Type about:preferences#general<enter> in the address bar. Under Tabs, turn on Open new windows in a new tab instead

Thank you. I already have that checked, but every time I click on a link or bookmark it nevertheless overwrites the tab I'm in. I can click with the middle mouse button (wheel) to open in a new tab, but would rather be able to set it to do this as default like I used to. Is this possible in 42?

Hi, not easily! You probably know that you can hold down Ctrl while left clicking, or right click > Open Link in New Tab.

I suggest you look at the add-on Open Link in New Tab. Also Tab Mix Plus.

Also see Open Bookmarks in New Tab which I use myself.

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Thank you!

Once I got my Add-ons working by uninstalling and reinstalling (see my other question) I found both the add-ons you mention (Open link and Open bookmark in new tab) which solved my problem - thank you!

I'm just surprised it's not an option in FF any more and an add-on had to be created for it.

I've had this too and wonder why it's not an option in the normal firefox settings.

Didn't we used to have the option of opening links into new tabs previously and they've taken the option out, or am I thinking of IE?

In the meantime I too have installed the addon open new link in new tab.

It's easier than right clicking a link then selecting open in new tab or using the mouse wheel button while trying not to get the wheel moving the page up or down and then not being on the link anymore.

Any ideas if they're going to add an option into firefox for this?

It's a basic user need and we shouldn't need addons for something this basic.

@takenoprisoners - I agree. :-)

Yes, I seem to recall it used to be a standard option. It's great to have the add-ons but I see this as a basic option requirement too.

Hopefully they will listen and bring it back in future versions - though I'm always resistant to upgrading as if it ain't broke don't fix it and in my experience upgrading usually breaks more than it fixes!

The setting in Options/Preferences to open tabs only applies to links that specify a target window. If no target window is specified you need to middle-click a link or hold Ctrl and left-click a link.

See also:

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/browser.link.open_newwindow
• 1: current tab; 2:new window; 3:new tab;

For links opened via JavaScript you can look at this pref:

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/browser.link.open_newwindow.restriction