by 
Do you constantly close browser tabs randomly? If so, you are definitely not alone. I do this all the time – I’ll try to move to another tub google chrome But then hit “X” instead. Maybe I’m too happy, or maybe I know Ctrl + Shift + T is behind me. This keyboard shortcut is my secret weapon and it has saved me many times more than I care to accept.
What is Ctrl + Shift + T (or Cmd + Shift + T for Mac users)? I would argue that this is one of the most important and useful keyboard shortcuts out there, with Ctrl + Z. In fact, it performs a similar function: eliminating errors. In particular, the error of accidentally closing a browser tab or window. Ctrl + Shift + T is the easiest way to restore the browser tab that you didn’t mean to exit X.
Let’s go over how to use it, and all the other ways to recover lost tabs in each browser. And don’t miss our list The best Windows 11 keyboard shortcutsof the Mac Keyboard Essential Shortcuts And a Google Chrome trick that organizes all your tabs for you.
Four ways to reopen closed tabs in Google Chrome
Google Chrome gives you a few options for rebuilding after closing tabs and windows, and depending on your needs, it’s good to know how it all works. Note, however, that restoring closed tabs is not an option when searching in the hidden state.
1. Keyboard shortcut method
The fastest way to restore a single tab that you accidentally shut down is with a keyboard shortcut. On the computer, use Ctrl + Shift + T. On Mac, use Cmd + Shift + T. If you want to undo multiple tabs, or if you need a tab that you closed some time ago, just press Ctrl + Shift + T and your tabs will reappear in the order in which they were closed. Bonus: if you accidentally close all of your browser windows completely, just open a new Chrome window and the keyboard shortcut will reopen. Everything at once. This is a great trick for those times when a system update forces you to close your browser or restart your computer completely.
2. Browser history mode
Your Chrome browser history also keeps track of the last closed tabs. It’s not as fast as a keyboard shortcut, but this method is useful if you’ve closed the tab too long ago and need to refer back to it.
There are several ways to access your browser history in Chrome. One way is to use another shortcut: Ctrl + H. Next, click the Hamburger menu in the top left corner of your browser, then select it. History. And the third option is to type “chrome: // history” in your address bar, then press enter.
Even if you access your browser history, at once you will have access to all the websites and tabs you have visited, in reverse chronological order. Clicking on the result will open it for you. Going through the hamburger menu also has a built-in list Recently closed Tabs, which you can select to reopen.
Angela Lang / CNET
read more: Chrome 11 features you’ll want to know all the time
3. Tab search method
Ever noticed a slightly downward pointing arrow in your Chrome tab bar? In Windows, it is compatible with icons to reduce, increase and close your window. (On the Mac it’s on the top left.) This icon is a Chrome-built tab search feature that can be manually accessed with a simple keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + A. Tab Search shows you a list of all the tabs you are currently open, and another list of your most recently closed tabs. You can scroll through the lists to reopen or go to the desired tab, or use the search bar to find it with a keyword. This comes in handy for those who keep dozens of tubs open at all times.
4. Taskbar mode
If you have a Chrome window open – or if the app is pinned to your taskbar – click on the image from the taskbar and you’ll see a short list of links: Most viewed And Recently closed. From there, you can restore a tab just by clicking. (Note that these options do not appear on the Mac.)
Bonus: ‘Continue to where I left off’ method
There is a Chrome setting that necessarily defaults to Ctrl + Shift + T. By changing this feature, whenever you open Chrome, the browser will automatically reopen the tabs you opened in the previous session. To enable it, go to your Chrome settings (also via the Hamburger menu), then in the beginning. Select Continue to where you left off Option
What about other browsers, such as Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Opera?
The Ctrl + Shift + T keyboard shortcut will also work in other browsers (as well as left-clicking and selecting the tab bar) Reopen the closed tab). Many other tab reopening methods work in browsers as well, although menu labels and options may vary. The experience is largely the same on Mac, with the exception of the taskbar method.
For both Firefox and Microsoft Edge, you can also go to your browser history to find a tab and re-open the one you accidentally closed. Firefox has a dedicated submenu below History Called Recently closed tabs. Microsoft Edge is a tabbed History Menu for All, Recently closed And Tabs from other devices. In Opera, if you have the sidebar enabled – and if history is one of the elements you have chosen to include in the sidebar – click History The icon from the sidebar will also bring up a list of the last closed tabs.
Other browsers also offer a layout that automatically opens past session tabs at startup. In Firefox, go Settings > General And check the box below start up Labeled Open old windows and tabs. In Microsoft Edge, go Settings > Start, home, and new tabs And below When the edge startsSelect Open the tabs from the last session. And in opera: Settings > in the beginningThen check the box for this Keep tabs from the last session.
For more, see Top features of Google ChromeIncluding How to mute a noisy browser tab. Plus, Change browser settings for better privacy And Browser extensions that save you money When shopping online.
