How to Stop Links from Opening in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is a popular web browser developed by Microsoft, known for its speed, security, and compatibility with various websites. However, one of the most frustrating features of Microsoft Edge is the ability to open links directly from the browser’s address bar. This can be especially annoying when you’re trying to avoid distractions or multitasking while browsing. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to stop links from opening in Microsoft Edge.
Why Do Links Open Directly in Microsoft Edge?
Before we dive into the solution, let’s understand why links open directly in Microsoft Edge. There are a few reasons for this:
- Default behavior: By default, Microsoft Edge has a "Open link in new tab" or "Open link in new window" behavior, which allows links to open directly in the browser.
- Security features: Microsoft Edge has various security features, such as sandboxing and content blocking, which can cause links to open directly in the browser.
- Compatibility issues: Microsoft Edge may not be compatible with certain websites or web applications, leading to links opening directly in the browser.
How to Stop Links from Opening in Microsoft Edge
Now that we’ve understood why links open directly in Microsoft Edge, let’s explore the solution. Here are the steps to stop links from opening in Microsoft Edge:
Step 1: Update Microsoft Edge
Before we can stop links from opening in Microsoft Edge, we need to ensure that the browser is up-to-date. Here’s how to update Microsoft Edge:
- Windows 10: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Windows 11: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- macOS: Go to System Preferences > Software Update.
Step 2: Disable "Open link in new tab" or "Open link in new window" behavior
To disable the "Open link in new tab" or "Open link in new window" behavior, follow these steps:
- Windows 10: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Windows 11: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- macOS: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General.
Step 3: Disable "Open link in new tab" or "Open link in new window" behavior in Microsoft Edge settings
To disable the "Open link in new tab" or "Open link in new window" behavior in Microsoft Edge settings, follow these steps:
- Windows 10: Go to Settings > Microsoft Edge > Settings.
- Windows 11: Go to Settings > Microsoft Edge > Settings.
- macOS: Go to System Preferences > Microsoft Edge > Settings.
Step 4: Use the "Block pop-ups" feature
To block pop-ups and prevent links from opening directly in Microsoft Edge, follow these steps:
- Windows 10: Go to Settings > Microsoft Edge > Settings.
- Windows 11: Go to Settings > Microsoft Edge > Settings.
- macOS: Go to System Preferences > Microsoft Edge > Settings.
Step 5: Use the "Block pop-ups" feature in Microsoft Edge settings
To block pop-ups and prevent links from opening directly in Microsoft Edge settings, follow these steps:
- Windows 10: Go to Settings > Microsoft Edge > Settings.
- Windows 11: Go to Settings > Microsoft Edge > Settings.
- macOS: Go to System Preferences > Microsoft Edge > Settings.
Step 6: Use a third-party extension
To block pop-ups and prevent links from opening directly in Microsoft Edge, you can use a third-party extension. Here are a few options:
- uBlock Origin: A popular ad blocker that can block pop-ups and prevent links from opening directly in Microsoft Edge.
- AdBlock Plus: A popular ad blocker that can block pop-ups and prevent links from opening directly in Microsoft Edge.
- Block Site: A popular ad blocker that can block pop-ups and prevent links from opening directly in Microsoft Edge.
Step 7: Use a browser extension to block links
To block links and prevent them from opening directly in Microsoft Edge, you can use a browser extension. Here are a few options:
- Block Link: A popular browser extension that can block links and prevent them from opening directly in Microsoft Edge.
- NoScript: A popular browser extension that can block scripts and prevent links from opening directly in Microsoft Edge.
- uBlock Origin: A popular ad blocker that can block scripts and prevent links from opening directly in Microsoft Edge.
Conclusion
Stopping links from opening in Microsoft Edge can be a bit tricky, but with these steps, you can achieve your goal. By updating Microsoft Edge, disabling the "Open link in new tab" or "Open link in new window" behavior, using the "Block pop-ups" feature, using a third-party extension, or using a browser extension to block links, you can prevent links from opening directly in Microsoft Edge.