You can use an add-on to specify a different new tab page. Here are some options I learned about last year:

• If you already use either the "Classic Theme Restorer" or "Tab Mix Plus" extension: There is an option somewhere (!) in its extensive settings dialogs to select a different new tab page.

• If you want to use your home page on the new tab: Try https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/new-tab-homepage/

• If you want to set a different page or a completely blank page: Try https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/new-tab-override/

• If you want the cursor to move into the search box on Google: Try https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/custom-new-tab/

Please only use one of these methods at a time, otherwise there may be conflicts and dysfunctionality.

Setting up New Tab Override and Custom New Tab

After installing one of these extensions, you need to use its preferences dialog/page to set the desired new tab page.

Open the Add-ons page using either:

• Cmd+Shift+a (Windows: Ctrl+Shift+a)
• "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons

In the left column, click Extensions. Then on the right side, find New Tab Override or Custom New Tab and click its Preferences button (on Windows: Options button).

thank you!!!!

installed https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/custom-new-tab/ and did as you instructed. However whenever Google opens, the cursor is NOT in the Google search box.

Hmm, I see there was a new version earlier this month that I hadn't noticed before, and he changed how the options dialog works and seems to have a toolbar button:

Is that not working?

I don't understand. I have no tool bar.

Whoops, I think that screen shot is for a new version that will only work in Firefox 48 and later. The classic version still uses the old dialog (screen shot attached).