Force IE to open link in new tab

If you use Firefox or Google Chrome, all links automatically open in a new tab, which for me is more convenient. However, with IE 8, all links open in a new window, which is really annoying since it now supports multiple tabs! So how does one configure IE 8 so that clicked links are opened in a new tab? Here’s how.

First, open Internet Explorer and click on Tools and then Internet Options. Press the ALT key if you don’t see any of the menu items.

Now click on the Settings button under the Tabs section on the General tab.

Finally, under the heading “When a pop-up is encountered”, choose Always open pop-ups in a new tab.

That’s it! Now when you click on a link in Internet Explorer that is set to open in a new window, it will instead open in a new tab! You can also change the setting below it, Open links from other programs in, to open in a new tab. That way if you click on an Internet link from an email, etc, it will open in the current IE window as a new tab. Enjoy!