Your default browser is the program that opens automatically when you click a link in an email, document or other program. Windows and Mac come with their own browsers, but you can easily set a different browser as your default. In this article we explain how to set your favorite browser, such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge, as your default browser.

What is a default browser?

The default browser is the browser your computer automatically uses to open websites. When you click a web link anywhere, for example in an email or a Word document, this browser opens automatically to show the website. By setting your favorite browser as the default, your computer works exactly the way you want it to.

Why change your default browser?

There are several reasons to change your default browser. Maybe you find Chrome faster than Edge, or you have already saved all your bookmarks and passwords in Firefox. Some people like to use the same browser on their computer, phone and tablet so everything stays in sync. Whatever your reason, changing the default browser is easy.

The most widely used browsers are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Apple Safari. Chrome is the most popular worldwide because of its speed and its many extensions. Firefox is known for privacy and customizability. Edge is the default browser in Windows and works well with Microsoft services. Safari is the default browser on Mac and Apple devices.

Change your default browser in Windows 11

Windows 11 makes it relatively easy to change your default browser, although Microsoft would prefer that you keep using Edge.

Through Windows Settings

Click the Start button and open Settings. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Windows key plus I. In the menu on the left, click Apps and then select Default apps.

Scroll through the list of apps or use the search bar at the top to find the browser you want to set as your default. Click the browser, for example Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. You will now see a list of file types and protocols.

At the top, click Set default to use this browser as the default for most web tasks. Windows may ask you to confirm. Click Switch anyway if you are sure of your choice.

When you start a browser

Many browsers automatically ask whether you want to set them as your default browser when you open them. If Chrome or Firefox is not your default browser, a message often appears asking whether you want to change this. Click Yes or Set as default to apply the change.

Change your default browser in Windows 10

The process in Windows 10 is very similar to Windows 11, but the menu layout is slightly different.

Steps for Windows 10

Click Start and go to Settings using the gear icon. Click Apps and then select Default apps in the left menu. Scroll down until you see Web browser.

Click the current browser shown under Web browser. A list of all installed browsers appears. Select the browser you want to use as your default. The change takes effect immediately.

Check whether it worked

To check whether the change worked, open an email with a link or a document with a web address. Click the link and see which browser opens. If your chosen browser opens, the setting is correct.

Change your default browser on a Mac

On a Mac, Apple Safari is the default browser. If you prefer Chrome or Firefox, you can easily change this.

Through System Preferences

Click the Apple menu at the top left of your screen and select System Preferences or System Settings, depending on your macOS version. Click Desktop & Dock or search for Default web browser.

Next to the Default web browser option you will see a drop-down menu. Click it and select the browser you want to use. The change is saved immediately.

Through the browser itself

You can also use the browser itself to set it as the default. For example, open Chrome and go to Settings through the three dots at the top right. Click Default browser in the left menu and then Make default. Your Mac will ask you to confirm.

Set your default browser from the browser

Every browser lets you set itself as the default from its own settings.

Set Google Chrome as default

Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots at the top right. Select Settings and, in the left menu, click Default browser. If Chrome is not the default browser, you will see a Make default button. Click it and confirm your choice in the Windows or Mac dialog box.

Set Mozilla Firefox as default

Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines at the top right. Go to Settings and look at the General section. At the top you can see whether Firefox is your default browser. If not, the Make Default button appears. Click it to make Firefox the default.

Set Microsoft Edge as default

Open Edge and click the three dots at the top right. Select Settings and click Default browser in the left menu. Click Make default to use Edge for all web links.

Default browser on phone and tablet

You can also change the default browser on mobile devices.

Android devices

Open the Settings app on your Android phone or tablet. Go to Apps and select Default apps or Choose default apps. Tap Browser app and select the browser you want to use from the list of installed browsers.

iPhone and iPad

Since iOS 14, you can also choose a default browser other than Safari on Apple devices. Open the Settings app and scroll down until you see the browser you want to use, for example Chrome or Firefox. Tap the browser and select Default Browser App. Choose the browser and it becomes your new default.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes changing the default browser does not work right away. Here are some solutions to common problems.

The browser is not in the list

If the browser you want does not appear in the list of options, it may not be installed correctly. Download the browser again from the official website and install it. Then restart your computer and try again.

Windows keeps opening Edge

Microsoft tries to keep users on Edge. Sometimes Windows still opens certain links in Edge, even if you have set a different default browser. In the Default apps settings, check that all file types and protocols are linked to your chosen browser.

Settings are not saved

If the settings are not saved, you may not have the right permissions. Make sure you are signed in as an administrator. You can also try uninstalling the browser and installing it again.

Advantages of each browser

To help you choose, here is a short overview of the advantages of each popular browser.

Google Chrome

Chrome is fast, has thousands of extensions and syncs seamlessly with your Google account. Your bookmarks, passwords and history are available on all your devices. The downside is that Chrome can use a lot of memory.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox focuses strongly on privacy and blocks many trackers by default. The browser is highly customizable and has a loyal community. Firefox often uses less memory than Chrome.

Microsoft Edge

Edge is the modern successor to Internet Explorer and is based on the same technology as Chrome. It integrates well with Windows and Microsoft 365. Edge has unique features such as vertical tabs and a built-in PDF reader.

Apple Safari

Safari is optimized for Mac and uses less battery than other browsers on Apple devices. It offers good privacy protection and works seamlessly with other Apple products through iCloud.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use multiple browsers at the same time?

Yes, you can have multiple browsers installed and use them. The default browser only determines which browser opens automatically when you click links. You can always open a different browser manually.

Will I lose my bookmarks if I switch browsers?

No, your bookmarks stay in your old browser. Most browsers let you import bookmarks from another browser. You can usually find this under Settings or Bookmarks, then Import.

Which browser is the safest?

All modern browsers offer good security as long as you keep them up to date. Firefox and Safari are known for their strong privacy protection. Chrome and Edge receive security updates very frequently. The most important thing is that you always use the latest version.

Why does Windows keep asking whether I want to use Edge?

Microsoft actively promotes Edge as part of Windows. You can ignore these messages or turn them off in the Edge settings. Your chosen default browser keeps working as set.

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