To stop Chrome from reopening your previous tabs, change its startup setting to Open the New Tab page. In Chrome on a computer, go to ⋮ → Settings → On startup and select that option. The change affects what opens when Chrome launches; it does not necessarily change the page opened by the Home button.
Change Chrome’s startup setting
- Open Chrome and select the three-dot menu (⋮) in the upper-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- In the settings navigation, select On startup.
- Select Open the New Tab page.
This replaces Continue where you left off, the setting that restores pages from your previous session. Google’s Chrome Help describes the startup page as “the one that shows when you first launch Chrome on your device.” Google Chrome Help: Set your homepage and startup page.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose what Chrome opens instead
Chrome’s startup choices control what appears when the browser launches:
| Setting | What opens at startup |
|---|---|
| Open the New Tab page | A new tab instead of the pages from your last session. |
| Continue where you left off | The pages that were open when you last quit Chrome. |
| Open a specific page or set of pages | The page or pages you choose. Use this option to add, edit, or delete the listed pages. |
To use a fixed set of pages, select Open a specific page or set of pages under Settings → On startup, then manage the list there.
#1 Best Overall
- google search
- google map
- google plus
- youtube music
- youtube
Startup page and homepage are different
The startup page appears when Chrome first launches. The homepage is the page opened with Chrome’s Home button. Changing the startup option does not necessarily change the homepage, so check the relevant setting depending on which behavior you want to change. Google explains both settings in its Chrome Help guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If Chrome still opens the previous tabs
Check whether your settings are managed
On a work- or school-managed Chromebook, a network administrator may control startup or homepage settings. If you cannot change the option, contact your organization’s administrator.
Rank #2
- Easily control web videos and music with Alexa or your Fire TV remote
- Watch videos from any website on the best screen in your home
- Bookmark sites and save passwords to quickly access your favorite content
Consider whether another setting or unwanted software is involved
If your startup page, homepage, or search engine changed without your action, Google says unwanted software may be involved. That change alone does not prove your device is infected; follow Google’s reset and unwanted-software guidance if you need to investigate.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Understand why some sites may still appear signed in
Session restoration and site sign-in are separate behaviors. With Continue where you left off, saved cookies and site data may let reopened sites retain their signed-in state. Chrome also has an option to delete on-device site data when all Chrome windows close. Changing that data setting may sign you out of websites; it is not required to change which pages Chrome opens at startup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google search engine.
Rank #4
- FEATURES
- ✓ Simple and elegant UI Design
- ✓ Bookmarks Import & Export
- ✓ Multi-Tabs Manage
- ✓ Disabled Javascript Mode
Rank #3
- Secure & Free VPN
- Built-in Ad Blocker
- Fast & Private browsing
- Secure private mode
- Cookie-dialogue blocker
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
