Run a full system scan using Malwarebytes and your antivirus to remove adware or malware, as infections often cause random tabs even when Chrome is closed. 2. Disable all browser extensions at chrome://extensions, then re-enable them one by one to identify the problematic extension, commonly "Search Assistant" or "Web Discover." 3. Check Chrome settings under On startup, Appearance, and Search engine to ensure your homepage, startup pages, and default search engine are not hijacked, and reset the New Tab page to chrome://newtab. 4. Reset Chrome settings to default via chrome://settings/reset to fix corrupted profiles, which will disable extensions and clear temporary data without deleting bookmarks or passwords. 5. Review startup apps in Task Manager or System Settings and uninstall suspicious programs that may silently launch Chrome. Additionally, enable Chrome’s pop-up blocker under Privacy and security to prevent redirect scripts on specific sites from opening tabs. The issue is typically caused by adware or malicious extensions, so performing a malware scan and extension review resolves the problem in most cases, and treating this behavior as a security concern helps prevent further risks.
Google Chrome keeps opening new tabs for several common reasons — most of which are fixable once you identify the cause. It's usually not Chrome itself misbehaving, but rather an external factor like malware, extensions, or settings. Here’s a breakdown of the most likely causes and how to fix them.

1. Malware or Adware Infection
One of the top reasons Chrome opens random tabs is malicious software. Adware, in particular, is designed to generate traffic by launching unwanted pop-ups or new tabs — often promoting fake tech support, scams, or suspicious websites.
How to fix it:

- Run a full system scan using Malwarebytes (free version works well).
- Also use Windows Security (or your antivirus) to perform a deep scan.
- If you're on Mac, try Malwarebytes for Mac.
- Remove any suspicious programs from your system’s "Applications" or "Programs and Features."
Tip: If new tabs open even when Chrome is closed, it's almost certainly malware.
2. Problematic Browser Extensions
Some extensions — especially ones from unknown developers or that offer "free downloads," "ad blockers," or "coupon deals" — can hijack your browser and trigger unwanted tabs.

How to check:
- Open Chrome and go to chrome://extensions
- Disable all extensions temporarily (toggle them off).
- Restart Chrome and see if the issue stops.
- Re-enable them one by one to find the culprit.
Common offenders: “Search Assistant,” “Coupon Printer,” “Web Discover,” or any extension you don’t remember installing.
3. Hijacked Browser Settings or Homepage
Malware or shady software can change your startup page, default search engine, or new tab page to a malicious site that keeps spawning pop-ups.
To fix:
- Go to Settings > On startup and check what pages are set to open.
- Under Appearance, check “Show home button” and verify the home page URL.
- In Search engine, make sure your default search is set to Google (or your preferred engine).
- Reset the New Tab page to the default (usually
chrome://newtab
).
4. Corrupted Chrome Profile or Settings
Sometimes, user profile corruption can cause odd behavior, including random tab openings.
Try this:
- Open Chrome and go to chrome://settings/reset
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults
- Confirm the reset
This won’t delete bookmarks or saved passwords, but it will disable extensions and clear temporary data.
5. Other Apps Launching Chrome
Certain apps (especially bundled software, updaters, or pirated tools) may silently launch Chrome with specific URLs.
What to do:
- Check your Startup apps (via Task Manager on Windows or System Settings on Mac).
- Disable any unfamiliar apps from launching at startup.
- Review recently installed programs and uninstall anything suspicious.
Bonus: Check for Redirect Scripts on Sites You Visit
Sometimes, a single website uses scripts to open pop-up tabs. This usually happens once and doesn’t repeat unless you revisit the site.
- If it only happens on one site, avoid it.
- Enable Pop-up blocker in Chrome:
Settings > Privacy and security > Site Settings > Pop-ups and redirects > Block (recommended)
In most cases, the issue comes down to adware or a bad extension. Start with a malware scan and extension review — that fixes the problem over 80% of the time.
Basically, if Chrome keeps opening tabs on its own, treat it like a security red flag and clean up your system. It’s not normal behavior, and ignoring it could lead to more serious issues.
The above is the detailed content of Why does Google Chrome keep opening new tabs?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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