--new-tab on linux command line opens new window even when an instance is already running
I sometimes invoke firefox on Linux by running the command
`firefox --new-tab` (with no argument to the new tab flag, I have this hooked to a keyboard shortcut).
This has always worked fine (opens a new instance of firefox if none is running; opens a new tab in the open window if there is one). Today I upgraded to Firefox 79.0, and unfortunately it seems that now running the above command opens a new window even if I already have one open. I guess this is a regression?
Chosen solution
Using -new-tab without a URL following isn't documented currently. Not sure whether it used to be documented:
https://developer.mozilla.org/docs/Mozilla/Command_Line_Options#Browser
You could add a URL to your shortcut (e.g., "about:blank").
Or file a bug if you don't need it for a while: https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/
Read this answer in context 👍 0All Replies (5)
~~It works properly for me~~ ~~firefox 79.0~~ ~~archlinux~~
~~proof: https://imgur.com/iJRU5gU~~
Modified by Chinmay
Hi DenverCoder9, does it seem to be a new instance of the identical Firefox, or are there differences? I'm asking because this can happen when your first instance of Firefox is not running what is recorded in various config files as your default Firefox profile.
To see which profile each window is using, you can check the Troubleshooting Information page. Either:
- "3-bar" menu button > "?" Help > Troubleshooting Information
- (menu bar) Help > Troubleshooting Information
- type or paste about:support in the address bar and press Enter/Return
In the first table on the page, find the Profile Folder row and check the last part of the path. Same profile? Different?
You might also check the Application Binary to see whether you have two Firefox installs.
Depending on what you find, we'll have different recommendations.
Oh no actually without specifying the website, it opens a new window for me too. The profile folders and the application binaries are the same in both the windows
ie `firefox https://duckduckgo.com --new-tab` opens a new tab in the already running window.
`firefox --new-tab` opens a new window
Modified by Chinmay
Thanks for the update, Chinmay.
@jscher2000, I just checked: the windows have the same profile directory and also the same application binary. FWIW also, if I just keep running the command, it is always opening a new window, even with the one it just opened still there.
Chosen Solution
Using -new-tab without a URL following isn't documented currently. Not sure whether it used to be documented:
https://developer.mozilla.org/docs/Mozilla/Command_Line_Options#Browser
You could add a URL to your shortcut (e.g., "about:blank").
Or file a bug if you don't need it for a while: https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/