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Why can't I open a new window now? I prefer a new window to a tab.

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I like using Mozilla, I also like to open a new window, as opposed to a tab (that's just me I guess). I now have to Control W to get a window - can't the open be brought back? (and I don't always need the Private Window).

I like using Mozilla, I also like to open a new window, as opposed to a tab (that's just me I guess). I now have to Control W to get a window - can't the open be brought back? (and I don't always need the Private Window).

Chosen solution

In case you've turned on automatic private browsing, you can use the Options dialog to switch that off.

"3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Options > Privacy

Change the drop-down from "Firefox will: Never remember history" to "Firefox will: Use custom settings for history".

Then you can uncheck the box for automatic private browsing.

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All Replies (2)

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Hmm, how were you opening it before?

In Firefox 29 and higher, there is a menu button with 3 horizontal bars at the right end of the main toolbar. This should have "New Window" as an item. If you prefer to use the classic menu bar, and open a new window from the File menu, you can display the bar using any of these methods:

  • right-click a blank area of the tab bar > Menu Bar
  • right-click the "+" button on the tab bar > Menu Bar
  • tap the Alt key to display the bar temporarily, then View > Toolbars > Menu Bar
  • click the "3-bar" menu button > Customize > Show/Hide Toolbars

If New Window is not available and you only have New Private Window, then you may be in a private window already.

By the way, Ctrl+w should close the current tab, at least on Windows.

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Chosen Solution

In case you've turned on automatic private browsing, you can use the Options dialog to switch that off.

"3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Options > Privacy

Change the drop-down from "Firefox will: Never remember history" to "Firefox will: Use custom settings for history".

Then you can uncheck the box for automatic private browsing.