Why do Chrome and Safari on Mac open new tabs/windows when clicking links?

Question

Why do Chrome and Safari on Mac open new tabs/windows when clicking links?

Hi, every time I click on a link in Chrome or Safari on my Mac, a new tab/window opens up. It seems like both browsers are malfunctioning. I can't open drop-down arrows on Google pages either and I can't use my Substack blogging post. Please can you help. A lot of the instructions to this problem are several years old and I don't have the settings that people suggest using. Thanks.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iMac 24″, macOS 14.2

Posted on May 27, 2025 07:42 AM

Reply

Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

153,634 points

May 27, 2025 09:33 AM in response to Londontechnophobe

Some websites are coded to do that automatically, but in general clicking a link will open it in the same window or tab.

In light of the other difficulties you are experiencing, review these suggestions: If Safari doesn't open a page or work as expected on Mac - Apple Support. They are overly broad, but generally applicable to any sort of webpage misbehavior with any browser.

Reply

Answer 2

May 27, 2025 10:03 AM in response to John Galt

Thank you. I’ll check that out. This is a brand new problem. Just started happening. Previously they all opened in same tab.

Reply

Why do Chrome and Safari on Mac open new tabs/windows when clicking links?

Similar questions