Favorites are one of the most useful features in Microsoft Edge, allowing you to save websites and access them quickly whenever needed. Whether you use favorites for work, research, online shopping, news, social media, or entertainment, having quick access to frequently visited websites can significantly improve your browsing experience. However, many users become frustrated when clicking a favorite replaces the current webpage instead of opening the website in a new tab.
Opening favorites in a new tab can make browsing more efficient because it allows you to keep your current page open while accessing saved websites simultaneously. This is particularly useful when working on multiple tasks, comparing information across different websites, conducting research, or managing several online accounts at once. Instead of constantly navigating back and forth between pages, you can keep everything organized in separate tabs.
Although Microsoft Edge does not currently provide a dedicated setting that automatically forces every favorite to open in a new tab with a single toggle, there are several simple methods that allow you to achieve the same result. In this guide, you will learn multiple ways to always open favorites in a new tab in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Method 1: Use Ctrl + Click To Open Favorites In A New Tab
One of the easiest ways to open a favorite in a new tab is by using the Ctrl key while selecting the bookmark.
This method works throughout Microsoft Edge and requires no changes to browser settings.
Follow these steps:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the Favorites button or open the Favorites menu.
- Hold down the Ctrl key.
- Click the favorite you want to open.
The selected website immediately opens in a new tab while the current webpage remains open.
This method is particularly useful when browsing through multiple saved websites. Instead of repeatedly returning to the Favorites list after opening each website, you can quickly open several favorites in separate tabs and review them one by one.
Many experienced Edge users rely on this shortcut because it is simple, reliable, and works consistently across different versions of Microsoft Edge.
If you frequently browse several saved websites simultaneously, learning the Ctrl + Click shortcut can significantly improve your workflow.
Method 2: Use The Mouse Wheel To Open Favorites In A New Tab
If your mouse includes a scroll wheel, you can use the middle mouse button to open favorites directly in new tabs.
Many users consider this method even faster than using keyboard shortcuts because it requires only one action.
To use this method:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Open the Favorites menu.
- Position the cursor over a favorite.
- Press the mouse wheel (middle-click).
The favorite opens in a new tab automatically.
The existing page remains open and unchanged.
This approach is ideal for users who browse with a mouse most of the time and prefer avoiding keyboard shortcuts. It is especially convenient when opening multiple bookmarks from a favorites folder because each middle-click creates a separate tab instantly.
Once you become accustomed to using the middle mouse button, it often becomes the fastest method for managing bookmarks and navigating between websites.
Method 3: Open Favorites From The Favorites Bar In A New Tab
The Favorites Bar provides quick access to bookmarks directly beneath the address bar. If you regularly use the Favorites Bar, you can open websites in new tabs using the same shortcuts discussed above.
To display the Favorites Bar:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three-dot menu.
- Select Settings.
- Open Appearance.
- Enable Show Favorites Bar.
Once visible:
- Hold Ctrl and click a favorite.
- Or middle-click a favorite using the mouse wheel.
Each selected bookmark opens in a separate tab.
Using the Favorites Bar can save time because it eliminates the need to open the Favorites menu repeatedly. Frequently visited websites remain visible at all times, making it easier to launch them in new tabs whenever needed.
Users who regularly access news sites, email accounts, project resources, or research materials often benefit from keeping the Favorites Bar enabled.
Method 4: Open An Entire Favorites Folder In New Tabs
If you organize bookmarks into folders, Microsoft Edge allows multiple favorites to be opened simultaneously.
This feature is particularly useful for:
- Morning work routines
- Research sessions
- Project management
- Daily news reading
- Business dashboards
To open a folder of favorites:
- Open the Favorites Bar.
- Locate the desired folder.
- Right-click the folder.
- Select Open All or Open All In New Tabs.
Edge opens every bookmark within the folder in separate tabs.
For example, you might create folders containing:
- News websites
- Work applications
- Social media accounts
- Educational resources
- Financial dashboards
With a single action, all saved websites become available immediately.
This can save considerable time compared to opening each favorite individually.
Method 5: Use The Favorites Panel
Microsoft Edge includes a Favorites panel that can remain open while browsing.
This feature provides quick access to bookmarks without interrupting workflow.
To open the Favorites panel:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + O
- Or click the Favorites icon.
From the panel:
- Hold Ctrl while clicking a favorite.
- Or use the middle mouse button.
The website opens in a new tab.
The panel remains available, allowing you to continue opening additional bookmarks quickly.
Users who frequently work with large bookmark collections often prefer the Favorites panel because it offers better visibility and easier navigation than traditional bookmark menus.
Method 6: Use Context Menu Options
Microsoft Edge provides built-in context menu commands specifically designed for opening bookmarks in new tabs.
To use these options:
- Open Favorites.
- Right-click the desired bookmark.
- Select Open In New Tab.
The selected website launches immediately in a separate tab.
This method is useful when:
- You prefer mouse-based navigation.
- Keyboard shortcuts are unavailable.
- You want explicit control over how bookmarks open.
Although slightly slower than Ctrl + Click or middle-clicking, the context menu provides a clear and reliable option for opening bookmarks without replacing the current page.
Many casual users find this method intuitive because it resembles file-management actions commonly used throughout Windows.
Method 7: Configure Startup Pages Instead Of Individual Favorites
Some users want certain favorite websites to always open in separate tabs whenever Edge starts.
Although this is not technically a bookmark-opening feature, it provides a similar experience.
To configure startup pages:
- Open Edge Settings.
- Select Start, Home, and New Tabs.
- Under startup settings, choose Open These Pages.
- Add desired websites.
Each website opens in its own tab when Edge launches.
This setup works particularly well for:
- Email accounts
- Company portals
- Productivity tools
- News websites
- Daily work resources
Instead of opening favorites manually every day, Edge automatically loads them during startup.
For many users, this creates a more efficient workflow.
Method 8: Use Bookmark Management Extensions
The Microsoft Edge Add-ons store contains bookmark-management extensions that provide additional control over how bookmarks open.
Some extensions allow users to:
- Open bookmarks in new tabs automatically
- Manage large bookmark collections
- Organize folders more effectively
- Customize bookmark behavior
- Improve bookmark search functions
To install an extension:
- Open Edge.
- Visit the Edge Add-ons store.
- Search for bookmark management tools.
- Review ratings and descriptions.
- Install the preferred extension.
After installation, configure the extension according to your preferences.
Extensions can provide functionality not currently included in Microsoft Edge itself.
However, only install extensions from trusted developers and review permissions before granting access.
Understanding Edge’s Bookmark Behavior
Many users wonder why Microsoft Edge does not include a simple setting that forces every favorite to open in a new tab automatically.
The reason is that browser preferences vary significantly among users.
Some users prefer:
- Replacing the current page.
- Opening bookmarks in the same tab.
- Reducing tab clutter.
Others prefer:
- Keeping existing pages open.
- Multitasking across many tabs.
- Research-oriented workflows.
To accommodate both preferences, Microsoft Edge relies on keyboard shortcuts, mouse actions, and context menu commands rather than enforcing one behavior universally.
Although there is currently no built-in setting that permanently forces every bookmark click to create a new tab automatically, the methods discussed in this guide provide practical alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Microsoft Edge Automatically Open Every Favorite In A New Tab?
Currently, Microsoft Edge does not provide a dedicated setting that automatically forces all bookmark clicks to open in new tabs.
What Is The Fastest Way To Open A Favorite In A New Tab?
Middle-clicking a bookmark with the mouse wheel is generally the fastest method. Ctrl + Click is also extremely convenient.
How Do I Open Multiple Favorites At Once?
You can place bookmarks inside a folder and use the Open All In New Tabs option.
Does Ctrl + Click Work On The Favorites Bar?
Yes. Holding Ctrl while clicking a bookmark on the Favorites Bar opens the website in a new tab.
Can I Use Bookmark Extensions To Change This Behavior?
Yes. Some Edge extensions provide additional bookmark management features, including options related to opening bookmarks in new tabs.
Will These Methods Work On Windows 10 And Windows 11?
Yes. These techniques work in Microsoft Edge on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Final Thoughts
Opening favorites in new tabs can significantly improve productivity and make browsing more convenient, especially when working with multiple websites simultaneously. While Microsoft Edge does not currently offer a built-in option that automatically forces every favorite to open in a new tab, several simple methods provide the same practical result.
For most users, Ctrl + Click and middle-clicking bookmarks are the quickest and easiest solutions. The Favorites Bar, Favorites panel, folder-opening features, and context menu options offer additional flexibility depending on how you organize and access bookmarks. Users who require even more customization can explore bookmark-management extensions available through the Edge Add-ons store.
By using the methods covered in this guide, you can keep your current pages open, reduce navigation interruptions, and create a more efficient browsing experience whenever you access favorites in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
