Not only Chrome but also other browsers may experience this issue. Although blocking Chrome from automatically opening unwanted websites in new tabs is relatively simple, not everyone knows how to do it.
Prevent Chrome from automatically opening unwanted websites in new tabs
Step 1: Right-click on the Chrome browser icon on your desktop, the one you usually use for web browsing, and select Properties at the bottom.
Step 2: In the Google Chrome Properties window, inspect the paths in the Target box for any suspicious URLs. Apart from the default Chrome path, remove any unfamiliar URLs in the Target field, then click OK
Step 3: If Chrome continues to display different websites, use the adware removal tool AdwCleaner to block Chrome from automatically opening unwanted websites in new tabs.
Download and install AdwCleaner from here: Download AdwCleaner
Step 4: Run the Adwcleaner.exe file you just downloaded. In the tool window, click on Scan to scan for malicious code on your computer.
Step 5: After scanning, AdwCleaner will report the number of detected malicious codes on your device, listed below. Choose Clean to remove all those malicious codes.
Step 6: In the AdwCleaner dialog box, it warns that 'all running programs will be closed to perform the removal of harmful codes targeting your computer.' Please save any ongoing work before clicking Ok.
Step 7: AdwCleaner displays a warning advising you to use your computer with caution, such as:
- Download software from official and reputable websites only.
- During software installation, avoid clicking Next too quickly as additional applications may be bundled with the installation process.
- Uninstall third-party browser extensions such as toolbars, etc.
- Always keep your antivirus program activated.
Press Ok, your computer will immediately restart.
Step 8: Next, the program will prompt you to restart your computer to complete the process. Click Ok to finish the removal process using AdwCleaner, thereby preventing Chrome from opening unfamiliar websites in new tabs.
Your computer will be completely clean after restarting. Then, browse the web with Chrome as usual to check if you still encounter unfamiliar websites. This method is quite effective not only in preventing Chrome from automatically opening unwanted websites in new tabs but also works well with other browsers.
Through this process, you should enhance vigilance when accessing unfamiliar websites or installing third-party software. The appearance of unfamiliar websites in Chrome is just a minor effect of malware, so it's advisable to install one of the best 2017 antivirus software to ensure the safety of your computer, keeping it away from malware, viruses, trojans, which can cause serious damage to your computer.