Set Chrome as your default in three steps

Making Google Chrome your default browser means Chrome opens automatically whenever you click a link in email, documents, or other programs. The process takes less than a minute and works the same way on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

The fastest route is to open Chrome's settings, find the Default Browser section, and click one button. If that button is grayed out, your computer's system settings are controlling which browser opens links — you'll need to change it there instead. Both paths are covered below.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome's settings menu has a Default Browser section where you can usually make the change in one click.
  • If Chrome's button is grayed out, your computer's system settings are controlling the default, and you must change it there instead.
  • On Windows, the Default Apps section in Settings controls which browser opens links.
  • On Mac, the General preferences in System Settings let you choose your default web browser.
  • Once changed, Chrome will open automatically for all links from email, documents, and web pages.

Change your default browser in Chrome settings

Open Google Chrome and look at the top right corner. Click the three vertical dots (called the menu button) and select Settings. On the left side, click Default browser.

If you see a blue button that says "Make default", click it once. Chrome will ask your operating system to confirm the change. A notification will appear saying Chrome is now your default browser. You're done — close the settings tab.

If the button is grayed out and says "Chrome is already your default browser", then Chrome is already set. If the button says "Make default" but is grayed out and won't click, your computer's system settings are preventing Chrome from being changed. Move to the next section for your operating system.

Change your default browser on Windows

If Chrome's button won't work, open Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing Settings, then press Enter. Click Apps on the left side, then scroll down and click Default apps.

Look for Web browser in the list. Click whatever browser is currently shown there (it might say Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer). A menu will pop up showing all installed browsers. Click Google Chrome.

Windows will confirm the change. Close Settings. The next time you click a link in email, a document, or any other program, Chrome will open it. If you're asked to confirm again, click "Yes" or "Allow".

Change your default browser on Mac

Open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top left and selecting System Settings. Click General on the left side, then scroll down and click Default web browser.

A dropdown menu will appear showing all installed browsers. Click Google Chrome, then close System Settings. The change takes effect immediately.

If you don't see a Default web browser option, your Mac is running an older version of macOS. Instead, open Chrome, click the menu button (three dots) in the top right, select Settings, click Default browser on the left, and click the Make default button. This works on older Mac versions.

What happens after you change your default

Once Chrome is your default, it will open whenever you click a link in Gmail, Outlook, Word documents, PDFs, text messages, or any other program. You won't have to choose which browser to use — Chrome will launch automatically.

You can still use other browsers anytime you want. Setting Chrome as default only changes what happens when you click a link; it doesn't uninstall or disable other browsers. If you want to switch back to a different default later, follow the same steps and choose a different browser.

Troubleshooting: Chrome won't become the default

If you clicked the Make Default button but Chrome still isn't opening links, restart your computer. Sometimes the change doesn't take effect until you restart. After restarting, test by clicking a link in an email or document — Chrome should open.

If Chrome still won't open links after a restart, check your system settings again. On Windows, go back to Settings > Apps > Default apps and confirm Chrome is listed next to Web browser. On Mac, go back to System Settings > General > Default web browser and confirm Chrome is selected. If something else is listed, click it again and select Chrome.

If you're on a work computer, your IT department may have locked the default browser setting. Contact them to ask whether you can change it. Some organizations require all employees to use a specific browser for security reasons.

Why you might want Chrome as your default

Chrome syncs across devices, so your bookmarks and passwords follow you from your phone to your laptop. If you use Google services like Gmail, Google Drive, or Google Calendar heavily, Chrome integrates smoothly with them. Chrome also updates automatically in the background, so you always have the latest security fixes without having to do anything.

You don't have to make Chrome your default to use it — you can open Chrome manually anytime and use it alongside other browsers. But if you find yourself opening Chrome most often, making it the default saves you a click every time you follow a link.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will making Chrome my default delete my other browsers?

No. Setting Chrome as default only changes what opens when you click a link. All your other browsers stay installed and work normally. You can still open them manually whenever you want.

Can I have two default browsers?

No. Your operating system allows only one default browser at a time. You can switch which one is default anytime, but only one can be active. If you want to use different browsers for different tasks, you can open them manually instead of relying on the default.

Does changing my default browser affect my bookmarks or passwords?

No. Your bookmarks and passwords stay in whichever browser you saved them in. If you had bookmarks in Firefox, they stay in Firefox. Chrome has its own separate bookmarks and passwords that sync only within Chrome.

What if I change my mind and want a different default browser?

Follow the same steps and select a different browser instead of Chrome. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Web browser and click the current browser to change it. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Default web browser and select a different one.

Why does my default browser keep changing back?

Some programs try to set themselves as the default when you install them. If you notice your default keeps switching away from Chrome, check your system settings again and set Chrome as default once more. You can also disable notifications from other browsers asking to be your default.