Set Chrome as your default browser in three steps

Your default browser is the program that opens automatically when you click a link in an email, text message, or document. To make Chrome your default, you go into your computer's settings, find the default apps section, and tell it to use Chrome instead of whatever is set now. The exact steps depend on whether you use Windows, Mac, or a Chromebook.

This is a one-time change. Once Chrome is set as default, it stays that way until you change it again — even if you install other browsers later. You do not need to uninstall anything or restart your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, go to Apps, then Default Apps, find your current browser, and select Chrome from the list.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, go to General, find Default Web Browser, and choose Google Chrome from the dropdown menu.
  • On a Chromebook, Chrome is already the default and cannot be changed to another browser.
  • After you change the default, test it by clicking a link in an email or document to confirm Chrome opens.

How to set Chrome as default on Windows 10 and 11

Start by opening the Settings app. The fastest way is to press the Windows key and the letter I at the same time, or you can click the Start button, type "Settings", and press Enter.

Once Settings is open, click on Apps in the left sidebar. Then click Default Apps. You will see a list of app categories — look for the one labeled with your current browser's name (it might say "Microsoft Edge" or "Firefox" or another browser). Click on that row.

A menu will pop up showing all the browsers installed on your computer. Click Google Chrome. Windows will confirm the change immediately. You can close Settings now — Chrome is your default browser.

How to set Chrome as default on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences if you have an older Mac). In the sidebar, click General.

Scroll down until you see Default Web Browser. Click the dropdown menu next to it — it probably shows Safari or another browser right now. Select Google Chrome from the list. The change takes effect immediately, and you can close System Settings.

What to do if Chrome does not appear in the default browser list

If you do not see Chrome listed as an option, it means Chrome is not installed on your computer yet. You need to download and install it first before you can set it as default.

Go to google.com/chrome in your current browser. Click the blue Download Chrome button. Follow the installer instructions — it will walk you through the setup. Once installation finishes, go back to your Settings or System Settings and repeat the steps above. Chrome should now appear in the list.

How to verify Chrome is now your default browser

The easiest test is to open an email or document that contains a link, then click that link. If Chrome opens automatically, the change worked. If your old browser opens instead, go back to Settings and repeat the steps — sometimes the change does not take on the first try, especially on Windows.

Another way to check: open Chrome and look at the address bar. Chrome often displays a message at startup if it is not your default browser, with a button to fix it. If you see that message, click the button and follow the prompts.

Why change your default browser

You might want Chrome as default because you use it most often, because it syncs with your Google account, or because you prefer how it handles certain websites. Some people set Chrome as default for work and keep another browser for personal use, then switch back and forth depending on what they need.

Changing your default does not affect the other browsers on your computer — they stay installed and you can still open them manually whenever you want. It only changes which one opens automatically when you click a link.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or passwords from other browsers?

No. Changing the default browser only changes which program opens when you click a link. Your bookmarks, passwords, and data in other browsers stay exactly where they are. You can still open those browsers and use them normally.

Can I set a different default browser for work and personal use?

Your computer can only have one default browser at a time. However, you can switch between them as often as you want by going back to Settings and picking a different one. Some people do this depending on the task.

What if I change my mind and want to switch back to my old browser?

Follow the same steps you used to set Chrome as default, but select your old browser from the list instead. The change takes effect immediately. You can switch back and forth as many times as you need.

Does Chrome need to be running for it to be my default browser?

No. Chrome does not need to be open. When you click a link, Windows or Mac will launch Chrome automatically, even if it was not running before. The default setting works whether Chrome is open or closed.

What if I am on a Chromebook?

Chromebooks run Chrome OS, and Chrome is always the default browser. You cannot change it to another browser because Chromebooks are designed to use Chrome. If you need a different browser, you would need to use a Windows computer or Mac instead.