Chrome New Tab Omnibox Focus

An AutoHotkey script that automatically focuses Chrome's address bar when you switch back to a new tab. No more typing into the void or wasting time clicking to start typing.

Why?

Chrome unfocuses the New Tab omnibox when you switch windows, tabs, or leave Chrome. This script fixes that annoying behavior specifically for new tabs.

Install

1. Install AutoHotkey (v1.1+)
2. Download the script:
   • Direct link: ChromeOmniboxFocus.ahk
   • (Right-click > "Save link as" works best)
3. Double-click the .ahk file to run

How to Use

• Runs in your system tray (green H icon)
• Toggle on/off: Win + Z
• Quit: Win + X

Works when:

1. You switch back to Chrome
2. You're on a new tab page (title must be "New Tab - Google Chrome")
3. The script should not need to be run as administrator or need any special treatment, tested on Windows 11 and Google Chrome Version 131.0.6778.265 (Official Build) (64-bit)
4. Using the Windows startup folder (run shell:startup) you can have the script launch when you login to the machine.

Tweaks

For non-English Chrome

Change the window title match in the script:

; Change this line if your Chrome uses different text
if (WinActive("New Tab - Google Chrome ahk_exe chrome.exe"))