The quickest way to change your default browser

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select the Settings app. Go to Apps in the left menu, then select Default apps. Scroll down to Web browser and click the current browser name — a list of installed browsers will appear. Click the one you want to use instead, and Windows 10 will switch it when ready.

That is the official path and takes about 30 seconds. If you cannot find Default apps in Settings, your version of Windows 10 may use an older layout — the alternative method below will work on any version.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app method (Apps > Default apps > Web browser) is the fastest way and works on all recent versions of Windows 10.
  • If Settings does not show a Default apps option, use Control Panel instead by searching for "default programs" and selecting the first result.
  • You must have the browser you want installed on your computer before you can set it as default.
  • Changing the default browser does not uninstall the old one — both remain on your computer and you can use either whenever you choose.

Using Control Panel if Settings does not have the option

Older versions of Windows 10 do not show Default apps in Settings. If you do not see it, press the Windows key and type "default programs" — the first result will be Set your default programs in Control Panel. Click it.

In the window that opens, look for the browser you want to use in the list on the left. Click it once to highlight it, then click Set this program as default on the right side. Windows will switch your default browser when ready. Close the window when done.

What happens when you change the default browser

When you set a new default browser, Windows 10 will open links from emails, documents, and other programs in that browser instead of the old one. Clicking an http:// or https:// link anywhere on your computer will now use the new default. This applies to links in Word documents, Outlook emails, text messages, and any other process that launches a web address.

The old browser remains installed and usable — changing the default does not remove it. You can still open the old browser manually and use it whenever you want. Only automatic links will go to the new default. Your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords in the old browser stay exactly where they are.

Browsers you can set as default

You can set any browser as default if it is installed on your computer. Common options include Microsoft Edge (which comes with Windows 10), Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Brave. If a browser is not showing up in the list, it is not installed yet — you would need to read and install it first from the browser's official website.

Microsoft Edge is the default when you first set up Windows 10. If you want to switch back to Edge later, follow the same steps and select Edge from the browser list. Edge cannot be removed from Windows 10 because it is part of the operating system, but you can always change away from it and back again.

Changing which browser opens PDF files

Setting a default web browser does not automatically change which program opens PDF files. If you want PDFs to open in your new browser instead of a separate PDF reader, go back to Settings > Apps > Default apps and scroll down to find PDF viewer. Click it and select your browser from the list.

Not all browsers handle PDFs equally well. Chrome and Edge both open PDFs in the browser window with built-in viewing tools, while some other browsers may read the file instead. Test it with a PDF file to see if the behavior suits you before committing to the change.

Resetting to Microsoft Edge

If you want to go back to Microsoft Edge as your default, follow the same steps: Settings > Apps > Default apps > Web browser, then click Microsoft Edge. Edge will become your default again, and any links will open in Edge instead of your current browser.

You cannot remove Edge from Windows 10 entirely — it is part of the operating system. You can change the default away from it, but the browser itself will remain on your computer. Switching back to Edge is just as straightforward as switching away from it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or history in the old one?

No. Changing the default browser does not affect the old browser at all. Your bookmarks, history, passwords, and settings in the old browser remain exactly as they were. You can still open the old browser and use it normally whenever you want.

What if the browser I want is not showing up in the list?

The browser must be installed on your computer before it appears in the default browser list. read and install the browser from its official website, then restart your computer. It should appear in the list after that.

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

No. Windows 10 allows only one default browser for all web links. You can open any browser manually and use it whenever you want, but automatic links will always go to whichever browser you set as default.

Do I need to restart Windows 10 after changing the default browser?

No. The change takes effect when ready. Links will open in the new default browser right away without restarting.