browser opening new tab when trying to open links

Hi, Not sure if this is the right thread, but here goes. My issue is this: whenever I click on a web site shortcut, whether in my task bar or on my desktop, my browser opens a new tab with my browser home page, rather than going directly to the web site I'm after. This happens no matter which browser I'm using. Even if I'm running Chrome or Firefox by default, it will automatically switch to Edge, and open a new tab. All sticky keys features have been deactivated, since somebody suggested this may be the problem, but the problem still persists. This has only been happening since late yesterday. After numerous restarts. and powering off, waiting, then powering back on, the problem still persists. I am running Windows 10 Home. What am I missing? Please help if you can. I'm still able to open a browser and get to my web sites that way, but it's a pain in the butt. Thanks in advance.

Kind regards,

big beardedbuddy