Edge opens an additional "New tab" unexpectedly

Question

Edge opens an additional "New tab" unexpectedly

Daniel Hitson 0

How to eliminate the extra tab labeled "New Tab" that appears when I open certain files with Edge?

This only began recently. (Within the last few weeks or months?)

Among these files are internet shortcuts and PDF files.

Opening htm, html, mhtml, etc. files does NOT include the extra "New tab".

Opening via double-click or "Open with" doesn't make a difference.

I've included a screenshot of the offending nuisance with the unwanted "New Tab" circled.

I've tried many recommendations, but without any success.

Resetting Edge doesn't fix it.

Changing default file associations doesn't fix it.

Changing Edge's tab behaviors don't fix it.

Changing default file type assignments doesn't fix it.

I've tried every single suggestion in the following link, but nothing has resolved it: "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/2361337/how-do-you-stop-edge-from-opening-a-new-tab-every".

I'm running Edge Version 150.0.4078.48 (Official build) (64-bit) New tab

John Rambo-two 0 Reputation points

2026-07-30T13:38:08.2666667+00:00
I did this:

edge://setings/startHomeNTP

select: "Open Custom Sites"

select: "Show Home Button"

select: "Set New Tab page"
or select: "Set Custom Site" leave it blank or enter : "about:blank"

This worked for me.
John Rambo-two 0 Reputation points

2026-07-30T13:44:08.35+00:00

2 answers

Your answer

John Rambo-two 0 Reputation points

2026-07-30T13:38:08.2666667+00:00

I did this:

edge://setings/startHomeNTP

select: "Open Custom Sites"

select: "Show Home Button"

select: "Set New Tab page"
or select: "Set Custom Site" leave it blank or enter : "about:blank"

This worked for me.
John Rambo-two 0 Reputation points

2026-07-30T13:44:08.35+00:00

Answer 1

John Rambo-two 0

User's image

0 comments

Answer 2

Carl-L 21,485 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello Daniel Hitson,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

Before we proceed further, I noticed that the image you sent is from a new window of Edge. May I know if the same issue also happens when you try to open the files when Edge is already active?

I'm waiting for your reply.

Carl-L 21,485 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-08T09:44:59.84+00:00

Hello Daniel Hitson,

Just checking in to make sure that you have received my reply. Please let me know if you have any updates.
Glax-zg 0 Reputation points

2026-07-29T08:34:11.2566667+00:00
Hi Carl-L,

I am experiencing the same issue on my computer.

My browser version is Microsoft Edge Version 150.0.4078.105 (Official build) (64-bit).

The problem occurs when I click an external web link from applications such as WeChat or QQ on Windows. Edge opens the requested link correctly, but at the same time it also creates an additional blank “New Tab” tab. This happens with every external link I have tested, whether Edge is already running or completely closed.

I have already tried the following troubleshooting steps:

Disabled all Edge extensions

Disabled Startup Boost

Disabled background apps

Rebuilt the Edge session files

Reset the startup configuration

Repaired Microsoft Edge using its system-level installer

Checked for updates, but Version 150.0.4078.105 is currently the newest version offered to my computer

The issue still occurs.

I also captured the Edge process launched by WeChat. WeChat starts Edge only once and passes the URL correctly:

msedge.exe --single-argument https://bigmodel.cn/

Therefore, this does not appear to be caused by WeChat or QQ launching Edge twice. It appears that Edge 150 itself creates the additional blank New Tab when handling an externally launched URL.

Could you please escalate this issue to the Edge development team and confirm whether it is a known regression in Edge 150? Please also let us know whether a fix is planned for an upcoming update.

Thank you.
Carl-L 21,485 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-29T13:27:15.8466667+00:00

Hello Glax-zg,

Thanks for sharing this. I'll see what I can do. But you can also send your feedback directly to them using the settings > Help & feedback > Send feedback option. Thank you for your understanding.