Mozilla Firefox has long been a favorite among web browser enthusiasts for its flexibility and open-source nature. With the release of version 137 in early 2025, Firefox introduced a new feature called Tab Groups, designed to help users organize their browsing experience. However, not every user finds this feature useful, and some may prefer a simpler, more traditional tab layout.
Understanding the Tab Groups Feature
Tab Groups, which debuted in Firefox version 137, is a built-in tool aimed at helping users manage multiple open tabs more effectively. This feature allows you to categorize related tabs into collapsible groups, reducing clutter on the tab bar and making it easier to focus on specific tasks. For example, you might create a group for work-related tabs, another for social media, and a third for research. Each group can be assigned a custom name and color, and you can collapse or expand them as needed.
To use Tab Groups, you simply right-click a tab and select “Add tab to group,” then choose to create a new group or add it to an existing one. Alternatively, you can drag one tab onto another to merge them into a group. Once grouped, tabs can be managed collectively—moved, closed, or reopened together—offering a streamlined way to handle tab overload. This feature mirrors similar functionalities in browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, reflecting a growing trend in browser design to cater to power users and multi-taskers.
While Tab Groups can be a productivity booster for some, others find it unnecessary or disruptive to their workflow. If you’re someone who prefers a linear tab arrangement or rarely opens more than a handful of tabs, this feature might feel like an unwanted addition. Fortunately, Firefox’s customizable nature allows you to disable it entirely.
Why Disable Tab Groups?
There are several reasons you might want to turn off Tab Groups. For one, it adds an extra layer of complexity to the interface, which can be overwhelming if you’re accustomed to a minimalist browsing setup. Additionally, the feature isn’t enabled by default for all users yet, as Mozilla is rolling it out progressively, but if it’s active in your version, it might interfere with your preferred tab management habits. Disabling it can restore the classic Firefox experience, keeping your tab bar straightforward and uncluttered.
Steps to Disable Tab Groups in Firefox
If you’ve decided that Tab Groups isn’t for you, disabling it is a quick and simple process. Follow these steps to turn off the feature by setting browser.tabs.groups.enabled to False:
- Open Firefox: Launch your Mozilla Firefox browser. Ensure you’re running version 137 or later, as this is when Tab Groups was introduced.
- Access Advanced Preferences: In the address bar, type about:config and press Enter. This opens Firefox’s Advanced settings page, where you can tweak advanced settings.
- Accept the Warning: You’ll see a prompt warning you about potential risks. Click “Accept the Risk and Continue” to proceed.
- Search for the Setting: In the search bar at the top, type browser.tabs.groups.enabled. This will filter the list to show only the relevant preference.
- Modify the Preference: Locate the browser.tabs.groups.enabled entry. By default, its value might be set to True if Tab Groups is active. Double-click the entry, or click the toggle button on the right, to change its value to False.
- Restart Firefox: Close and reopen your browser to apply the change. Once restarted, the Tab Groups feature will be disabled, and the option to group tabs will no longer appear in the context menu or via drag-and-drop.
Verifying the Change
After restarting Firefox, test the result by right-clicking a tab. If the Add tab to group option is gone and dragging tabs doesn’t create groups, you’ve successfully disabled the feature. Your tab bar should now function as it did in pre-137 versions, offering a clean, ungrouped layout.
Conclusion
The Tab Groups feature in Firefox version 137 is a thoughtful addition for those who juggle dozens of tabs and crave organization. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and Mozilla’s decision to let users disable it reflects their commitment to flexibility. By setting browser.tabs.groups.enabled to False, you can tailor Firefox to your preferences, ensuring it remains the browser that works best for you. Whether you’re a tab hoarder who loves groups or a minimalist who shuns them, Firefox continues to offer the tools to make your browsing experience uniquely yours.