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How to Stop Accidentally Closing Your Browser All the Time

2 minute read

If you’re anything like me, you love using keyboard shortcuts to zip around your computer without moving your mouse—some say it’s laziness, I say it’s efficiency. Hitting Control-W or Cmd-W in Chrome or Firefox, for example, lets me easily close a tab once I’m done reading ’19 Reasons ‘Rose’ From Titanic Is a Feminist Hero.’

But if you are anything like me, you also have a nasty habit of hitting the wrong keys about 37% of the time. And guess what’s right next to “W?” That’s “Q,” which, when pressed along with that Control/Cmd key, totally closes your entire browser. Annoying!

Well, there’s something you can do about it.

If you’re using Chrome on a Mac, click “Chrome” on your top toolbar, then check “Warn Before Quitting.” Now, you’ll need to either hold down the Q button or tap it twice to fully close Chrome—no more accidental Cmd-Qs when you meant to Cmd-W. Chrome for Windows lacks this nifty feature, but if you restart Chrome and hit Control + Shift + T, it’ll reopen all the tabs you had open when you accidentally closed Chrome.

For Firefox users on Windows or Mac, the trick takes a little more work. First, open Firefox’s preferences panel and head over to the “Tabs” section. Check “Warn me when closing multiple tabs.” Then, open a new Firefox tab and in the address bar, type about:config. Filter those results by “warnon,” and set all the options that appear to “true.” Then filter for “quit,” and set the “showQuitWarning” to “true.” Huzzah! Now any time you’ve got more than one Firefox tab open, it’ll warn you before quitting.

Happy browsing, Chrome and Firefox users.

PHOTOS: Inside Google’s New York City Office

A subway themed conference room where Googlers can video conference with other Google offices around the world.
A subway themed conference room where Googlers can video conference with other Google offices around the world.Eric Laignel—Google
A lounge and workspace in Google's Chelsea Market office where employees can get together for a meeting or relax on a lounge chair.
A lounge and workspace in Google's Chelsea Market office where employees can get together for a meeting or relax on a lounge chair.Eric Laignel—Google
Steel slides connect Google's two story lounge.
Steel slides connect Google's two story lounge.Eric Laignel—Google
A green themed micro kitchen emphasizes Google's commitment to sustainability.
A green themed micro kitchen emphasizes Google's commitment to sustainability.Eric Laignel—Google
Google's apartment themed conference room for those looking to “work from home” at work.
Google's apartment themed conference room for those looking to “work from home” at work.Eric Laignel—Google
Google's build-your-own desks that allow employees to completely customize their workspaces.
Google's build-your-own desks that allow employees to completely customize their workspaces.Eric Laignel—Google
Water tower seating in Google's aptly named Water Tower Cafe, one of five cafes at Google's New York offices that serve free food.
Water tower seating in Google's aptly named Water Tower Cafe, one of five cafes at Google's New York offices that serve free food.Eric Laignel—Google
The Broadway themed conference rooms on Google's New York City-themed floor.
The Broadway themed conference rooms on Google's New York City-themed floor.Eric Laignel—Google
A bookcase turns to reveal one of three "secret rooms" in Google's library.
A bookcase turns to reveal one of three "secret rooms" in Google's library.Eric Laignel—Google
Google New York's library, complete with books donated by employees.
Google New York's library, complete with books donated by employees.Eric Laignel—Google
The Google bridge across 16th street in New York City.
The Google bridge across 16th street in New York City.Eric Laignel—Google

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