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3 tips to customize the Google Chrome New Tab page

Stefan
Stefan
October 6, 2020
Google Chrome New Tab page customization

The new tab in Google Chrome has a standard appearance, at first glance there is not much you can change about the new tab.

However, it is possible to change the tab with some alternative extensions and functionality.

When you open the new tab in Google Chrome, you will see an address bar, the Google Chrome logo, and the most visited websites displayed in boxes.

To start, let's see what we can change about the default new tab in Chrome.

Google Chrome New Tab page customization

Delete shortcuts

By default, the new tab in Google Chrome displays the websites you've visited most as shortcuts. You can remove these shortcuts (websites) from the overview.

Hover over the shortcut, hold your mouse on it, three dots will appear. Click on the three dots and select Edit Shortcut.

remove shortcut google chrome new tab

A new window will now appear where you can edit or delete the shortcut. Click Remove to remove the shortcut from the new tab in Google Chrome.

remove shortcut google chrome

At the bottom of the new tab you will find two more options to restore the deleted shortcut or to show the default shortcut.

restore default shortcuts google chrome

Set blank new tab

If you have a slower computer or you prefer a completely white/blank tab, you can use the following extension to set your tab settings to blank/empty.

Very simple, install the extension and the new tab in Chrome will be blank every time you open it.

Blank tab extension

blank tab set google chrome

Setting an empty tab in Google Chrome makes using Google Chrome a lot faster.

Read also
Google Chrome no longer opens? Try these tips!

Set the website as a new tab of your choice

If you prefer to set up your own website that opens when you open a new tab, you can do so with the following tip. The browser extension NewTab redirect helps you set up a website of your choice that opens when you open a new tab.

NewTab redirect extension

Install the NewTab redirect extension. Click on the puzzle piece icon in the Chrome menu bar. Then click on the pin icon to display the New Tab redirect browser extension in the menu bar of Google Chrome.

set extension on top

Click on the New Tab redirect extension in the menu bar. Open the Options from the menu to set a new tab website.

new tab redirect extension options

In the NewTab redirect extension settings. In the field under “Redirect URL” enter the website you wish to open every time a new tab is opened in Google Chrome. Then click the Save button to make the settings active.

set new tab website

You have now set up a website that opens when you open a new tab in Google Chrome.

Maybe another one install theme in Google Chrome?

I hope this helped you. Thank you for reading!


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13 comments

  1. Hello Stefan,
    This week I performed an update to Windows 11 that was ready. However, this failed. Everything was put back. Apparently this did not work because I now have a black desktop with icons that no longer work, a task bar that no longer even remotely resembles Windows 11. A start button that no longer works. I can only turn off my laptop by holding the on/off button for 5 seconds.
    On October 27, I made a backup of my C drive in the manner you indicated in your newsletter. But how do I finish restoring the backup?
    I can still work on this laptop with the output window and enter commands there.
    The explorer also still works.
    I hope you understand my problem as I described it. Please help if possible.
    thanks in advance
    Ronnie

    To answer

    1. Hello, you can boot the computer in safe mode and try to restore a restore point:
      https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/windows-tips/windows-11-opstarten-in-veilige-modus/
      https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/windows-tips/windows-herstelpunt-maken-en-terugzetten-uitgebreide-instructie/ (ref: restore point)

      I also recommend, if the above does not work, to do this:
      https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/windows-tips/systeemherstel-uitvoeren-als-uw-computer-niet-meer-opstart/

      I suspect from reading the above that this is due to third-party software, so also check recently installed software and remove all unused or unnecessary software in safe mode.
      Success!

      To answer

    1. Hello, I don't understand exactly what you mean. I'm guessing that opening a tab takes you directly to this website?
      This can be done with the instructions “Set the website as a new tab of your choice” via the “new tab redirect” extension. You can find this information in this article. If you mean something else, please provide a clear explanation of what exactly you want to achieve.
      Success!

      To answer

      1. Hallo,

        I actually mean the following:
        When clicking on a link, immediately display the tab that opens.

        It's difficult to explain, but from your answer I can deduce that you understand what I mean.

        To answer

  4. Hello Stefan
    When I open a new tab in Google Chrome, the Add Quick Link button (+ button) is missing.
    How do I get it back?
    Thank you in advance!
    Regards
    An

    To answer

  5. Dear Stefan, I have a new laptop with Windows 10. I have a few problems:

    1. When I click on the app at the bottom of the taskbar 'chrome' I always get a new window. But I want a new tab and not tons of windows. How do I change that?
    2. I have an elite book from HP and it has fn lock and Caps lock and in no time I only have uppercase letters instead of lowercase letters. Now I can turn that off every time, but how do I change it permanently? Because as I type this is changing very quickly.
    3. Sometimes I select a folder in explorer but always select four with one click. What am I doing wrong?
    4. Unexpectedly, my PC suddenly continues with capital letters because of the intelligent system, I think, but I find it very frustrating. How do I turn this off? I hope you can help me further!
    To answer

  6. Hi Stephen,

    I just asked a question about new tab. I have found the solution! You can find out in two ways: ask the question in English, or click on the circle at the top right with the arrow pointing down and then the URL will be there... chrome://newtab and I can start it as a second page in settings.

    Please delete my previous question or add this.

    Yours faithfully,
    Hans

    To answer
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