Ctrl+Tab MRU

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

Ctrl+Tab MRU - Advanced Tab Switching Extension for Chrome

'Ctrl+Tab MRU' is a powerful Chrome extension that enhances your browsing experience by allowing you to navigate through tabs in the order you have visited them last. By customizing key combinations, you can easily switch between pages, even if they are on special pages like Chrome Web Store, PDFs, and XML files. However, there might be a minor drawback with the need for a temporary tab and occasional issues if the control key is released quickly. This extension requires certain permissions for full functionality, but ensures smooth tab management. Regular updates have been provided to keep this extension in line with the latest demands and developments.
Install from Chrome Web Store

Extension stats

Users: 2,000+
Rating: 3.45
(116)
Version: 0.9 (Last updated: 2023-10-12)
Creation date: 2016-03-22
Risk impact: High risk impact
Risk likelihood:
Manifest version: 3
Permissions:
  • tabs
  • scripting
  • storage
Host permissions:
  • <all_urls>
Size: 15.56K

Other platforms

Not available on Android
Not available on Firefox
Not available on Edge
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Extension summary

Analyze keywords

'Ctrl+Tab MRU' allows switching through tabs in the order they were visited before. By default this happens by pressing Ctrl+Y for going back in time and Ctrl+Shift+Y for the other way round.

*** IMPORTANT TO KNOW *** Unfortunately Chrome doesn't drectly allow users to set Ctr+Tab as shortcut keys. So I suggest using the following trick to circumvent this: https://superuser.com/a/1326712.


Tab switching also works on special pages (like chrome://), Chrome Web Store URLs, PDFs, XMLs or when the address bar is focused. In this case a temporary tab is opened to show the menu. To directly jump to a tab listed on the switcher menu, click on its title or icon.

Drawbacks:

  • At the moment I don't have an idea how to avoid the temporary tab. It's required because I otherwise could not detect the release of the ctrl key (=end of the switching action) on special pages.
  • If you release the ctrl key too fast while the temporary tab is loaded I am unable to detect the key-up event, therefore the menu gets stuck. Please hit the ctrl key again to finish switching.
  • Recent tab order is not preserved when closing and restoring a window.

Permissions:

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User reviews

These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Chrome Web Store does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.
Pros
  • Useful extension with unique features
  • Works well with customized keyboard shortcuts
  • Effective in cycling through recently used tabs
  • Has comprehensive instructions for functionality
  • Valuable functionality not natively provided by Chrome
Cons
  • Unstable performance and minor glitches
  • Does not work reliably on Mac or certain local files
  • Inability to override Ctrl+Tab shortcut
  • Issues with certain localhost and PDF pages
  • Not all open tabs are listed in the menu
Most mentioned
  • Useful extension with minor glitches
  • Not working reliably on Mac
  • Issues with local files
  • Custom shortcuts improving usability
  • Valuable feature absent in default Chrome
User reviews
unstable performance
by aki play, 2024-09-30

Nie ma możliwości nadpisania skrótu Ctrl+tab.

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.
by Alex D, 2024-03-14
View all user reviews

Extension safety

Risk impact

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

Risk likelihood

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

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Promo images

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