How to Stop Automatic Tabs Opening in Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer, despite its declining popularity, is still used by many users for its simplicity and compatibility with certain websites. However, one common annoyance for users is the automatic opening of tabs when they start the browser. This feature can be quite distracting and may lead to a cluttered browsing experience. In this article, we will discuss how to stop automatic tabs from opening in Internet Explorer.
1. Adjust Internet Options
The first method to stop automatic tabs from opening in Internet Explorer is by adjusting the Internet Options settings. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open Internet Explorer and click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner to access the Settings menu.
2. Select “Internet options” from the dropdown menu.
3. In the General tab, you will find the “Home page” section.
4. Under the “Home page” section, there is a checkbox labeled “Use default.” Uncheck this box.
5. Next to the “Home page” field, you will see a button labeled “Use current.” Click on this button.
6. A new window will open, displaying the current home page. Close this window without making any changes.
7. Click “OK” to save the changes.
By doing this, you will set the current page as your home page, and Internet Explorer will no longer open additional tabs automatically.
2. Disable Add-ons
Another way to stop automatic tabs from opening in Internet Explorer is by disabling add-ons that may be causing the issue. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open Internet Explorer and click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner to access the Settings menu.
2. Select “Manage add-ons” from the dropdown menu.
3. In the Manage add-ons window, you will see different categories of add-ons, such as Toolbars and Extensions, Search Providers, Tracking Protection, and more.
4. Go through each category and disable any add-ons that you suspect may be causing the automatic tab opening issue.
5. Click “Disable” next to the add-on, and then click “OK” to save the changes.
Disabling add-ons can help identify the problematic add-on and stop the automatic tabs from opening.
3. Reset Internet Explorer
If the above methods do not work, you can try resetting Internet Explorer to its default settings. This will remove any customizations and settings, including the automatic tab opening feature. Here’s how to reset Internet Explorer:
1. Open Internet Explorer and click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner to access the Settings menu.
2. Select “Internet options” from the dropdown menu.
3. In the General tab, click on the “Reset” button.
4. A confirmation window will appear, asking you to confirm the reset. Click “Reset” again to proceed.
5. Internet Explorer will close and then reopen with the default settings.
By resetting Internet Explorer, you will stop the automatic tabs from opening, and the browser will start fresh with the default settings.
In conclusion, stopping automatic tabs from opening in Internet Explorer can be achieved by adjusting the Internet Options, disabling add-ons, or resetting the browser to its default settings. These methods should help you enjoy a cleaner and more focused browsing experience.