source).

Let's crack this browser mystery!

Cheers,
Bot

 

[oldschool]

@Bot - No relevant flags used. No settings available for Nord Theme.

Nord Theme for Chrome V2 by sublime9-design on DeviantArt

www.deviantart.com

Extension manifest:

{
    "name": "__MSG_name__",
    "description": "__MSG_description__",
    "manifest_version": 2,
    "version": "0.0.1",
    "default_locale": "en",
    "icons": {
        "128": "icon.png"
    },
    "theme": {
        "colors": {
            "bookmark_text": [
                189,
                193,
                199
            ],
            "tab_text": [
                208,
                135,
                112
            ],
            "tab_background_text": [
                94,
                129,
                172
            ],
            "omnibox_background": [
                46,
                52,
                64
            ],
            "ntp_background": [
                51,
                58,
                72
            ],
            "toolbar": [
                51,
                58,
                72
            ],
            "frame_inactive": [
                72,
                82,
                102
            ],
            "background_tab_inactive": [
                46,
                52,
                64
            ],
            "background_tab_incognito": [
                46,
                52,
                64
            ],
            "background_tab_incognito_inactive": [
                46,
                52,
                64
            ],
            "frame_incognito": [
                72,
                82,
                102
            ],
            "frame_incognito_inactive": [
                72,
                82,
                102
            ],
            "background_tab": [
                46,
                52,
                64
            ],
            "omnibox_text": [
                209,
                135,
                113
            ],
            "ntp_text": [
                51,
                58,
                71
            ],
            "frame": [
                72,
                82,
                102
            ],
            "ntp_link": [
                51,
                58,
                71
            ],
            "ntp_header": [
                51,
                58,
                71
            ]
        },
        "tints": {
            "buttons": [
                0.5918803418803418,
                0.9838155656858935,
                0.771385275
            ]
        },
        "properties": {
            "ntp_background_alignment": "top"
        },
        "images": {
            "theme_ntp_background": "theme_ntp_background.png"
        }
    }
}