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extra web page opens with any click

Karen 20 Reputation points
2026-04-04T15:07:06.0933333+00:00

when i am online, i open a window for whatever site but then when i click on anything the webpage i want opens as well as another window i wasn't looking for, why is this happening and how do i make it stop?

Microsoft Edge | Website issues | Windows 11
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  1. Hendrix-V 12,655 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-04-05T02:45:23.9366667+00:00

    Hi Karen,

    Thank you for reaching out.

    When clicking a link opens the page you expect and an additional, unrelated window or tab, this is usually caused by browser extensions, website permissions, or pop‑up redirects. This behavior is not expected during normal browsing and can typically be resolved by adjusting a few browser settings.

    Please try the checking steps below in order:

    1, Disable browser extensions

    • Open Edge and go to edge://extensions
    • Turn off all extensions
    • Restart Edge and test browsing (re‑enable extensions one at a time if the issue stops)

    2, Block pop‑ups and redirects

    • Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All permissions > Pop‑ups and redirects
    • Ensure Blocked (recommended) is turned on
    • Remove any sites listed under Allowed

    3, Remove unwanted notification permissions

    • Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All permissions > Notifications
    • Under Allowed, remove any unfamiliar or untrusted sites
    • Restart Edge

    4, Run a security scan

    • Open Windows Security
    • Select Virus & threat protection
    • Run a Full scan

    5, Reset Edge settings (if needed)

    • Go to Settings > Reset settings
    • Select Restore settings to their default values
    • Restart Edge (Bookmarks and saved passwords are preserved)

    I understand how disruptive unexpected windows can be, and the steps above resolve this behavior in most cases.

    Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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  1. Q&A Assist
    2026-04-04T15:07:16.3933333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    The behavior described is typically caused either by a browser/Windows issue where links open in new windows instead of the expected in‑place navigation, or by deceptive/advertising software that forces extra windows or tabs to open.

    Based on the provided information, the following are the supported causes and fixes:

    1. Deceptive or advertising software (“grayware”)
      Deceptive software can cause extra browser windows to open with ads or unwanted pages whenever clicking links or when the computer is idle. Symptoms include:
      • Browser opens additional windows with advertisements when browsing.
      • Home page or favorites change unexpectedly.
      • New toolbars appear without being installed intentionally.
      • Links in programs may not behave as expected.
      This software is often bundled with other downloads or web components. Removing such software (for example, by using reputable security/anti‑spyware tools and uninstalling unknown programs or browser add‑ons) stops the extra windows from opening.
    2. Known Internet Explorer behavior where links open in new windows
      There is a documented issue where clicking navigation links causes a new window to open instead of using in‑place navigation. The supported resolution is to install the most recent cumulative security update for Internet Explorer via Microsoft Update. This update addresses the problem where navigation links open in a separate window unexpectedly.

    In practice, to stop the extra pages from opening:

    • Check for and remove deceptive/spyware or unwanted browser add‑ons that may be causing additional advertising windows.
    • Ensure the browser and Windows are fully updated by installing the latest cumulative security updates from Microsoft Update, which include fixes for link‑handling issues.

    References:

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