Setting the Default Browser

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated May 25, 2020)

Windows 10 comes with a new browser to replace Internet Explorer. It's called Edge, and Microsoft naturally wants you to use it. If you've grown partial to another browser, though, you may not want Edge to be the default browser. In such a case, you can set your default browser to something else. Personally, I like using Google's Chrome browser, so this tip will show you how to set your default browser to Chrome.

To get started, go to Start | Settings and click Apps: (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Going to the Apps settings.

When you click Apps, a new window will appear that looks like this: (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. Going to Default apps.

At this screen, click the "Default apps" item, and you'll see the following. (You may have to scroll down to find the Web Browser item): (See Figure 3.)

Figure 3. Displaying the Web browser item.

Click the link under "Web browser" and you'll see a window pop up that lists the available browsers on your system: (See Figure 4.)

Figure 4. Choosing Google Chrome as the default Web browser.

Since I'm setting my default browser to Chrome, I just click on the Google Chrome item and then close the Settings window. Now, whenever I click a hyperlink, it will open in Chrome instead of Edge.

 This tip (13469) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Creating a Desktop Shortcut for a Favorite Web Page

If you visit a certain Web page frequently, you may wish to create a desktop shortcut to take you there. This tip tells ...

Discover More

Where Is that File I Just Downloaded?

Downloading files from the Web is a pretty common occurrence. Keeping track of your downloads used to be a bit of a ...

Discover More

Agent Ransack

If you need to search the contents of files fast, Agent Ransack is a tool worth having. It searches through multiple ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Understanding Remote Assistance

Sometimes you may need some computer help, or a friend may need help from you. By using Remote Assistance your computers ...

Discover More

Blocking Automatic Installation of Microsoft Edge

Windows 10 will be receiving a forced upgrade to the new Microsoft Edge Chromium web browser. You can use the free ...

Discover More

Moving Your Downloads Folder

If you're on the Internet a lot, chances are you do a lot of downloading. By default, your Downloads folder is on your C: ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is three more than 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips