diff --git a/src/browser/app/profile/features.inc b/src/browser/app/profile/features.inc
index 49d79fab76..18c73bd083 100644
--- a/src/browser/app/profile/features.inc
+++ b/src/browser/app/profile/features.inc
@@ -39,3 +39,4 @@ pref('zen.haptic-feedback.enabled', true);
 
 // Startup flags
 pref('zen.startup.smooth-scroll-in-tabs', true);
+pref('zen.startup.focus-urlbar', true);
diff --git a/src/zen/workspaces/ZenWorkspaces.mjs b/src/zen/workspaces/ZenWorkspaces.mjs
index ebdfdee546..6de6f325be 100644
--- a/src/zen/workspaces/ZenWorkspaces.mjs
+++ b/src/zen/workspaces/ZenWorkspaces.mjs
@@ -233,7 +233,11 @@ var gZenWorkspaces = new (class extends ZenMultiWindowFeature {
         gZenVerticalTabsManager._canReplaceNewTab
       ) {
         // Only set up URL bar selection if we're switching to a different tab
-        if (gBrowser.selectedTab !== this._emptyTab && selectURLBar) {
+        if (
+          gBrowser.selectedTab !== this._emptyTab &&
+          selectURLBar &&
+          Services.prefs.getBoolPref('zen.startup.focus-urlbar', true)
+        ) {
           // Use a Promise-based approach for better sequencing
           const urlBarSelectionPromise = new Promise((resolve) => {
             const tabSelectListener = () => {