How to Change the Default Browser in Windows 11

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How to Change the Default Browser in Windows 11

Your default browser is the one Windows uses when you open a web link from email, a document, a chat app or a shortcut. Windows 11 comes with Microsoft Edge as the default. You can switch to Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Opera or any browser you have installed in under a minute.

First, install the browser you want to use. It must be installed before Windows can offer it as a choice.

Method 1: Settings > Default Apps (Quickest)

Open Settings (press Windows key + I).
Go to Apps > Default apps.
Under Set defaults for applications, find your browser in the list - you can type its name in the search box - and select it.
At the top of the page, next to Make [browser] your default browser, select Set default.

That's it. Windows sets the browser for web links (HTTP and HTTPS) and the common web file types (such as .htm, .html and .pdf where the browser supports them) in one go.

Method 2: From the Browser Itself

Most browsers show a "make default" prompt or have a button in their settings:

Chrome: Settings > Default browser > Make default.
Firefox: Settings > General > Make Default.
Edge: Settings > Default browser > Make default.

These buttons usually open the Windows Default apps page. Finish the change there with Set default as in Method 1.

Method 3: Choose a Browser for One Link or File Type

You can pick a different browser for a single link type or file type - for example, open PDF files in Edge but web links in Chrome.

Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps.
In the search box at the top, type a file type or link type, such as .pdf, .html or HTTPS.
Select the result, then choose the app you want and select Set default.

Or select your browser in the list (as in Method 1) and change each type one by one on its page.

Links Still Open in Edge?

Built-in Windows links: some parts of Windows (for example, some links in Search, Widgets and Windows Help) are designed to open in Microsoft Edge whatever your default browser is. This is Windows behaviour, not a settings problem.
Apps with their own setting: some apps (Outlook, Teams and others) have an option to open links in a specific browser. Check the app's settings for a "open links in" or "browser" option.
Work or school PC: if the options are greyed out, your organization may control the default browser. Ask your IT team.

Default Browser Keeps Changing Back?

A new browser version or another browser can ask to become the default. Say No if you don't want to switch.
After a major Windows update, check Settings > Apps > Default apps again.
If it changes by itself without any prompt, scan the PC with Windows Security - some unwanted software changes browser settings.

Related Guides

Browser slow or crashing? See Chrome keeps crashing or freezing or Microsoft Edge not opening or crashing.
Pages loading old or broken content? Clear cache and cookies in Chrome, Edge and Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I make Chrome my default browser in Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps, select Google Chrome in the list, then select Set default at the top. You can also start from Chrome's own settings, under Default browser, which opens the same Windows page.

Why do some links still open in Microsoft Edge?

Some Windows features, such as certain links in Search, widgets and Help, are built to open in Edge regardless of your default browser. Normal web links from email, documents and other apps use the browser you set.

Why does my default browser keep changing back?

A browser update, another browser asking to be the default, or a Windows update can change it. Set it again in Settings > Apps > Default apps, and decline prompts from other browsers to become the default.