Open in New Window Plugin
The Open in New Window Plugin Plugin uses JavaScript to target external links to a new browser window, leaving your blog page open. Since it uses javascript, it targets more links than using a plugin that filter pages…
Consider an alternative
Open in New Window Plugin shows warning signs in 2026 — compare the alternatives below before installing. It runs on 2K+ sites, is rated 4.8/5 and was last updated 2 years ago, and scores 39/100 on our health check.
- No update in 2 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.6 (latest is 7.1)
How does it stack up?
Side-by-side on installs, updates, ratings & support
Daily downloads
Download spikes usually follow a new release — each site that auto-updates counts as a download.
Rankings
Where Open in New Window Plugin stands todayWordPress.org search rankings
Live position in the plugin search, top 100| Keyword | Position |
|---|---|
| links | >100 |
| new window | #12 |
| Open | >100 |
| outbound | #60 |
Version adoption
Share of active sites per release.
Rating breakdown
★★★★★★★★★★ 4.8 from 16 reviews
About Open in New Window Plugin
From the official readme · v3.0Description
The Open in New Window Plugin Plugin uses JavaScript to target external links to a new browser window, leaving your blog page open.
Since it uses javascript, it targets more links than using a plugin that filter pages and rewrite the link. The plugin will find many links generated in scripts or pasted into posts and comments.
Due to the limitations of javascript it will not be able target links in iframes such as Adsense and some other affiliate links.
Support
This plugin is free and I expect nothing in return. If you wish to support my programming, buy my books:
https://linktr.ee/keithpgraham
Installation
- Download the plugin.
- Upload the plugin to your wp-content/plugins directory.
- Activate the plugin.
Changelog
Added features and improved security
2.9
- Tested under WordPress 6.4.2
2.8
- Tested under WordPress 5.7
2.7
- Tested under WordPress 5.4
2.6
- Fixed a bug in the javascript loader url.
2.5
- Changed comments to /…/ so that javascript compressors will not get confused.
- Fixed bug in the way options are stored.
- Fixed bug in the way control js was loaded.
2.4
- Major rewrite.
- Uses script enqueue methods so WP loads the scripts.
- Fixed some problems with the scripts. THey should compress correctly now.
- set up so translations might work (but I doubt it).
For developers
Is this your plugin? Show off the numbers.
Add a live badge to your site, docs or GitHub README. It updates on its own — no account needed.
Best Open in New Window Plugin alternatives
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FAQ
Open in New Window Plugin: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Sep 26, 2026
Is Open in New Window Plugin free?
Yes. Open in New Window Plugin is free to download and use from the official WordPress.org plugin directory.
Is Open in New Window Plugin safe to use in 2026?
Open in New Window Plugin shows warning signs in 2026 — compare the alternatives below before installing. It runs on 2K+ sites, is rated 4.8/5 and was last updated 2 years ago, and scores 39/100 on our health check.
How many websites use Open in New Window Plugin?
Open in New Window Plugin is active on 2K+ WordPress websites and has been downloaded 127,772 times since it launched in November 2009. It was downloaded 438 times in the last 30 days.
Does Open in New Window Plugin work with WordPress 7.1?
Open in New Window Plugin is officially tested up to WordPress 6.6.9, while the latest release is 7.1.2. It may still work, but try it on a staging site first.
When was Open in New Window Plugin last updated?
The latest version, 3.0, was released on July 14, 2024 (2 years ago).
Who makes Open in New Window Plugin?
Open in New Window Plugin is developed and maintained by Keith P. Graham.
What are the best alternatives to Open in New Window Plugin?
The most popular alternatives to Open in New Window Plugin are Broken Link Checker (500K+ installs), LuckyWP Table of Contents (100K+ installs) and Export All URLs (50K+ installs).
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