To open links in a new tab window on a Lenovo Windows 11 PC, you must adjust the browser settings rather than relying on the operating system. In Microsoft Edge, navigate to Settings and select Cookies and site permissions under the left menu. Locate the Pop-ups and redirects option, toggle it off, and enable the setting that allows sites to open links in new windows automatically.
Configuring Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is the default browser on most Lenovo devices running Windows 11. By default, modern browsers block pop-ups to protect users from unwanted advertisements, but this often interferes with legitimate workflows where users expect links to open in separate windows rather than new tabs. Understanding how to configure these permissions ensures a smoother browsing experience without compromising security. To begin this process, launch the Edge browser. Click the three horizontal dots located in the top-right corner of the interface to open the main menu. From the dropdown list, select Settings. This action opens the settings page in a new tab or panel, depending on your current view configuration. Once inside the Settings interface, look at the navigation pane on the left side. Scroll down until you find the section labeled Cookies and site permissions. Click on this option to expand the submenu. Within this submenu, locate the entry for Pop-ups and redirects. Selecting this entry will display the specific controls for managing how external links are handled by the browser engine. On the right-hand side of the screen, you will see a toggle switch. Ensure this switch is set to Off. When the toggle is off, the browser stops actively blocking attempts to open new windows. Below this toggle, there is an additional checkbox labeled Allow sites to open links in new windows instead of tabs. Check this box to explicitly permit the behavior you desire. This setting overrides the default tab-based opening mechanism for specific sites that request window-based opening. It is important to note that some websites may still force new tabs if they do not explicitly request a new window. However, enabling this permission resolves the majority of cases where users click a link and it fails to appear in a distinct window. If you encounter issues with specific sites, you can manage them individually by clicking the Add button next to the allowed sites list. Enter the domain name of the trusted site to grant it permanent permission to open new windows. For more advanced troubleshooting regarding application trustworthiness and user account control prompts that might interfere with browser extensions, refer to our guide on Understanding UAC Prompts and Verifying Application Trustworthiness.Adjusting Google Chrome Settings
If you prefer using Google Chrome on your Lenovo device, the process is similar but located in different menus. Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner. Select Settings from the menu. On the left sidebar, click Privacy and security. Under this section, choose Site Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the Site Settings page and find Additional content permissions. Click on Pop-ups and redirects. Here, you will see the toggle for blocking pop-ups. Turn this toggle off to allow new windows. Unlike Edge, Chrome does not have a specific checkbox for "open in new windows instead of tabs." Instead, it relies on the website's HTML code. If the site uses standard window-opening scripts, disabling the blocker will allow them to function. You can also add specific sites to the "Allowed to send pop-ups and use redirects" list for granular control.Troubleshooting Persistent Issues
Sometimes, even after adjusting settings, links may not open as expected. This can be caused by conflicting browser extensions. Go to the extensions management page by typingedge://extensions or chrome://extensions into the address bar. Disable any ad blockers or privacy tools temporarily to see if they are interfering with the window-opening behavior.
Another potential cause is corrupted browser data. Clearing your cache and cookies can resolve strange rendering issues. In Edge, go to Settings, then Privacy, search, and services. Under Clear browsing data, select Choose what to clear. Select Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data, then click Clear now. Restart the browser and test the link again.
If the issue persists across all browsers, it may be related to Windows system files or group policies managed by your IT department. For insights into locating system files and understanding their role in system stability, check out Where are my system files located in?. Additionally, ensure your Windows 11 installation is up to date, as outdated drivers can sometimes cause unexpected UI behaviors. For general connectivity issues that might affect web loading, see our article on Windows 11 Doesn't Automatically Reconnect to Wi-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some links still open in tabs after I change the settings?
Many modern websites use JavaScript to force links to open in new tabs regardless of browser settings. This is done to keep users on their site and prevent them from navigating away easily. While you can allow new windows, you cannot override a website's deliberate design choice to use tabs.
Can I make all links open in new windows by default?
No, there is no global Windows 11 setting to force all links to open in new windows. Each browser handles this via its own internal logic. You must rely on the browser's permission settings to allow sites to open windows, but the site itself must request a window, not a tab.
Does this setting affect security risks?
Allowing new windows can slightly increase exposure to malicious pop-ups if you visit untrusted sites. However, keeping the "Block" toggle off only disables the automatic blocking feature. Modern browsers still have built-in protections against malicious scripts, so the risk remains low if you practice safe browsing habits.
How do I revert these changes if I regret them?
To revert the changes, simply return to the same settings page in your browser. Toggle the "Pop-ups and redirects" setting back to "On" (or Blocked) and uncheck the box for allowing new windows. This restores the default behavior where all links open in the current tab or are blocked entirely.
Will updating Windows 11 fix this issue automatically?
Updating Windows 11 typically does not change browser-specific link handling behaviors. Browser settings are stored within the application profile, not the operating system. Therefore, a Windows update will not alter your Edge or Chrome preferences unless you reinstall the browser itself.