Set Google Chrome as your default browser in three steps

Making Google Chrome your default browser means it will open automatically when you click links in emails, documents, or other programs. The process takes less than a minute and works the same way on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

On Windows, go to Settings, then Apps, then Default apps. Scroll down to "Web browser" and click the current default (usually Microsoft Edge). A menu will appear listing installed browsers — select Google Chrome and you're done. On Mac, open System Settings, click General, then Default web browser, and choose Google Chrome from the dropdown. On Linux, the steps vary by system, but most distributions let you right-click a link and select "Open with" to set Chrome as default.

If you use a work computer or school device, your administrator may have locked the default browser setting. In that case, you won't see the option to change it, and you'll need to contact your IT department or help desk.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users find the default browser setting under Settings > Apps > Default apps, where they can click the current browser and select Chrome from the list.
  • Mac users open System Settings, go to General, then Default web browser, and choose Chrome from the dropdown menu.
  • Setting a default browser takes effect immediately — all links clicked outside of other programs will open in Chrome from that moment on.
  • Work or school computers may have the default browser locked by an administrator, in which case you cannot change it without permission.

Why your default browser matters

Your default browser is the program that opens whenever you click a link outside of an email or document. If you click a link in a text message, a PDF, or a Word document, your default browser launches automatically. Without setting one, your computer may prompt you to choose a browser each time, or it may open in whichever browser was set before.

Changing your default browser does not uninstall or remove any other browsers from your computer. You can still use Edge, Firefox, Safari, or any other browser you have installed — you're just telling your computer which one to use by default when you're not actively choosing.

Windows: Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Open the Start menu and type "Settings" into the search box. Click Settings when it appears.

Step 2: In Settings, click "Apps" on the left side of the window. Then click "Default apps" in the main panel.

Step 3: Scroll down until you see "Web browser" with the name of your current default browser next to it (usually Microsoft Edge). Click on the browser name.

Step 4: A window will pop up showing all the browsers installed on your computer. Click "Google Chrome" to select it. The change takes effect immediately.

If Google Chrome does not appear in the list, it is not installed on your computer. You can download it from google.com/chrome.

Mac: Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Settings."

Step 2: In the sidebar on the left, click "General."

Step 3: Scroll down to find "Default web browser." Click the dropdown menu next to it, which currently shows Safari or another browser.

Step 4: Select "Google Chrome" from the list. The change takes effect immediately.

If Google Chrome does not appear in the dropdown, it is not installed on your Mac. Download it from google.com/chrome and then return to this setting to select it.

Linux: Finding the setting on your distribution

Linux systems vary widely, so the exact location of the default browser setting depends on which distribution and desktop environment you use. Ubuntu with GNOME, Fedora, and Debian all have slightly different paths to this setting.

The fastest way to set Chrome as default on Linux is to right-click any link in a web page or document, select "Open with," and choose Google Chrome. Then look for a checkbox that says "Remember my choice" or "Set as default." If that option does not appear, open your system settings, search for "default applications" or "preferred applications," and look for the web browser option there.

If you are unsure which distribution you are running, open a terminal and type lsb_release -a to see your system information. You can then search for "[your distribution name] set default browser" to find the exact steps.

What to do if you cannot change your default browser

If the default browser setting is grayed out or missing entirely, your computer is likely managed by an organization — a workplace, school, or institution. Administrators can lock this setting to ensure all users follow a standard configuration.

Contact your IT department or help desk and explain that you want to use Google Chrome as your default browser. They can either unlock the setting for you or change it on your behalf. Do not try to work around the restriction, as doing so may violate your organization's policies.

If you own the computer and the setting is still locked, restart your computer in Safe Mode and try again. If it remains locked after a restart, a third-party management tool may be installed on your system — check your installed programs list or contact the person who set up the computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or history in other browsers?

No. Changing your default browser does not affect any other browser on your computer. Your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords in Edge, Firefox, Safari, or any other browser remain exactly as they are. You can still open and use those browsers whenever you want.

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

No. Your operating system allows only one default browser. However, you can open any browser manually and use it for specific tasks. Some browsers also let you set rules for opening certain websites automatically, but this is a browser feature, not an operating system setting.

What happens if I uninstall Google Chrome after setting it as default?

If you uninstall Chrome, your operating system will revert to the previous default browser (usually Edge on Windows or Safari on Mac). You can then set a new default if you want. Uninstalling Chrome does not affect any other programs or browsers on your computer.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing the default browser?

No. The change takes effect immediately on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Any links you click after making the change will open in Chrome without restarting.

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

Yes. Follow the same steps you used to set Chrome as default, but select your previous browser instead. You can change your default browser as many times as you want.