---
title: "Does the anchor element open a new window without warning?"
date: "2026-01-20T13:14:30+00:00"
summary:
image:
type: "page"
url: "/web-governance/does-anchor-element-open-new-window-without-warning"
id: "851f4225-c9f4-4566-82a2-6152731bdddd"
---

Table of contents will be added

3.2.5 Change on Request

Introduction
------------

This document provides information about the Acquia Web Governance check:

*   Does the anchor element open a new window without warning?

What
----

This check identifies anchor links that open in a new window or tab and do not provide advance notice for the user. 

Why
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Ensure that users are aware that a link will navigate them away from the current window so that your website maintains a predictable browsing experience.

New windows that open unexpectedly can be confusing or disruptive, especially for people who use screen readers or keyboard navigation. Individuals with visual impairments may not notice a new tab has opened, which makes it difficult for them to navigate back to the original content. Users with cognitive disabilities or attention disorders may also find sudden changes in context or window focus disorienting.

Who
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### Affected users

This check affects the following users who have:

*   Blindness or vision impairments: Who navigate websites with keyboard commands and use screen reader software.
*   Cognitive disabilities or attention disorders: Who may be disoriented by sudden changes in context or window focus.

Examples
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### Pass example

The link includes a clear warning within the link text or an accessible label that it opens in a new window. 

    <a href="https://example.com" target="_blank">Download Report (opens in a new window)</a>

### Fail example

The link uses `target="_blank"` but provides no textual or audible indication that a new window will open. 

    <a href="https://example.com" target="_blank">Download Report</a>

How
---

This section provides information on how to review and fix the issue.

### How to review it

1.  Identify anchor elements on the page that include the `target="_blank"` attribute. 
    
    You can use the Web Governance Browser Extension to identify the element on the page or in the HTML source code. 
    
2.  Determine if there is accompanying text, such as "opens in a new window" or an icon with an appropriate alternative text label that warns the user.
    

### How to fix it

Ensure that any link that is intended to open in a new window clearly indicates this behavior to the user.

*   Add descriptive text directly into the link, such as "_Link text_ opens in a new tab."
*   Provide an accessible label with an `aria-label` to inform screen reader users. With this method, you do not need to make any changes to the visual text.
*   If you use an icon to indicate a new window, ensure that the icon has an `alt` attribute that describes the action.

Additional resources
--------------------

This section contains useful resources for this subject.

### WCAG success criteria

[3.2.5 Change on Request](https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/Understanding/change-on-request)