Windows lets you choose which browser opens when you click a link or type a web address

Your default browser is the program Windows automatically opens whenever you click a link in an email, document, or text message, or when you type a web address into the search bar. By default, Windows comes set to Microsoft Edge. If you use Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or another browser instead, you can change this setting so your preferred browser opens automatically.

The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you're running Windows 10 or Windows 11. You'll make the change in Windows Settings, not in the browser itself. Once you set it, your choice will stick until you change it again or a Windows update resets it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your default browser is the one Windows opens automatically when you click a link or web address anywhere on your computer.
  • You change this setting in Windows Settings under Apps, not in the browser's own menu.
  • Windows 11 lets you set a default browser in one step; Windows 10 requires you to change it for each file type (HTTP and HTTPS).
  • If a browser update resets your default, you can change it back using the same steps.
  • You can always right-click a link and choose "Open with" to use a different browser for a single link without changing your default.

How to set your default browser in Windows 11

Open Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then click the Settings app. On the left side, click Apps, then scroll down and click Default apps.

Scroll through the list until you find your browser — Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or whichever one you use. Click on it. A window will pop up showing all the file types and protocols it can handle. Click your browser's name again at the top of that window to confirm it as your default for all those types at once.

Close Settings. The next time you click a link anywhere on your computer, your chosen browser will open instead of Edge. You can test this by clicking any link in an email or document.

How to set your default browser in Windows 10

Open Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then click the Settings app. Click Apps on the left side, then click Default apps.

Scroll down to the section labeled Web browser. You'll see Edge listed there. Click on Edge (or whatever browser is currently shown), and a list of installed browsers will appear. Click the one you want to use.

Windows 10 sometimes requires you to set the default for both HTTP and HTTPS links separately. If you see a second prompt asking about HTTPS, click your browser again. After both are set, close Settings — your browser is now the default. The change takes effect immediately.

What to do if your browser isn't showing up in the list

If the browser you want to use doesn't appear in the default apps list, it may not be installed on your computer yet. Download and install it first — visit the browser's official website (chrome.google.com for Chrome, mozilla.org for Firefox, opera.com for Opera) and follow the installation steps.

After installation completes, restart your computer, then return to Windows Settings and follow the steps above. Your browser should now appear in the list. If it still doesn't show up after a restart, try uninstalling and reinstalling the browser.

Why your default browser might change back to Edge

Windows and Edge updates sometimes reset your default browser back to Edge without asking. This is especially common after a major Windows update. If you notice Edge opening again when you click links, go back to Settings and repeat the steps above — your preferred browser will be listed and ready to select again.

Some programs also try to set themselves as the default when you install them. If you see a notification asking whether to allow a browser to become the default, click No unless you actually want to switch. You can always change it back later using the same Settings steps.

How to check which browser is currently set as default

Open Windows Settings and go to Apps > Default apps. Scroll to the Web browser section. The browser shown there is your current default. If you want to change it, click on it and select a different one from the list.

You can also test your default by clicking any link in an email or document. Whichever browser opens is your current default. This is the fastest way to confirm what's set without opening Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a different default browser for different types of links?

Windows doesn't support setting different defaults for different link types. You can only choose one browser as the default for all web links. However, you can always right-click a link and choose "Open with" to pick a different browser for that single link without changing your default.

What if I want to use Edge for some things and Chrome for others?

Set one as your default (the one you use most), then right-click any link you want to open in the other browser and select "Open with" followed by the browser name. This works for links in emails, documents, and web pages without affecting your default setting.

Does changing the default browser affect my bookmarks or passwords?

No. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay in whichever browser you saved them in. Changing the default only changes which browser opens automatically — it doesn't move or delete anything from any of your browsers.

Why does Windows keep switching my default back to Edge?

Windows updates sometimes reset your default browser. If this keeps happening, check Windows Update to see if there's a pending restart. After restarting, set your default again. If it continues, the issue is usually a Windows update running in the background.

Can I set the default browser from inside the browser itself?

No. Most browsers have a "Set as default" button in their settings menu, but it only works if you click it — it doesn't override the Windows Settings you've already chosen. The most reliable way is always through Windows Settings under Apps > Default apps.