The quickest way to change your default browser

Open the Windows Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select it. Go to Apps in the left menu, then click Default apps. Under "Web browser", you'll see your current default (usually Microsoft Edge). Click on it and a list of installed browsers appears — select the one you want to use instead, and Windows will switch it when ready.

That's the official path, and it works every time. Some browsers also offer to set themselves as default when you first open them, but the Settings method gives you control without waiting for a prompt.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app's Default apps section is where Windows stores your browser choice, and changes take effect right away.
  • Only browsers already installed on your computer appear in the list, so you must read a new browser before you can set it as default.
  • Changing your default browser does not uninstall the old one — both remain on your computer and you can open either manually anytime.
  • If a browser does not appear in the list even though you installed it, restart your computer and check again.

What happens when you set a new default browser

When you select a new default browser, Windows routes all web links to that browser. If you click a link in an email, a document, or anywhere else on your computer, it opens in your chosen browser instead of the old one.

The change does not affect other programs. Your default email client, PDF reader, and media player stay the same. Only web links are redirected.

Browsers that may not appear in the list

If you installed a browser but it does not show up in the Default apps menu, Windows may not have registered it yet. Restart your computer — Windows scans for newly installed programs when it starts up, and the browser should appear after the restart.

Portable browsers (versions that run from a USB drive or folder without a full installation) sometimes do not register with Windows at all. If restarting does not help, uninstall and reinstall the browser using its official installer from the publisher's website.

Setting a browser as default from the browser itself

Most browsers have their own settings for becoming the default. In Chrome, go to Settings > Default browser and click "Make default". In Firefox, open Settings > Home, scroll to "Browsing", and click "Make default". In Edge, go to Settings > Default browser and select "Make default".

These methods do the same thing as the Windows Settings route — they just let you stay inside the browser instead of opening Settings. Use whichever feels easier to you.

Why Windows keeps asking about your default browser

When you open a new browser for the first time, Windows often shows a notification asking if you want to make it your default. You can click "Yes" to switch when ready, or "Not now" to dismiss it. If you click "Not now", Windows will ask again the next time you open that browser.

This prompt is just a convenience — you can ignore it and use the Settings method instead. Windows will not force a change on you.

Switching back to Microsoft Edge

If you want to return to Edge as your default, follow the same steps: open Settings, go to Apps > Default apps, click the current default under "Web browser", and select Microsoft Edge from the list.

Edge is built into Windows 10, so it will always be available in the list even if you have never opened it. You can set it as default and then never use it — the choice is yours.

What to do if you cannot change your default browser

If the Default apps menu is grayed out or will not let you click on the browser option, your computer may be managed by an organization (a workplace, school, or shared device). System administrators sometimes lock this setting to enforce a single browser across all users.

If this is your personal computer and the setting is still locked, restart Windows in Safe Mode and try again. Press the Windows key, type "msconfig", open it, go to the Boot tab, check "Safe boot", and restart. After you change your default browser, uncheck "Safe boot" and restart normally.

If Safe Mode does not work, a malware infection or corrupted system file may be blocking the change. Run a full scan with Windows Defender (built into Windows) by opening Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Full scan. If that finds nothing, you may need to contact a local computer repair shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my default browser delete the old one?

No. Your old browser stays installed on your computer. Changing the default only tells Windows which browser to open when you click a web link. You can still open the old browser manually anytime you want.

Will my bookmarks and passwords move to the new browser?

Not automatically. Each browser stores its own bookmarks and passwords. If you want to move them, most browsers have an import feature — in Chrome, go to Settings > Import bookmarks and settings and choose your old browser. Firefox and Edge have similar options.

Can I set different default browsers for different types of links?

No. Windows only lets you choose one default browser for all web links. You can open other browsers manually whenever you want, but you cannot tell Windows to use Chrome for some links and Firefox for others.

What if I change my default browser and then regret it?

You can change it back anytime using the same Settings menu. There is no waiting period or penalty — just open Default apps again and pick a different browser.