We're calling on all EU-based Mozillians with iOS or iPadOS devices to help us monitor Apple’s new browser choice screens. Join the effort to hold Big Tech to account!

This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

when i click on a firefox tab it opens in a new window - how do I stop this

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by cor-el

dennis.guerra
dennis.guerra
more options

When I (sometimes) click on a tab it opens in a new window - how do I stop this. I do not want a new window. I have Tried in 'safe mode', but the problem persists. I have refreshed firefox, but the problem persists, I have re-installed firefox, but the problem persists.

I do not wish to use another browser

When I (sometimes) click on a tab it opens in a new window - how do I stop this. I do not want a new window. I have Tried in 'safe mode', but the problem persists. I have refreshed firefox, but the problem persists, I have re-installed firefox, but the problem persists. I do not wish to use another browser

Chosen solution

You might be accidentally triggering the 'tear-off' feature to move the tab to a new window by slightly dragging the tab down if you click.

In Firefox 74 and newer there is a pref on the about:config page to disable tear-off and prevent moving the file accidentally to a new window.

  • browser.tabs.allowTabDetach = false

There is still "Move Tab -> Move to New Window" in the Tab bar context menu to use this feature.
You can drag the tab back to the Tab bar in the original window to undo the 'tear off'.
Firefox will automatically close the now empty window.

You can open the about:config page via the location/address bar. You can accept the warning and click "I accept the risk!" to continue.

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (4)

ARMAN KHAN
ARMAN KHAN
more options

hello dennis.guerra,

follow the steps:

  • click 3 horizontal lines at the top of your window. Select "Options..."
  • Click the "Tabs" icon at the top of the "Options" window.
  • Click the check box next to "Open new windows in a new tab instead." Click the "OK" button at the bottom of the "Options" window to apply your new settings. Warning.

thank you !

dennis.guerra
dennis.guerra Question owner
more options

The 3 horizontal lines does not offer "Options..." I selected "Preferences". In the "Tabs" section their is no "Open new windows in a new tab instead."

ARMAN KHAN
ARMAN KHAN
more options

Hello agin dennis,

3 horizontal lines means manu bar which is top right on firefox screen. 

But Firstly update your browser.

I think you have not latest version of Firefox

Please update your browser and follow my previous steps:

Update firefox:

Click the menu button , 

click. Help and select About Firefox. On the menu bar click the Firefox menu and select About Firefox.

The About Mozilla Firefox Firefox window opens. Firefox will check for updates and download them automatically.

When the download is complete, click Restart to update Firefox.

I hope resolved your problem then reply back to me.


Thank you and Regards,

Arman khan

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

Chosen Solution

You might be accidentally triggering the 'tear-off' feature to move the tab to a new window by slightly dragging the tab down if you click.

In Firefox 74 and newer there is a pref on the about:config page to disable tear-off and prevent moving the file accidentally to a new window.

  • browser.tabs.allowTabDetach = false

There is still "Move Tab -> Move to New Window" in the Tab bar context menu to use this feature.
You can drag the tab back to the Tab bar in the original window to undo the 'tear off'.
Firefox will automatically close the now empty window.

You can open the about:config page via the location/address bar. You can accept the warning and click "I accept the risk!" to continue.