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pih
New member
Status: New idea

Summary:
When using Firefox across multiple virtual desktops in Windows, opening a web link via the Windows Run command causes an unwanted switch to a different virtual desktop if Firefox is already running there.

Steps to Reproduce:

  1. Set up two virtual desktops (Desktop 1 and Desktop 2) in Windows.
  2. On Desktop 2, open Firefox.
  3. Switch back to Desktop 1.
  4. Use the Windows Run command (Win+R) on Desktop 1, type a URL (e.g., www.google.com), and press Enter.

Expected Behavior:
The URL should open in a new Firefox window on the current desktop (Desktop 1), or if Firefox is already running on Desktop 1, it should open a new tab in that instance. The current virtual desktop should remain active, and the system should not switch to another desktop.

Actual Behavior:
Instead of staying on Desktop 1, Windows switches to Desktop 2, where Firefox is already open, and the URL is loaded in a new tab. This forces the user to leave their current workspace on Desktop 1.

Proposed Solution:
Firefox should either:

  • Open a new instance of Firefox on the current virtual desktop (Desktop 1) if Firefox is not already running there, or
  • Open a new tab in the existing Firefox window on the current desktop, avoiding the switch to another virtual desktop.
2 Comments
Status changed to: New idea
Jon
Community Manager
Community Manager

Thanks for submitting an idea to the Mozilla Connect community! Your idea is now open to votes (aka kudos) and comments.

superluig164
New member

I'd like to bump and provide some support on this topic because I have the same problem, and I've noticed it more since switching from Chrome (which doesn't do this.)  I'd like to see this fixed.  Thanks.