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

Determining If a Drive Should be Defragmented

Disk fragmentation is one of those things which, if severe, can adversely affect your system's performance. This tip ...

Discover More

What are the Limits on File Names?

It's good to know what the limits are when naming files, although in most cases the limits are sufficiently high that ...

Discover More

What is the Purpose of the Forwarded Events Event Log?

The Forwarded Events event log collects events that have been forwarded from other computers. In this way you can login ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Enabling a Warning before Closing Multiple Edge Tabs

Tabbed browsing can be a great feature. If you use Edge with multiple tabs open, then enabling an alert anytime you close ...

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

Opening Websites from the Taskbar

Launching websites typically require an open web browser. A hidden Windows 10 feature opens websites directly from the ...

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 3 + 2?

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


Newest Tips