GitHub unwanted UX change: issue links now open in a popup
GitHub has introduced a new user experience change where issue links now open in a popup overlay instead of navigating directly to the issue page. Users are reporting the change as disruptive, with many complaining it harms productivity, breaks expected link behavior, and lacks an option to disable. The feature appears to be rolling out gradually, but GitHub has not officially announced it or provided configuration settings. Community feedback is largely negative, with calls for an opt-in system or full reversal.
- ●Issue links on GitHub are now opening in a popup overlay instead of navigating to the linked page.
- ●Users report the change is being rolled out gradually and is not mentioned in the official changelog or roadmap.
- ●Many users find the popup behavior disruptive, especially for copying URLs or using assistive technologies.
- ●There is currently no official setting to disable the popup behavior or revert to the previous experience.
- ●Some users have created workarounds, such as userscripts, to restore standard link functionality.
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GitHub Community Overview Repositories Discussions Packages People More Overview Repositories Discussions Packages People Issue links open automatically in a popup #192666 Unanswered miloush asked this question in Projects and Issues Issue links open automatically in a popup #192666 miloush Apr 15, 2026 · 11 comments Return to top Discussion options Uh oh! There was an error while loading. Please reload this page. {{title}} Something went wrong. Uh oh! There was an error while loading. Please reload this page. Quote reply edited Uh oh! There was an error while loading. Please reload this page. {{editor}}'s edit {{actor}} deleted this content . {{editor}}'s edit Something went wrong. Uh oh! There was an error while loading. Please reload this page. miloush Apr 15, 2026 - 🏷️ Discussion Type Product Feedback 💬 Feature/Topic Area Issues Body In some repositories, any link to an issue form an issue stared to open in a popup overlay instead of navigating to it. Is that something that is rolling out gradually? I checked both the changelog and product roadmap but couldn't find any mentions of the new behavior. Is there a way to turn it off or configure? It completely breaks the experience and negatively affects productivity. Guidelines I have read the above statement and can confirm my post is relevant to the GitHub feature areas Issues and/or Projects. Beta Was this translation helpful? Give feedback. 71 You must be logged in to vote 👍 13 All reactions 👍 13 Replies: 11 comments Oldest Newest Top Comment options Uh oh! There was an error while loading. Please reload this page. {{title}} Something went wrong. Uh oh! There was an error while loading. Please reload this page. Quote reply github-actions[bot] Bot Apr 15, 2026 - 💬 Your Product Feedback Has Been Submitted 🎉 Thank you for taking the time to share your insights with us! Your feedback is invaluable as we build a better GitHub experience for all our users. Here's what you can expect moving forward ⏩ Your input will be carefully reviewed and cataloged by members of our product teams. Due to the high volume of submissions, we may not always be able to provide individual responses. Rest assured, your feedback will help chart our course for product improvements. Other users may engage with your post, sharing their own perspectives or experiences. GitHub staff may reach out for further clarification or insight. We may 'Answer' your discussion if there is a current solution, workaround, or roadmap/changelog post related to the feedback. Where to look to see what's shipping 👀 Read the Changelog for real-time updates on the latest GitHub features, enhancements, and calls for feedback. Explore our Product Roadmap, which details upcoming major releases and initiatives. What you can do in the meantime 💻 Upvote and comment on other user feedback Discussions that resonate with you. Add more information at any point! Useful details include: use cases, relevant labels, desired outcomes, and any accompanying screenshots. As a member of the GitHub community, your participation is essential. While we can't promise that every suggestion will be implemented, we want to emphasize that your feedback is instrumental in guiding our decisions and priorities. Thank you once again for your contribution to making GitHub even better! We're grateful for your ongoing support and collaboration in shaping the future of our platform. ⭐ Beta Was this translation helpful? Give feedback. 0 You must be logged in to…
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