Did the "double-click to open new tab" extension for Google Chrome cease functioning?
Did the "double-click to open new tab" extension for Google Chrome cease functioning?
Hello there,
I've been using a Chrome extension that allows me to double-click any link to open it in a new tab in the background for an extended period without issues—until recently when it stopped functioning properly. I'm uncertain about the cause, and now I can't locate the extension anymore.
I don't recall the original name, but searching for alternatives led me to this one called DoubleClicker. It should perform the same action, but it isn't working as expected. I've tried disabling other extensions to check if they were causing interference, but that didn't resolve the problem. The extension settings themselves aren't very informative: the only option is to switch to 'FOREGROUND', which opens links in a new window when double-clicked. With 'BACKGROUND' enabled, nothing appears to happen. It seems only the first click is registered, and the link opens immediately in the active tab.
Below is a list of my current extensions (please note: the extension named 'New Adjacent Tab' isn't related to the double-click feature—this one lets me set a custom shortcut for opening a new tab next to my active one):
I'm using the latest version of Chrome for MacOS. Current version:
Version 134.0.6998.89 (Official Build) (arm64)
Anyone can assist? Whether by recovering my old extension, getting DoubleClicker functional again, or finding a suitable replacement. Thanks!
It’s probable the old extension is no longer available permanently. Although I also use Chrome, I don’t rely on it much. My primary browser remains Firefox. Still, I have certain extensions in Chrome too, which can disappear without clear explanation. Recently, two of my Chrome extensions disappeared completely: HTTPS Everywhere and uBlock Origin. For Firefox, both remain installed and functioning properly. Therefore, the best approach would be to reach out to the extension’s developer for assistance. It might even be possible for them to resolve the issue.
Other ways to open links in a new tab on Chrome (which I personally use) include:
* using the middle-click feature (with the scroll wheel), which automatically launches the link in a new tab. This is my preferred method—it doesn’t require an extension and works across both Chrome and Firefox.
* right-clicking the link, then selecting "Open link in new tab" or "Open link in new window".
I've been using Ctrl+Left click to open a link in a new tab. It feels more convenient than Right click then 'Open in new tab'. It often works on sites that don't allow right clicks either. But recently, this no longer always functions. Likely due to an update.
It's probable that Google's mandatory transition to Manifest 3 using the latest browser release. Anything that doesn't fit will be removed or disabled, and it won't function unless the plugin creators update it. These types of plugins are also instantly removed from the marketplace.