Google Chrome won't open .URL extension files Ubuntu 18.04.4 LTS

Question

I recently tried to open a URL link I saved onto my desktop by double-clicking it, but it will not open correctly. If I DRAG & DROP the file into chrome works fine. The file is saved with a ".url" extension.

Answer 1

See if this works first

This is a known issue with Google Chrome. See:Chrome doesn't recognise .url files properly

The workaround is to use an Extension such as .URL Handler

Once installed you need to go to Chrome Extensions (chrome://extensions/) and turn on Allow access to file URLs toggle.

If it doesn't try this

1. Paste this in terminal and press enter: ln -s /opt/google/chrome/chrome /usr/bin/chrome
2. Install thunar file manager: sudo apt-get install thunar
3. • Right-click a .URL file
   • Select: "Open With"
   • "Open With Other Application"
   • Select on "Use a custom command"
4. Copy the following command to the text-field: bash -c "cat %f | grep URL | cut -d'=' -f2 | xargs chrome &"
5. Click the default checkbox.

6. Press open.
7. You can uninstall thunar file manager: sudo apt-get remove thunar