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

How come I can't select to open in a new window instead of a new tab?

more options

I want to always use a new window rather than a new tab. How do I tell Firefox not to use tabs? Also I want to know why open minimized windows listed on the task bar won't restore when I click on them?

I want to always use a new window rather than a new tab. How do I tell Firefox not to use tabs? Also I want to know why open minimized windows listed on the task bar won't restore when I click on them?

All Replies (3)

more options

Perhaps this: Settings > General > Tabs > [deselect] Open links in tabs instead of new windows.

more options

This behavior is controlled by these two prefs on the about:config page.

Normal Links as set via "Settings -> General":

  • browser.link.open_newwindow
    1:current tab;2:new window;3:new tab;

JavaScript Links (not available via the UI):

  • browser.link.open_newwindow.restriction
    0:divert always;1:divert never;2:divert no features

You can open the about:config page via the location/address bar. If you get the warning page, you can click the "Accept the Risk and Continue" button.

cor-el trɔe

more options

This thread came back to life today, so let me mention if you never ever want a second tab in a window, I wrote an add-on for that (and there probably are others):

https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/i-hate-tabs-sdi-for-firefox/