Open a link in a new tab without going to the newly opened tab

[yaldar]

I would like a way to open a link in a new tab without going to that tab.

[dosubot[bot]]

Hi @yaldar! I'm Dosu and I’m helping the desktop team.

You can open a link in a new tab without switching to it in zen-browser/desktop by disabling the setting "When you open a link, image or media in a new tab, switch to it immediately" in your browser preferences. With this setting off, opening a link in a new tab (for example, using SHIFT + scroll wheel click) will keep you on your current tab and show a "New background tab opened!" notification instead of switching focus to the new tab discussion.

Note: In some contexts like the Glances window, opening links in new tabs may behave differently or require recent updates for full support issue. If you need more details for a specific workflow, let me know!

To reply, just mention @dosu.

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[yaldar]

@dosu I already have that option toggled off and it still redirects me to the newly opened tab

[dosubot[bot]]

If the setting to stay on the current tab is toggled off but you’re still being redirected to the new tab, there could be a few reasons for this behavior. Some contexts (like the Glance feature or certain UI elements) can override tab settings, and there have been reports of similar issues in recent versions example.

To help narrow it down, could you share your zen-browser/desktop version and how you’re opening links (middle-click, Ctrl+click, right-click menu, etc.)? Also, check if the Glance feature is enabled in settings > look and feel—disabling it may change tab behavior reference. If you’re comfortable, you can also review about:config for these settings:

browser.link.open_newwindow
browser.link.open_newwindow.override.external
browser.link.open_newwindow.restriction
zen.urlbar.replace-newtab

Let me know what you find, and I can help with next steps!

To reply, just mention @dosu.

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[yaldar]

I had the value 3 for browser.link.open_newwindow, -1 for browser.link.open_newwindow.override.external, 2 for browser.link.open_newwindow.restriction, and true for zen.urlbar.replace-newtab

[yaldar]

My version of Zen is 1.17.12b (Firefox 145.0.2).
I am opening links through middle click and command+click

[yaldar]

@dosu Oh, never mind, it only happens on bookmarks