How to Set All Current Tabs as Startup Tabs in Chrome

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Google Chrome is one of the most widely used web browsers in the world, known for its speed, reliability, and customizable features. One invaluable setting for productivity-oriented users is the option to set multiple tabs to open automatically each time the browser is launched. Whether you’re a student looking to jump into study materials, a professional setting up your work environment, or someone who simply enjoys accessing favorite sites right away, learning how to set all current tabs as startup tabs in Chrome can streamline your daily workflow significantly.

This guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to doing exactly that—setting all your current open tabs as your startup tabs in Chrome—ensuring that you begin every session exactly where you left off. Additionally, we’ll touch on best practices and related tips that will help you keep your Chrome startup routine optimized and efficient.

Why Set Startup Tabs?

Before diving into the procedure, it’s important to understand the benefits of setting up startup tabs:

  • Time Efficiency: Save time by launching directly into the resources or platforms you use frequently.
  • Improved Workflow: Maintain a consistent digital routine by starting with the same set of tools and pages.
  • Reduced Distractions: Starting with only necessary tabs avoids impulsive browsing and helps you focus.

Whether it’s your email, productivity tools like Google Docs and Slack, or industry-specific dashboards, having these pages open automatically can enhance both speed and focus.

Step-by-Step Guide: Set All Current Tabs as Startup Tabs

Follow these instructions carefully to ensure all your current browser tabs are saved as your default startup configuration:

  1. Open All Desired Tabs
    Begin by opening all the tabs you want to start with when Chrome launches. Make sure you’ve visited each one and that they are fully loaded.

  2. Access Chrome Settings
    Click the three vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner of the Chrome browser to open the menu. From there, choose “Settings.”

  3. Scroll to the Startup Section
    In the left pane, select “On startup”. This is where Chrome’s behavior at launch is customized.

  4. Select ‘Open a specific page or set of pages’
    Under the “On startup” section, you will see three options. Choose the last one that reads “Open a specific page or set of pages.”

  5. Click on ‘Use current pages’
    Once selected, a new set of options will appear, including “Use current pages.” Clicking this will automatically save all currently open tabs as your startup tabs.

That’s it. You’re done! The next time you open Chrome, all the tabs you had open when you set this up will automatically appear.

Tip: Verify Your Settings

To ensure that your configuration has been set correctly, close all Chrome tabs and exit the browser completely. When you relaunch Chrome, all designated tabs should open. If they do not, it may indicate one of the following issues:

  • Chrome was not closed properly.
  • The settings were not saved—visit the Settings again to confirm.
  • A corrupted browser profile or extension interference.

If necessary, repeat the steps above and ensure you click “Use current pages” again after reopening all tabs.

Managing and Editing Startup Tabs

Over time, your needs may change, and the set of tabs you initially saved might no longer be relevant. Fortunately, Chrome allows you to manage these settings easily:

  1. Go to Settings > On startup.

  2. Next to your saved URLs, you’ll see three dots. Click those to edit or remove specific tabs.

  3. If you want to add a new tab manually, select “Add a new page” and enter the desired URL.

This allows for a completely customizable setup that you can update as frequently as needed to match your current priorities and tools.

Advanced Users: Sync Startup Tabs Across Devices

If you use Chrome on multiple devices, syncing your startup tabs can be incredibly beneficial. However, startup settings do not transfer automatically since Chrome does not currently allow for cross-device synchronization of On startup settings.

Instead, a workaround is to install and use Chrome extensions such as:

  • Session Buddy – Allows you to save and restore groups of tabs.
  • TabCloud – Enables saving tab sessions that can be opened on another device.

These tools give you versatility for managing startup tabs beyond your main computer—and while not officially built-in features, they’re trustworthy and highly rated by the Chrome user community.

Performance Considerations

While having many tabs launch on startup can save time, it also introduces some performance concerns if not managed properly:

  • RAM Usage: Chrome is known for being resource-intensive, and launching 10+ tabs at once can slow down your machine.
  • Startup Time: The more tabs you open automatically, the longer Chrome may take to fully launch.
  • Battery Impact (on laptops): More tabs lead to higher CPU usage, which may reduce battery life.

If performance becomes an issue, consider using Chrome’s built-in Memory Saver feature, or alternatively, use extensions to delay tab loading until they’re clicked.

Extra Tip: Using Bookmarks as a Backup

It’s always wise to have backup access to your favorite tabs in case of a reset or profile corruption. You can save your current session manually into a bookmarks folder:

  1. Right-click on any open tab.
  2. Select “Bookmark all tabs…”
  3. Name your new folder accordingly (e.g., “Daily Startup Tabs”).

You’ll now have all your tabs saved in one place, accessible from the bookmarks bar. If needed, you can right-click the folder and choose “Open all” to restore your session instantly.

Conclusion

Chrome offers a robust and user-friendly way to personalize your browsing experience, and setting your tabs to open at startup is a key feature for anyone seeking productivity and consistency. Whether you’re launching email, calendars, project management tools, or news sources, using this setting properly can help jumpstart your day efficiently.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—and considering the performance implications—you can fine-tune Chrome to serve as the ideal entrance into your digital workspace. Remember to review and update your startup pages periodically, and use session or tab management tools to further enhance your experience.