How do I stop links from opening in Microsoft edge?

How to Stop Links from Opening in Microsoft Edge: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of links opening automatically in Microsoft Edge without your permission? Do you want to take control over how links behave in your favorite web browser? Look no further! In this article, we’ll show you how to stop links from opening in Microsoft Edge and give you the power to decide how you want to interact with links.

Why Do Links Open Automatically in Microsoft Edge?

Before we dive into the solution, it’s essential to understand why links might open automatically in Microsoft Edge. There are a few reasons for this:

• Force New Tab: By default, Microsoft Edge is set to open links in a new tab when you click on them. This is because of a feature called "Open links in a new tab" in the browser.
• Pinned Sites: Some websites, such as Pinterest and Instagram, use JavaScript to open new tabs when you click on links.
• Microsoft Edge Settings: Your Microsoft Edge settings might be configured to open links automatically.

How to Stop Links from Opening in Microsoft Edge: A Step-by-Step Guide

Stopping links from opening automatically in Microsoft Edge is relatively easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:

Method 1: Disable "Open links in a new tab"

1. Open Microsoft Edge: First, open Microsoft Edge on your computer.
2. Click on the three horizontal dots: In the top right corner of the browser, click on the three horizontal dots (**) to open the Edge menu.
3. Click on Settings: From the menu, click on "Settings".
4. Click on "System": In the Settings panel, click on "System" from the left-hand menu.
5. Click on "Open links in": Under the "System" section, click on "Open links in".
6. Select "Current tab": In the "Open links in" dropdown menu, select "Current tab". This will prevent links from opening in a new tab.

Method 2: Disable Pinned Sites

If you’re experiencing issues with pinned sites opening new tabs, you can disable this feature:

1. Open Microsoft Edge: Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.
2. Click on the three horizontal dots: In the top right corner of the browser, click on the three horizontal dots (**) to open the Edge menu.
3. Click on Settings: From the menu, click on "Settings".
4. Click on "Extensions": In the Settings panel, click on "Extensions" from the left-hand menu.
5. Find the "Pinned Sites" extension: Look for the "Pinned Sites" extension in the list of installed extensions.
6. Click on the three vertically dotted lines: Next to the "Pinned Sites" extension, click on the three vertically dotted lines (⋮).
7. Enable or disable the extension: Toggle the switch next to the extension to enable or disable it. Disabling the extension will prevent pinned sites from opening new tabs.

Method 3: Use an Alternative Browser

If you’re still experiencing issues, you can try using an alternative web browser that offers more control over link behavior, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Use the "Settings" panel: Regularly check the "Settings" panel in Microsoft Edge to ensure that your link behavior is set to your liking.
• Use the " Task Manager": If you’re experiencing issues with an individual website, try closing the website’s tab in the Task Manager and relaunching the browser.
• Use a Browser Extension: There are several browser extensions available that can help you control link behavior, such as Link Blank or Link Manager.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve shown you how to stop links from opening automatically in Microsoft Edge. By disabling the "Open links in a new tab" feature and pinning site extension, you can take control over how links behave in your favorite web browser.

Remember

• To stop links from opening automatically in Microsoft Edge, disable the "Open links in a new tab" feature in the browser settings.
• To prevent pinned sites from opening new tabs, disable the "Pinned Sites" extension in the Edge Extensions panel.
• If you still experience issues, consider using an alternative web browser or a browser extension to gain more control over link behavior.

Take control of your browsing experience and say goodbye to unwanted link openings in Microsoft Edge!