Ctrl+Tab MRU

Name: Ctrl+Tab MRU
Rating: 3.4347826086956523 (115 reviews)
Author: Daniel Calliess

Switch between tabs in the most recently used order, can be configured to use Ctrl+Tab as a shortcut

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Ctrl+Tab MRU is a powerful Chrome extension that enables seamless tab switching based on the most recently used (MRU) order. By default, users can navigate backward through their recently visited tabs using Ctrl+Y, and forward with Ctrl+Shift+Y. Though Chrome restricts setting Ctrl+Tab as a shortcut, a suggested workaround is provided to enable this familiar key combination.

The extension supports switching tabs even on special pages like chrome:// URLs, PDFs, XMLs, and when the address bar is focused by opening a temporary helper tab. Users can directly jump to any tab by clicking its title or icon in the switcher menu, which facilitates efficient multitasking. While there are some limitations—such as a temporary tab requirement and potential menu freezes if keys are released too quickly—Ctrl+Tab MRU remains a handy tool for improving browsing workflow.

Regular updates keep the extension modern with support for Manifest V3, incognito mode, XML, FTP, and file pages, as well as clickable tab titles for fast navigation. It requires permissions to access website data and tab activity to function properly and enhance the user experience.

Extension Productivity Developer Tools Utilities

By:

Users:

Rating:

Version:

0.9 Last updated: 2023-10-12

Creation date:

2016-03-22

Risk:

Permissions:

tabs
scripting
storage

Host permissions:

<all_urls>

Size:

15.20KB

Email:

su*****@flansch.at

Full description:

Source:

Chrome Web Store

Data ingested on:

2025-07-07

Ranking

# 17,930 ▼ 2

Other rankings

#3823 in Workflow & Planning ▲ 4 #83 in tab keyword 78 ▲ 11 #212 in release keyword 40 ▲ 16 #228 in switch keyword 27 #288 in menu keyword 34 ▲ 8

User reviews

Ctrl+Tab MRU is a practical extension that offers a better tab-switching experience by listing tabs in most-recently-used order. Users enjoy its functionality once set up, often using alternate shortcuts to avoid Chrome's limitations. Common issues include instability on Mac, incomplete tab listings, and difficulties configuring standard shortcuts due to Chrome's restrictions. Some users report needing manual hacks to achieve full functionality, while others experience problems with settings resetting or options being inactive. Overall, it is appreciated for its concept and usefulness despite some usability and compatibility challenges.

Pros

Provides a useful tab-switching feature that mimics MRU (Most Recently Used) behavior, which is appreciated by users.
Works well when configured properly, and can be customized with alternative shortcuts such as Ctrl+Q and Ctrl+Shift+Q.
Valued for its practicality and usefulness, especially by users familiar with tab switching workflows.
Appreciated by users who have successfully overcome initial setup challenges, indicating good functionality once installed properly.

Cons

Does not work consistently on Mac systems and has compatibility issues with certain browsers like Chrome or Brave without manual hacks.
Fails to show all open tabs in the menu at times, causing users to restart the extension frequently.
Keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+Tab and Ctrl+Shift+Tab cannot be easily configured or overwritten due to Chrome limitations, making the setup complex.
Options and settings are sometimes greyed out or inactive, limiting ease of use.
Synchronization issues occur where settings reset after closing Chrome or do not work well with multiple accounts.

Recent reviews

unstable performance

ak*****, 2024-09-30

Nie ma możliwości nadpisania skrótu Ctrl+tab.

Kr*****, 2024-08-04

Works great. For ease of use I set my keyboard shortcuts to Ctrl + Q and Ctrl + Shift + Q. Also, enabled in Incognito and in file URLs. EDIT: Somehow, not all open tabs are listed in its menu. Have to downgrade my rating, unfortunately.

Al*****, 2024-03-14

View all user reviews ›

Extension safety

Risk impact

Risk impact measures the level of extra permissions an extension has access to. A low risk impact extension cannot do much harms, whereas a high risk impact extension can do a lot of damage like stealing your password, bypassing your security settings, and accessing your personal data. High risk impact extensions are not necessarily malicious. However, if they do turn malicious, they can be very harmful.

Ctrl+Tab MRU requires some sensitive permissions that could impact your browser and data security. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk impact analysis details

Critical Grants access to browser tabs, which can be used to track user browsing habits and history, presenting a privacy concern.
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Risk likelihood

Risk likelihood measures the probability that a Chrome extension may turn malicious. This is determined by the publisher and the Chrome extension reputation on Chrome Web Store, the amount of time the Chrome extension has been around, and other signals about the Chrome extension. Our algorithms are not perfect, and are subject to change as we discover new ways to detect malicious extensions. We recommend that you always exercise caution when installing a Chrome extension.

Ctrl+Tab MRU has earned a good reputation and can be trusted.

Risk likelihood analysis details

High This extension has low user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.
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Low **** ********* *** ***** **** **** * ****** **** ***** ********** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
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