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New Tab Redirect Chrome extension

New Tab Redirect lets you point every new tab at a specific URL, a local file, or one of Chrome's built-in pages like History or Downloads, instead of the default new tab page. It's best for people who want one fixed destination on every new tab. The catch: it only redirects new tabs, not your homepage, and won't control address bar focus.

  • PriceFree
  • CategoryCustomization
  • Works inChrome, Edge, Brave (desktop)
  • ✓Open source
  • ✓No account needed

Last checked against the Chrome Web Store listing · Independent, not affiliated with Google

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Pros

  • supports custom URLs, popular built-in pages, or local files
  • works with file:\, file://, and file:/// paths for local pages
  • leaving the field blank sets new tabs to about:blank
  • open-source with bug reports handled on GitHub

Cons

  • doesn't affect your homepage, only new tabs, which can be confusing if the two overlap
  • can't control address bar highlighting or focus after redirecting
  • simple by design, so no widgets or dashboard features

Best for

  • opening a specific website or dashboard on every new tab
  • redirecting new tabs to a local HTML file
  • jumping straight to Chrome's History, Downloads, or Extensions page
  • users who want a single, predictable new-tab destination

Skip it if

  • people who want a different new-tab page for homepage use too
  • users who need multiple different destinations depending on context

Key features

  • redirect new tabs to a custom URL
  • redirect to Chrome's about pages, History, Downloads, or Extensions
  • support for local file paths (file://) as a custom new tab page
  • blank new tab option (about:blank)
  • lightweight, single-purpose design

What New Tab Redirect does

New Tab Redirect changes what loads when you open a new tab in Chrome. Instead of the default new tab page, you can send it to a custom URL, a local file on your computer, or one of Chrome's built-in pages such as History, Downloads, or Extensions. It only affects new tabs, not your browser's homepage.

Using a local file as your new tab

The extension supports file:\, file://, and file:/// paths, so you can build your own HTML page and set it as the new tab destination. This is useful for a personal dashboard or bookmark page you control fully, without relying on a hosted website.

Is New Tab Redirect safe?

The developer has not identified itself as a trader, so EU consumer contract rules don't apply to any purchase from it (the extension itself is free). It performs a browser-level redirect rather than reading page content, and its source and bug tracker are public on GitHub.

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New Tab Redirect: FAQs

Is New Tab Redirect free?

Yes, it's free to install and configure, with no paid tiers.

Is New Tab Redirect safe to use?

Yes, it only redirects the new tab page and its source is public on GitHub for review.

How do I use New Tab Redirect?

Install it, open its options, and enter a custom URL, local file path, or pick a built-in Chrome page.

Can New Tab Redirect open a local file?

Yes, it supports file:\, file://, and file:/// paths so you can use your own HTML page as the new tab.

Does New Tab Redirect change my homepage too?

No, it only affects new tabs. If your homepage is also set to the new tab page, you may see unexpected results.

What are New Tab Redirect alternatives?

Infinity New Tab and Chrome's built-in new tab settings are alternatives with different feature sets.

Can I set my new tab to blank with this extension?

Yes, leaving the URL field blank sets new tabs to about:blank.

Why doesn't the address bar highlight after my new tab redirects?

Because the extension performs a redirect rather than a native navigation, it can't control address bar focus or highlighting.

Can I redirect new tabs to Chrome's History page?

Yes, History, Downloads, Extensions, and other about: pages are built-in destination options.

Where do I report bugs for New Tab Redirect?

The developer tracks issues on its public GitHub repository, linked from the extension's listing.