Stop Chrome from Opening Two Tabs
Does Google Chrome open two tabs every time you launch the browser? This issue can be confusing, especially if you only expect a single New Tab page or your preferred homepage to appear.
In some cases, Chrome opens an extra tab because of incorrect startup settings. In other situations, a browser extension, a corrupt user profile, malware, or an experimental Chrome setting may be responsible.
This guide explains why Chrome opens two tabs and walks you through every solution.
Why do Two Tabs Open When You Start Chrome?
Chrome can open two tabs during startup for several different reasons. The most common cause is an incorrect On startup setting that tells Chrome to open multiple pages. If two websites have been added to the startup list, Chrome launches both of them every time you open the browser.
Another possible reason is a faulty browser extension. Some extensions automatically open a welcome page or promotional website when Chrome starts. If more than one extension does this, multiple tabs may appear.
A damaged Chrome user profile can also create unusual startup behavior. Corrupted browser settings sometimes cause Chrome to ignore your preferred startup configuration.
In rare cases, unwanted software or browser hijackers may modify Chrome’s settings and force extra tabs to open automatically.
Keeping your browser updated and scanning your computer for malware can help eliminate these problems.
How to Stop Chrome from Opening Two Tabs [Complete Guide]
If Chrome opens two tabs every time you start it, work through the following solutions in order.
Each method addresses a different possible cause, making it easier to identify and fix the problem permanently.
Step 1: Check Chrome Startup Settings
The first thing to check is Chrome’s On startup settings. This controls what Chrome displays every time the browser launches.
Open Google Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the upper right corner. Choose Settings from the menu. In the left pane, click On startup. You will see three available options.
If Open a specific page or set of pages is selected, carefully review the list of websites. If you notice two pages listed, Chrome will open both of them each time it starts. Remove the unwanted page by clicking the menu next to it and selecting Remove.
If you simply want Chrome to open a blank page, choose Open the New Tab page instead. If you prefer to continue where you left off, select Continue where you left off.
After making the change, completely close Chrome and open it again. In many cases, this single adjustment immediately resolves the issue.
Step 2: Disable Recently Installed Extensions
Browser extensions can change how Chrome behaves during startup. Some extensions automatically launch a webpage every time the browser opens.
Open Chrome and type chrome://extensions into the address bar. Press Enter to display all installed extensions.
Carefully review the list. Think about whether the problem started after installing a new extension. Disable recently added extensions by switching off the toggle beside each one.
Close Chrome completely and reopen it. If Chrome now opens only one tab, you have identified the problematic extension.
Turn extensions back on one at a time until the issue returns. Once you find the extension causing the problem, remove it permanently by clicking Remove.
Using only trusted extensions from reputable developers helps prevent startup problems in the future.
Step 3: Review Chrome Shortcut Properties
Sometimes Chrome opens additional tabs because its desktop shortcut contains an extra website address.
Locate the Chrome shortcut on your desktop. Right-click it and select Properties. Open the Shortcut tab.
Look at the Target field. It should end with chrome.exe. If you notice a website address or additional text after chrome.exe, delete everything after the closing quotation mark while leaving the original Chrome path unchanged.
Click Apply, followed by OK.
Launch Chrome using the corrected shortcut. If the unwanted second tab no longer appears, the shortcut was responsible for the problem.
Step 4: Check Your Search Engine and Homepage Settings
Incorrect homepage settings may also cause Chrome to display unexpected tabs.
Open Settings in Chrome and select Appearance.
If Show Home button is enabled, verify that the homepage is set to the website you actually want to use. Remove any unfamiliar or unwanted addresses.
Next, click Search engine in the Settings menu. Confirm that your preferred search engine is selected. Browser hijackers sometimes replace search settings with unfamiliar websites that may open additional tabs.
Restart Chrome after making any changes to confirm whether the issue has been fixed.
Step 5: Update Google Chrome
Running an outdated version of Chrome can occasionally result in unexpected browser behavior.
Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu. Select Help, then choose About Google Chrome.
Chrome automatically checks for updates. If an update is available, allow it to download and install.
When the installation finishes, click Relaunch.
Using the latest version ensures you have recent bug fixes, improved stability, and better compatibility with browser extensions.
Step 6: Clear Chrome Cache and Temporary Data
Corrupted cached files may interfere with Chrome’s normal startup process.
Open Chrome settings and choose Privacy and security. Click Clear browsing data.
Select the Basic tab. Choose Cached images and files. You may also clear cookies if you do not mind signing back into websites afterward.
Click Clear data and wait for the process to finish.
Restart Chrome and check whether only one tab opens.
Step 7: Reset Chrome Settings
If incorrect browser settings are causing the issue, resetting Chrome can restore its default configuration.
Open Settings and choose Reset settings from the left menu.
Select Restore settings to their original defaults.
Read the confirmation message carefully and click Reset settings.
This process resets startup pages, search engine preferences, pinned tabs, and disabled extensions while keeping your bookmarks, saved passwords, and browsing history.
Open Chrome again to see whether the startup issue has been resolved.
Step 8: Create a New Chrome Profile
A damaged Chrome profile can cause unusual startup behavior that continues even after changing settings.
Click your profile picture in Chrome and select Add.
Choose to create a new profile. Give it a name and complete the setup.
Open the new profile and see whether Chrome starts normally with a single tab.
If everything works correctly, your original profile was likely corrupted. You can gradually move your bookmarks and other important information to the new profile.
Step 9: Scan Your Computer for Malware
Malware and browser hijackers can modify Chrome settings without your permission.
Open your preferred antivirus application and perform a full system scan. Allow the program to remove or quarantine any threats it detects.
If your antivirus reports unwanted browser-related software, remove it completely and restart your computer.
After the scan finishes, launch Chrome again. If malware was responsible, Chrome should now behave normally.
Step 10: Reinstall Google Chrome
If none of the previous methods solve the problem, reinstalling Chrome is the final solution.
Close Chrome completely.
Open Settings on your computer and go to Apps. Find Google Chrome in the installed applications list and uninstall it.
Restart your computer after the uninstall process finishes.
Download the latest version of Chrome from Google’s official website and install it again.
Sign back into your Google account if desired. Chrome should now start normally without opening duplicate tabs.
FAQs
Why does Chrome suddenly start opening two tabs?
This usually happens because of incorrect startup settings, problematic extensions, a damaged user profile, or unwanted software that has modified Chrome’s configuration.
Can Chrome extensions cause multiple tabs to open?
Yes. Some extensions automatically open webpages during startup. Disabling recently installed extensions can help identify the one causing the issue.
Will resetting Chrome delete my bookmarks?
No. Resetting Chrome restores browser settings to their defaults but keeps your bookmarks, saved passwords, and browsing history.
How do I know if malware is causing the problem?
If Chrome opens unfamiliar websites, changes your search engine automatically, or displays unexpected advertisements, malware could be responsible. Running a full antivirus scan is recommended.
Should I reinstall Chrome if nothing else works?
Yes. Reinstalling Chrome replaces damaged program files and often resolves persistent startup problems that other solutions cannot fix.
Summary
When Google Chrome opens two tabs every time it starts, the problem is usually linked to startup settings, browser extensions, corrupted profiles, or unwanted software. Begin by checking your ‘On startup’ settings because this is the most common cause.
If the issue continues, disable extensions, inspect your Chrome shortcut, update the browser, clear cached data, reset Chrome, create a new profile, and scan your computer for malware.
As a final option, reinstall Chrome to replace damaged files.