How to Set a Default Browser in Windows 10?

By: Ritika Purohit - Updated: December 28, 2018 8:25 am

What is a default browser and how to set or change a default browser? Whenever you click on a link (or URL) in the document or in the email, Windows launches the default browser, which is generally Edge or Internet Explorer.

Now, you’re fixated on Google Chrome or Firefox or any other browser, you might want to change the default settings in Windows, so that it launches your favorite browser by default, whenever you’ll perform an action that causes a browser to launch.

So how to change the settings in Windows to set a default browser of your choice? It’s a pretty easy and straightforward process, but the steps vary with different browsers and configurations. I have detailed all the steps in the below guide on how to change the default browser in Windows 10. Let’s see.

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How to Change Your Default Browser?

1. The Straightforward Method

This method virtually applies to all the browsers available.

The first and the most natural step to set your default browser instantly is when you install.

As you download a web browser, you’ll be asked to set it as a default browser, and it also can import all your browser history content such as bookmarks.

If you miss this prompt for any reason, you’ll have to go through some process to set your default browser.

2. Manually Set Google Chrome as a Default Browser

Google Chrome has to be on our top list as it is one of the most used web browsers with over half of web traffic. Set it as your web browser to avoid visiting the Google page as you open your browser. Here’s how-

Open Google Chrome browser
Hit the Chrome menu icon (three horizontal lines to the upper-right corner)

Now, select Settings from the drop-down menu

Scroll down and locate to the Default browser area
Tap on the Make Google Chrome the default browser icon

Done! You can apply this process in Windows 10, 8 or 7. Google Chrome is one of our favorite web browsers and making it as your default browser makes your browsing experience more comfortable.

Also Read: Easy Steps to Fix “Google Chrome Has Stopped Working” Error

3. Setting Microsoft Edge as a Default Browser

Microsoft Edge is the primary default web browser in Windows 10 until you deliberately change it or installed another browser and changed the settings. Follow the steps to get it back-

Hit the Windows Start button (to the lower-left corner)

Click on the Settings icon
In the Settings interface, choose Default apps

Look for the Web browser section and select the current default app. It’ll show you the Choose an app menu

Now, select Microsoft Edge from the list of options

You’ve successfully set Microsoft Edge as your default browser in Windows 10.

4. Safari

Safari is currently the second most used web browser in the world. It is mainly designed for iOS devices, but you can set it as the default browser in Windows too.

Here’s how-

Open Safari and hit the Gear icon (to the upper-right corner)
Select the Preferences icon from the drop-down menu
In the Preferences window, go to the General tab
Click on the drop-down menu of Default web browser

Now, select Safari from the drop-down list

Safari is now set as your default browser on your Windows PC.

5. Mozilla Firefox

Firefox is an open source web browser, and you can set it as your default web browser with these easy steps-

Launch Mozilla Firefox
Hit the Firefox’s menu icon (three horizontal lines to the upper-right corner
You’ll see a small menu window, choose Options

In the Options dialog box, Click on the General icon (if required)
Select Make Firefox My Default Browser option in the Startup Section in General tab

You can now enjoy browsing Mozilla Firefox’s open web services with one click on your Windows 10 PC.

6. Opera

Opera web browser is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It is one of the least used web browsers currently. However, if you wish to change set Opera as your web browser, go through these steps-

Open Opera browser and click on the Opera menu icon (upper-left corner)
Choose the Settings option from the drop-down menu
Head to the Default browser section and hit the Make Opera my default browser button

If you want to avoid these elaborated steps, in Windows 10, you can also head to the Settings -> Apps -> Default apps .

Now, scroll down and change your default browser by selecting it from the drop-down menu.

Done! Your Windows 10 System will now automatically direct you to the default browser you have set.

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