Safari "New Window" shortcut (⌥⌘N) doesn't work

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Level 1

18 points

Safari "New Window" shortcut (⌥⌘N) doesn't work

This has been a longstanding issue for me. Using the shortcut does nothing. This issue persists even after quitting Safari, rebooting my computer, etc.

The ONLY time I can get it to work is after clicking on "File" in the menu bar then returning to Safari. It will then work for the remainder of my session. If I quit Safari and then re-open it, the shortcut again doesn't work.

Does anyone know of a permanent fix?

2021 MacBook Pro M1 Pro

macOS 14.6.1 (23G93)

Safari Version 17.6 (19618.3.11.11.5)

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 14.6

Posted on Aug 23, 2024 08:48 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

yubitubee

Level 1

8 points

Sep 20, 2024 10:01 AM in response to mdsutcliffe

I have the same issue. Setting prefer tabs to "Never" fixes the issue but that's not what I want.

I prefer tabs always, unless I specifically use a shortcut telling Safari to open a new window.

macOS Sequoia 15.0

Safari Version 18.0 (20619.1.26.31.6)

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Answer 2

mdsutcliffe Author

Level 1

18 points

Aug 23, 2024 10:08 AM in response to 6x6

For me, ⌘N and ⌘T both open up new tabs, not windows.

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Answer 3

Aug 26, 2024 02:05 PM in response to 6x6

No luck. What operating system are you using? I am on Sonoma 14.6.1

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Answer 4

6x6

Level 6

18,183 points

Aug 23, 2024 10:03 AM in response to mdsutcliffe

The keyboard shortcut in Safari to open a new non-private window is command + N; For a private window, shift + command + N.

If the latter shortcut does not work, go to Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Mission Control and turn off Show Notification Center.

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Answer 5

mdsutcliffe Author

Level 1

18 points

Aug 23, 2024 10:11 AM in response to mdsutcliffe

I did learn that in my computer settings under "Desktop & Dock", I have "Prefer tabs when opening documents" set to "Always". If I have it set to "Never", then ⌘N works to open a new window.

I want to always prefer tabs, unless I specifically request a new window with ⌥⌘N in Safari.

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Answer 6

mdsutcliffe Author

Level 1

18 points

Aug 26, 2024 05:22 PM in response to cwillyapple

From original post:

2021 MacBook Pro M1 Pro

macOS 14.6.1 (23G93)

Safari Version 17.6 (19618.3.11.11.5)

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Safari "New Window" shortcut (⌥⌘N) doesn't work

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