Are you constantly closing browser tabs in the event of an accident? If so, you are definitely not alone. I do this all the time — I’ll try switching to a different tab in Google Chrome but press “X” instead. Maybe I’m just too happy to click, or I know Ctrl+Shift+T is behind me. This keyboard shortcut is my secret weapon and has saved me more than I admit.
What is Ctrl+Shift+T (or Cmd+Shift+T for Mac users)? I’d argue it’s one of the most important and useful keyboard shortcuts out there, right there with Ctrl+Z. In fact, it performs a similar function: reverting an error. Specifically, the error of accidentally closing a browser tab or window. Ctrl+Shift+T, X is the easiest way to restore a browser tab you don’t want to remove.
Let’s explore how to use it and other ways to get back lost tabs in any browser. And don’t miss our list best Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts, essential Mac keyboard shortcuts and one Google Chrome trick that organizes all your tabs for you.
Four ways to reopen closed tabs in Google Chrome
Google Chrome gives you several options for restoring tabs and windows after closing, and it’s good to know how they all work depending on your needs. However, keep in mind that restoring closed tabs while browsing in incognito mode is not an option.
1. Keyboard shortcut method
A keyboard shortcut is the fastest way to restore a single tab you accidentally closed. Use Ctrl+Shift+T on PC. Use Cmd+Shift+T on Mac. If you want to restore multiple tabs or need a tab you closed a while ago, keep pressing Ctrl+Shift+T and your tabs will reappear in the order they were closed. Bonus: If you accidentally close your entire browser window completely, just open a new Chrome window; the keyboard shortcut will reopen. everything and once. This is a great trick for times when a system update forces you to close your browser or restart your computer completely.
2. Browser history method
Your Chrome browser history also keeps track of recently closed tabs. It’s not as fast as a keyboard shortcut, but this method is useful if you closed the tab a long time ago and need to resort to it again.
There are several ways to access your browser history in Chrome. One way is to use another shortcut: Ctrl+H. The other is by clicking the hamburger menu in the upper right corner of your browser and then clicking History. A third option is to type “chrome://history” in your address bar and hit enter.
But if you access your browser history, you can access all the websites and tabs you’ve viewed there in reverse chronological order. Clicking on a result will reopen it for you. Navigating the hamburger menu also has a built-in list. recently closed tabs you can choose to reopen.
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Read more: 11 Chrome Features you wish you knew from the start
3. Tab search method
Have you ever noticed the little down arrow on your Chrome tab bar? In Windows, it’s right next to the minimize, maximize, and close your window icons. (On a Mac it’s at the top right.) This icon is Chrome’s built-in tab search feature, which can itself be accessed with a simple keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+A. Tab search shows a list of all currently open tabs and another list of tabs you’ve recently closed. You can navigate through the lists to reopen or switch to the tab you want, or use the search bar to find it with a keyword. This is useful for those who always keep dozens of tabs open.
4. Taskbar method
If you have a Chrome window open or the application is pinned to your taskbar, right-click the icon in the taskbar and you will see a short list of links: most visited and recently closed. From there, you can restore a tab by simply clicking on it. (Note that these options are not visible on Mac.)
Bonus: The ‘continue where I left off’ method
Basically there is a Chrome setting that makes Ctrl+Shift+T the default. By turning this feature on, every time you open Chrome, the browser will automatically reopen the tabs you opened in your previous session. To turn it on go to your Chrome settings (also from the hamburger menu), then it’s the beginning. choose continue where you left off choice.
What about other browsers like Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Opera?
The Ctrl+Shift+T keyboard shortcut also works in other browsers (you can also right-click on the tab bar and Reopen closed tab). Most other methods of reopening a tab also work in browsers, although the menu labels and options will differ. Except for the taskbar method, the experience is largely the same on a Mac.
For both Firefox and Microsoft Edge, you can also review your browser history to find and reopen a tab you accidentally closed. Firefox has a special submenu at the bottom History wanted Recently closed tabs. Microsoft Edge tabbed History for menu Everything, recently closed and Tabs from other devices. In Opera, if you have the sidebar enabled — and History is one of the items you choose to include in the sidebar — History icon in the sidebar will also bring up a list of recently closed tabs.
Other browsers also offer a setting to automatically reopen previous session’s tabs on startup. In Firefox go to: Settings > General and tick the box below Start labeled Open previous windows and tabs. In Microsoft Edge, navigate to: Settings > Start, home and new tabs and below When the edge startschoose open tabs from previous session. And in Opera: Settings > it’s the beginningthen tick the box keep tabs from previous session.
For more, check out The best features of Google Chromecontain how to mute a noisy browser tab. Plus, browser settings to be changed for better privacy and browser extensions that will save you money while shopping online.
