Tired of Windows 11 automatically opening web links in a browser you don’t prefer? It’s time to take back control of your browsing experience! Changing your default browser is simple — whether it’s Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or another browser. This article will guide you on how to change the default browser in Windows 11.
However, it is essential to know that changing your default browser is more than just a cosmetic shift; it can impact your overall digital workflow. The default browser is more than just a gateway to the web; it’s deeply integrated into your system, especially Microsoft Edge. With this understanding, let’s begin with the article.
Note: The Microsoft Edge browser is deeply integrated into Windows 11, so even if you change the default browser, you might still see certain prompts or features that favor Edge.
How to Set the Default Browser From Windows Settings
Setting the default browser in Windows Settings is relatively straightforward to execute. Follow the below instructions.
Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Settings, and click Open.
Note: Additionally, you can open Settings by pressing the ‘Windows key + I’ on your keyboard.
Step 2: Navigate to the Apps from the sidebar and choose the Default apps option.
Step 3: Under Default apps, right below ‘Set defaults for applications,’ click on the text box and search for the browser you want to make default (ex: Google Chrome). Once it appears, click on it.
Step 4: Finally, right beside ‘Make Google Chrome your default browser,’ click the Set default button.
That’s it. Windows will make the necessary changes to the current settings and make your preferred browser the default one, meaning from now on, Windows 11 will open all links from the documents and apps in the selected browser.
Not interested in navigating through system menus? No problem! You can also make your preferred browser the default directly from its own settings; keep reading.
How to Set the Default Browser From Browser Settings
Most browsers include built-in settings to claim the top spot, offering a convenient, alternative route. Nevertheless, each browser has different options to reach the desired settings; we will focus on Edge, Chrome, and Firefox. There’s no need to jump through hoops, just a few clicks, and you’re good to go.
Let’s begin with Microsoft’s own Edge browser.
Note: This method might not be available in all browsers. If you don’t find the option within your chosen browser, head to the Default Apps section in Windows settings to set your default there.
On Microsoft Edge
Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Microsoft Edge, click Open, or hit Enter.
Step 2: Once the browser launches, click on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner of the browser.
Step 3: From the drop-down menu, choose Settings.
Step 4: Under Settings, click on Default browser from the sidebar. On the right pane, beside ‘Make Microsoft Edge your default browser,’ click the Make default button.
You will be taken to Windows Settings, where you need to click the Set default button next to ‘Make Microsoft Edge your default browser’ at the top.
That’s it. You have successfully made Microsoft Edge your default browser. What if you are a Chrome enthusiast and want to make Google Chrome your default browser? Continue reading.
On Google Chrome
We are assuming that Google Chrome is already installed on your Windows 11 machine and is all set to be made default. Let’s begin with the steps.
Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Google Chrome, and click Open.
Step 2: Once the browser launches, click on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner of the browser.
Step 3: From the drop-down menu, choose Settings.
Step 4: Under Settings, click on Default browser from the sidebar. On the right pane, right beside ‘Make Google Chrome the default browser,’ click the Make default button.
You will be prompted to Windows Settings. However, unlike Edge, you will not be taken to the browser options (well done, Microsoft!). You will have to search for Google Chrome manually.
Step 5: Click on the Search apps text box under the ‘Set defaults for applications’ section, type Google Chrome, and click on it.
Step 6: Finally, on the right pane beside ‘Make Google Chrome your default browser,’ click the Set default button.
There you go. You have ditched the default Windows 11 settings and made Google Chrome your default browser. If you are a Firefox user, setting it as the default browser in Windows 11 is much easier; keep reading.
Also Read: How to set up and use Google Chrome remote desktop on Windows 11
On Mozilla Firefox
Before we begin the steps, ensure that you have installed the Firefox browser on your computer and that it is up and running properly. With this, let’s get to the steps.
Step 1: Launch the Firefox browser by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard, typing Firefox, and clicking Open.
Step 2: Once launched, click on the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right corner of the browser.
Step 3: From the drop-down menu, choose Settings.
Step 4: Under General, below the Startup section, you will see Firefox indicating that it is not your default browser. Click on the Make Default button right next to it.
Unlike Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, you will not be prompted to go to Windows Settings; Firefox will take care of everything and make itself the default browser on your Windows 11 computer.
This was the case when you wanted a specific browser to be the default one to launch on your Windows 11 PC. What if you also want a particular browser to open for a certain file type? Keep reading.
How to Change the Default Browser for Certain File Types
Not all browsers are created equal, especially when handling different file types. While setting your main web browser in Windows 11 to open most online content in your preferred browser, you may want a specific file type, like PDFs or SVG files, to open in a different browser. For example, Edge handles PDFs way better than Chrome. Follow the below steps.
Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Settings, and click Open.
Note: Additionally, you can open Settings by pressing the ‘Windows key + I’ on your keyboard.
Step 2: Navigate to the Apps from the sidebar and choose the Default apps option.
Step 3: Under Default apps, right below ‘Set defaults for applications,’ click on the text box and search for the browser you want to make default (ex: Google Chrome). Once it appears, click on it.
Step 4: Under the browser screen, you will see a long list of file types, including .htm, .html, .pdf, .svg, .webp, and so on. Scroll down to the type you want to change (ex: .svg) and click on it.
Step 5: In the ‘Set a default app for .pdf files’ pop-up, choose your preferred browser or app. You can also opt for any of the Suggested apps, or search for the apps and click on the preferred one. Finally, click the Set default button on the bottom right to confirm it.
That’s it. You have successfully changed the default browser or apps for a specific file type for a tailored and efficient browsing experience. You can make shortcuts to open with a specific browser on Windows for quick and efficient access if you don’t want to set any default browser on your Windows PC.
Check out the FAQ section below if you have any queries we missed addressing.
FAQs on Changing the Default Browser in Windows 11
1. Does changing the default browser affect other applications?
Yes, changing the default browser can affect how certain links open. For example, clicking on a hyperlink in an email or document may now open in your newly set default browser.
2. What happens if I uninstall my default browser?
If you uninstall your default browser, Windows 11 will prompt you to choose a new default browser the next time you open a web link.
3. Does changing the default browser affect my search engine preference?
No, changing the default browser does not affect your search engine preference. You can set your preferred search engine within the settings of your chosen browser.
4. Are there any security concerns when changing the default browser?
Generally, there are no specific security concerns related to changing the default browser. However, it’s always a good practice to use a reputable and up-to-date browser for better security.
Change Your Browser
Now that you know how to change the default browser in Windows 1, you can alter your default browser to align with your preferences and needs for a personalized or tailored experience. You may also want to read how to make shortcuts to open with a specific browser on Windows.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
