The quickest way to change your default browser

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then go to Apps in the left menu. Select Default apps, scroll down to find your preferred browser, and click it. Windows will ask you to confirm — click the browser name again in the popup that appears. The change takes effect when ready.

This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you see a message saying you cannot change the default, your device administrator may have locked this setting. In that case, contact whoever manages your computer.

You can also change the default for specific file types — like .html files or .pdf files — from the same Default apps screen. Click the file type, then choose which browser opens it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the official way to change your default browser on any Windows version.
  • You can set different browsers as default for different file types, so PDFs might open in one browser and web links in another.
  • If you cannot change the default, your device administrator has restricted the setting and you will need to contact them.
  • Changing the default does not uninstall your old browser — it only changes which one opens when you click a link.
  • The change takes effect right away; you do not need to restart your computer.

Changing the default through the browser itself

Most browsers have their own button to set themselves as default. Open your preferred browser and look for Settings or Preferences in the menu. Search the settings page for "default" — you should find a button that says "Make default" or "Set as default browser".

In Chrome, go to Settings > Default browser and click Make default. In Firefox, go to Settings > Home and scroll to Default Browser, then click Make default. In Edge, go to Settings > Default browser and click Make default.

This method is faster if you already have the browser open, but it does the same thing as the Settings app. Use whichever is more convenient for you.

What happens when you change the default

When you set a new default browser, Windows routes all web links to that browser. This includes links in emails, documents, and other programs. Your old browser remains installed and you can still open it manually — changing the default just changes what opens automatically.

If you have multiple browsers installed, you can switch between them as your default as often as you want. There is no limit to how many times you can change it, and no penalty for switching back and forth.

If you cannot find your browser in the default apps list

If your browser does not appear in the Default apps screen, it may not be installed yet. read and install it first, then return to Settings. Most browsers add themselves to the default apps list automatically during installation.

If the browser is installed but still does not appear, try opening the browser and looking for its own "Make default" button in settings. Some older or less common browsers do not register with Windows automatically.

If you are using a work or school computer, your administrator may have hidden certain browsers from the default apps list. Contact your IT department to see if they can unhide it or change the setting for you.

Changing the default for specific file types instead of all links

You do not have to use the same browser for everything. In the Default apps screen, scroll down past the browser section to see individual file types like .html, .pdf, .htm, and http. Click any of these and choose a different browser for just that file type.

For example, you might want Chrome to open all web links, but Firefox to open PDF files. Click .pdf in the Default apps list, then select Firefox. Now PDFs will open in Firefox while links still open in Chrome.

This is useful if one browser handles a specific task better than another, or if you use different browsers for work and personal browsing.

Resetting to Windows' built-in browser

Windows 11 comes with Microsoft Edge pre-installed. If you want to go back to Edge as your default after switching to another browser, open Settings > Apps > Default apps and click Microsoft Edge.

You cannot remove Edge from Windows 11, but you can change the default away from it at any time. If you later decide you want Edge as your default again, the same process applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing the default browser uninstall my old browser?

No. Changing the default only changes which browser opens automatically when you click a link. Your old browser stays installed and you can still open it manually whenever you want.

Can I set different browsers for different types of links?

Yes. In Settings > Apps > Default apps, you can scroll down to see individual file types like .html and .pdf. Click each one and choose a different browser for that specific file type.

What if I cannot change the default browser?

Your device administrator has likely locked this setting. This is common on work or school computers. Contact your IT department or whoever manages your computer to request the change.

Will changing the default browser affect my bookmarks or saved passwords?

No. Your bookmarks, passwords, and other data stay in the browser where you saved them. Changing the default only changes which browser opens links — it does not move or delete any of your information.

Can I change the default browser back to what it was before?

Yes, as many times as you want. There is no limit to how often you can switch your default browser. Just open Settings > Apps > Default apps and click the browser you want to use.