Mozilla Connect

Var-Pro-12 · ‎10-16-2024

How to change home page and new tab to desired URL or any extension of Firefox desktop in 2025?

I am unable to find any way to change how my new tab should look when I click + sign or new tab is opened up on browser opening or re-opening unlike Chrome.

I hate the change of position of typing from the search bar on the current new tab to the URL bar (unseen or unheard in Chrome) that Firefox implemented without considering users who would detest it.

Using Firefox 131.0.3 (64-bit)

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1469626

As of now, I am using this addon,

Bonjourr · Minimalist and lightweight startpage

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-CA/firefox/addon/bonjourr-startpage/

This works but something in-built would be beneficial.

ThePillenwerfer · ‎10-16-2024

I've never understood why there isn't at least an "As Home Page" option for new tabs either.

Var-Pro-12 · ‎10-17-2024

Agreed. I bet Mozilla Firefox wants to have a control over rather than users. I dont see same in chrome. Plus, I can easily change it to any URL or addon for new tab, if I want but not with Firefox. Same on android via home page tab option. I can disable it, remove the button in the URL bar and change it from default Google to any XYZ URL but nothing in Firefox android. And all of this in 2025.

Agentvirtuel · ‎10-16-2024

Hello

If you wish to try Tab Mix Plus https://github.com/onemen/TabMixPlus

https://onemen.github.io/tabmixplus-docs/help/events-new-tabs

Var-Pro-12 · ‎10-17-2024

I will try and see how much it works. But as said before, I want a default solution. Too many addons, slowed down Firefox. Cant find such limitations in Chrome.

Var-Pro-12 · ‎10-17-2024

Update : Checked your given URL for addons.

Installation

Legacy extensions loader
Since Firefox removed the internal component that loads legacy extension, in order to install Tab Mix Plus, or any other legacy extension, you have to install 3rd party helper scripts.

It is a bummer by Firefox. Now I have to install an addon locally just to change home page. **bleep**. Only firefox could make simple things complex. But use firefox. All in 2025.

🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

Agentvirtuel · ‎10-16-2024

If you wish to try New Tab Override https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/new-tab-override

Var-Pro-12 · ‎10-17-2024

I will try and see how much it works. But as said before, I want a default solution. Too many addons, slowed down Firefox. Cant find such limitations in Chrome. All of this in 2025 when we say Firefox has way more customization than Chrome. Also, looking for same on Firefox android.

Var-Pro-12 · ‎11-19-2024

So sad no answers no wonder why most of us are using Chrome and Chromium.

A8y4g · ‎06-01-2025

I was just searching for this. I want to set my dashboard as a new tabs page. What the fudge Mozilla? I always advocate for using Firefox, I hate Chrome monopoly, but you need to wake up. Such a basic functionality like new tab url must be present!

Agentvirtuel · ‎06-01-2025

Hello

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1480324

To complement, this discussion.

tate · ‎06-02-2025

While Firefox allows users to set a homepage that opens when the browser starts, it doesn't include a built-in option to assign a specific URL to new tabs. Fortunately, this functionality can still be achieved using browser extensions like New Tab Override. After installing it from the Mozilla Add-ons store, users can simply go to the extension’s settings, enter their preferred URL, and save the change. This allows new tabs to load the chosen webpage, effectively mimicking the feature that Firefox lacks natively. It’s important to note that using multiple new-tab-related extensions can cause conflicts, so it's best to rely on one at a time.

Additionally, many users dislike Firefox’s recent UI decision that shifts typing focus from the search bar in the middle of the new tab page to the address bar at the top. Unlike Chrome, Firefox no longer provides a straightforward way to reverse this behavior, and currently, no internal setting exists to switch it back. Although some extensions like estomatologista or Custom New Tab offer more aesthetic or functional control, they may not restore the original typing focus or full native-like behavior

Agentvirtuel · ‎06-02-2025

Hello

@tate wrote:
Additionally, many users dislike Firefox’s recent UI decision that shifts typing focus from the search bar in the middle of the new tab page to the address bar at the top.

Is it this subject below.

Eventually, for those who are interested.
You can test, browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.improvesearch.handoffToAwesomebar
1 - Go to Configuration Editor for Firefox https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/about-config-editor-firefox
2 - Enter a search term browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.improvesearch.handoffToAwesomebar

An subject https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1445342

browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.improvesearch.handoffToAwesomebar
Note : there are no on-board effect under about:privatebrowsing