Preview Links in Chrome with This Hidden Feature

Google Chrome is constantly evolving, adding new features like AI-powered image searches and occasionally removing beloved functionalities. One of the latest additions is a hidden preview feature, available since Chrome version 124, allowing you to glimpse a linked page before fully committing to a visit. This feature can be a real time-saver and enhance your browsing experience.

This hidden preview functionality offers a quick peek at a link’s destination. By holding the Alt key and hovering over a link, a preview window pops up, displaying the page’s content. Alternatively, holding Alt and right-clicking a link also reveals the preview.

Chrome flags page with Link Preview feature highlighted and enabled

Enabling the Hidden Link Preview in Chrome

To activate this useful feature, follow these simple steps:

1. Navigate to Chrome Flags: Type chrome://flags into the address bar and press Enter. This will take you to the Chrome flags page, where experimental features can be enabled or disabled.

2. Search for “Preview”: Use the search field at the top of the flags page and enter preview to filter the list. This helps quickly locate the relevant setting.

3. Enable Link Preview: Find the Link Preview flag and change its setting from Default to Enabled. For more granular control, choose a specific preview action like Enabled Alt + Click to activate previewing only with a right-click while holding Alt.

4. Relaunch Chrome: Click the Relaunch button at the bottom right of the browser window to restart Chrome and apply the changes. This is essential for the new settings to take effect.

Chrome Link Preview feature in action with page preview in popup window

Using the Link Preview Feature

Once enabled, navigate to any webpage with links. Hold the Alt key and hover your cursor over a link. A popup window containing a preview of the linked page will appear shortly. Alternatively, right-click on any link and select Preview link from the context menu to access the same functionality.

Conclusion

Chrome’s hidden link preview feature offers a convenient way to quickly assess linked pages without navigating away from your current page. By following the steps outlined above, you can enable this feature and enhance your browsing efficiency. Whether you prefer hovering or right-clicking, this hidden gem within Chrome provides a valuable tool for a smoother online experience.