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To make Backspace return to the previous page in desktop Chrome, install Google’s Go Back With Backspace extension, then reload any tabs that were already open. If you would rather not install an extension, use Alt + Left Arrow on Windows or Linux.
Why Backspace stopped going back in Chrome
Older versions of Chrome used Backspace as a Back command when the cursor was not in a text field. Google removed that behavior starting with Chrome 52 because an accidental keypress could take someone away from a form and cost them unsaved work. It is an intentional browser change, not usually a problem with your keyboard or Chrome installation. Google’s extension documentation describes the change and its rationale.
Chrome does not currently document a Settings switch for restoring the old behavior. Instructions that rely on a Chrome flag may be outdated; Google’s current restoration option is its extension.
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Restore Backspace with Google’s extension
- Open the official Go Back With Backspace listing in the Chrome Web Store.
- Check that the developer is listed as Google.
- Select Add to Chrome, review the permission prompt, and select Add extension if you want to proceed.
- Reload tabs that were already open. The extension may not act on a page until it has been reloaded.
- On a regular webpage with a previous entry in the tab’s history, press Backspace when you are not typing in an editable field.
The extension sends the current tab to its previous browser-history entry; that could be a search page, a previous state in a web app, or another URL. It does not necessarily move to the previous article within a site.
#1 Best Overall
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
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- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Permissions and limitations to know about
The extension needs broad webpage access to detect Backspace across sites. It is developed by Google and distributed through the Chrome Web Store, but that does not remove the need to consider the permission for yourself. Google’s documentation says the extension adds code to pages to capture the key and that this code is not intended to otherwise read page information or typing. If you are not comfortable granting broad access, use Chrome’s built-in shortcut instead.
- Editable fields: When you are typing in a text box or another editable control, Backspace should delete text rather than navigate away. That distinction helps protect ordinary editing.
- Protected Chrome pages: Extensions cannot run on pages such as
chrome://settings,chrome://extensions, or the Chrome Web Store. This is a Chrome restriction, not necessarily an extension fault. - Special viewers and embedded apps: PDF viewers, chat tools, and other embedded applications may handle keys differently, so behavior can vary.
- No earlier history: If this tab has no previous history entry, there is nowhere for Backspace to go.
Restoring the old shortcut also restores its main risk: an accidental press outside an editable field can leave a page. Be especially cautious on checkout pages, long comments, email drafts, and forms with unsaved changes.
Rank #2
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Use Chrome’s built-in Back shortcut instead
On Windows and Linux, Chrome’s documented keyboard shortcuts are:
- Alt + Left Arrow — open the previous page in the current tab.
- Alt + Right Arrow — open the next page in the tab’s history.
These shortcuts require no extension or added site permission. See Google’s Chrome keyboard-shortcut list for the desktop documentation. You can also use the toolbar’s Back button; a mouse with side buttons may provide a Back command too. Backspace extensions are for desktop Chrome, not a general solution for Chrome on phones or tablets.
Rank #3
- 【Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard Mouse 】: Wireless ergonomic keyboard is equipped with adjustable height tilt legs to increase comfort and prevent your wrists injury when typing for a long time. The full size wireless keyboard with numeric keypad and 12 multimedia shortcut keys, such as play/ pause, volume increase and decrease, and email, to help you improve work efficiency
- 【Stable & Reliable Wireless Connection】: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo share the same USB receiver(stored in the mouse), and they can also be used separately. Plug & play, no need to download any software, 2.4 GHz wireless provides a powerful and reliable connection up to 33 feet(10m) without any delays.You can enjoy the convenience and freedom of wireless connection at home or at work
- 【Comfortable Optical Mouse】: This compact lightweight wireless mouse features a hand-friendly contoured shape for all-day comfort, and smooth, precise tracking.1600 DPI to meet your daily needs. Perfect for home & office work and entertainment
- 【Long Battery Life】: Up to 365 Days of battery life for keyboard and mouse wireless, say goodbye to the hassle of charging cables and replacing batteries. After 10 minutes of inactivity, the wireless keyboard mouse combo will automatically go into sleep mode to save energy. The wireless keyboard requires one AAA battery, and the wireless mouse requires one AA battery.
- 【Less Noise, More Quiet Keys】: Soft membrane keys provide a quiet and comfortable typing experience, So you can type with confidence on a wireless keyboard crafted for comfort, precision and fluidity. The wireless mouse adopts silent micro-motion technology, which is almost completely silent when clicked. No more concerns about disturbing others.
If Backspace does nothing
- Open
chrome://extensionsand confirm that Go Back With Backspace is enabled. - Reload the tab, particularly if it was open before you installed or re-enabled the extension.
- Test a normal website—not Settings, another
chrome://page, or the Chrome Web Store. - Make sure the cursor is not inside a text box, and confirm that the tab has a previous history entry.
- Try Alt + Left Arrow. If that works, Chrome history is available and the issue is more likely related to the extension or page.
- If another keyboard-navigation or Vim-style extension is installed, temporarily disable it and test again.
- If this is a school- or work-managed browser, an administrator may block extension installation. Ask the administrator if the Add to Chrome option is unavailable.
Disable or remove the extension
Open Chrome’s three-dot menu and choose Extensions > Manage Extensions. On the Go Back With Backspace card, use its control to turn it off, or choose the removal option if you no longer want it. You can also go directly to chrome://extensions. Reload tabs after turning the extension back on.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dependable wireless connection: Enjoy the reliability and convenience of 2.4 GHz connectivity with your logitech wireless keyboard and mouse combo, wireless range up to 10 meters away at home, or work.
- Full-Size Wireless Keyboard: Comfortable, quiet typing on a familiar keyboard layout with palm rest, spill-resistant design, and media keys. This wireless keyboard and mouse logitech has easy-access to media keys
- Plug and Play: MK345 works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. Experience hassle-free setup with the logitech mk345 wireless combo and wireless keyboard mouse combo for various operating systems.
- Long-lasting Battery: The MK345 combo offers a full size keyboard battery life of up to 3 years and a mouse battery life of 18 months (1); batteries included
- Comfortable Right-handed Mouse: This wireless USB mouse with dongle works well for this wireless mouse and keyboard combo, featuring a contoured shape for all-day comfort and smooth, precise tracking and scrolling for easier navigation.
Rank #4
- Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
- Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
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- More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
- Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)
Which option should you choose?
| Option | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Go Back With Backspace | People who want the familiar one-key behavior | Requires broad webpage access, has protected-page limits, and can bring back accidental navigation. |
| Alt + Left Arrow | People who want a built-in option without an extension | Less convenient if you are accustomed to Backspace. |
| Toolbar Back button | People who prefer clicking | Requires moving to the browser toolbar. |
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