SharePoint Document Issues

How to Open a SharePoint New Page in a New Browser Tab

Muhammad Talha Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to configure the built-in 'New Page' button in SharePoint so that it opens the page editor in a new browser tab instead of the current one.

Can You Open a SharePoint New Page in a New Browser Tab?

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a new page on a SharePoint site while attempting to keep the original site directory or homepage open in the background.
Observed behavior: The standard SharePoint New Page button navigates away from the current view and opens the page editor within the same active browser tab.

Before you start

Because modern SharePoint functions primarily as a single-page application (SPA), modifying core navigation behaviors may require site owner permissions or assistance from a SharePoint developer.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Browser Tab Duplication Workaround

Since SharePoint lacks an out-of-the-box setting to change the button's left-click behavior, the easiest method is to duplicate your tab before creating the page.

Modern SharePoint pages use JavaScript-based routing, which often overrides standard keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+Click. Duplicating the tab ensures you don't lose your place on the original site page.

Open your SharePoint site

Navigate to the SharePoint site or document library where you want to create a new page.

Duplicate the current tab

Right-click your current browser tab at the very top of your browser window and select 'Duplicate' from the context menu.

Create the new page

In the newly created duplicate tab, click the 'New' button and select 'Page'. You can now edit the new page while your original tab remains untouched.

No Built-in Setting: Microsoft SharePoint currently does not offer a standard UI configuration to force the 'New Page' button to open in a blank tab.

Solution 2

Develop a Custom SPFx Solution

For enterprise environments that strictly require this functionality, developers can build a custom SharePoint Framework (SPFx) extension.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the SharePoint New Page button open in the same tab by default?

Modern SharePoint is built as a single-page application (SPA) to provide a faster, more app-like experience. As a result, navigation actions like creating a page load dynamically within the same browser tab without requiring a full page refresh.

Can I use classic custom scripts to change the button behavior?

Modern SharePoint sites heavily restrict classic custom scripts (like Script Editor or Content Editor web parts) for security reasons. Modifying UI behavior typically requires supported SharePoint Framework (SPFx) development.

Is it possible to force document library links to open in a new tab?

Yes. Unlike the standard 'New Page' button, you can use SharePoint JSON Column Formatting in document libraries to customize how file links behave, including forcing them to open in a new browser tab.

Will Microsoft add a setting for this in the future?

Microsoft continually updates SharePoint Online based on user feedback. While a native toggle for the New Page button isn't currently on the official roadmap, users can vote for this functionality on the Microsoft Feedback Portal.

Document & File Issues