FF insists on using tabs instead of new windows
I have just started using FF again after a gap of a few years, and I cannot find how to make links open in a new window by default (I am sure that used to be possible?). I never want a tab (especially for a google search, or a news item, for example).
Many thanks.
All Replies (7)
Install this add-on
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/open-bookmarks-in-new-tab/
Hold down the Shift key and left-click a link to open the link in a new window.
Tools > Options > Tabs: [X] "Open new windows in a new tab instead"
- Press F10 or tap the Alt key to bring up the "Menu Bar" temporarily if the Menu Bar is hidden.
- Use "Firefox > Options" instead of "Tools > Options" if the menu bar is hidden.
amkeew: really don't want to use add-ons as I use multiple machines. Multiple addons = multiple installs; it's bad enough having to install two browsers just to do basic web stuff like banking, twitter, etc.
cor-el: OK, thanks, but how do I make that the default? Holding down the shift key only works if I am using a keyboard rather than using just the mouse to browse/surf.
Mike
The above mentioned extension will open all links in a new tab and not in a new window like you requested.
Did you check the setting in Firefox/Tools > Options > Tabs ?
Most links should open in a new window with that setting or in the same tab.
If that isn't the case then check your extensions.
Hi cor-el ... cannot follow. What/where is "Firefox/Tools" ? There's nothing on the icon bar called Tools, nor in the Firefox main (top left) menu?
As far as I know I have no 'extensions'.
Thanks -- Mike
You can see the Menu bar temporarily by first pressing the "Alt" key then the Tools menu etc as stated in Cor-el's reply it is all there including use of "Alt" key.
You are bucking the trend though with all browsers and with other applications, I think to your detriment. I would find it difficult using a browser without making use of tabs even though Windows 7 does have some features that might help with a very limited number of windows in an application though I don't like or use those particular Windows 7 features.
There is limited help for using only windows in the following two pages, but the purpose of the two pages is to help you to use tabs.
- Tabbed Browsing in Firefox
http://dmcritchie.mvps.org/firefox/tabs.htm - Tabs configuration, extracted from About:config entries - MozillaZine Knowledge Base
http://dmcritchie.mvps.org/firefox/tabs_config.htm
You can make Firefox 7.0.1 look like Firefox 3.6.*, see numbered items 1-10 in the following topic Fix Firefox 4.0 toolbar user interface, problems (Make Firefox 4.0 thru 8.0, look like 3.6). Whether or not you make changes, you should be aware of what has changed and what you have to do to use changed or missing features.
Many thanks for the instructions on how to get Tools/Options! I have just tried various Tabs options, and behaviour is much better now. I was actually looking for something that will make any link open in a new window (not just those with target="_blank"). However, what I have now is I think more usable than tabs :-).
Thanks again. I have another query, will put in a new question if I cannot find the answer.
Mike