How to Make Chrome Default Browser in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 21, 2025

Have you just installed Google Chrome on your Windows 11 PC, but every time you click a link, it still opens in Microsoft Edge? Frustrating, right?

By default, Windows 11 favors Edge. But if you prefer Chrome for its speed, extensions, and Google integration, you can make it your default browser in just a few steps.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through multiple methods—using Windows Settings and Chrome’s own option—to ensure every web link opens in Chrome.

Summary (Key Takeaways)

  • Microsoft Edge is the default browser in Windows 11, but you can easily switch to Chrome.

  • You’ll need to adjust default apps settings for web links and file types like .html, .htm, .pdf, and more.

  • Chrome also includes a “Set as Default” button for one-click configuration.

  • Having Chrome as your default means all links, emails, and files will open in Chrome instead of Edge.

Why Set Chrome as Your Default Browser?

  • 🌐 Consistency: All links open in Chrome automatically.

  • ⚡ Speed & Performance: Chrome is optimized for fast browsing.

  • 🔗 Google Integration: Seamless sync with Gmail, Drive, YouTube, and more.

  • 🛡️ Extensions: Access to thousands of Chrome Web Store add-ons.

  • 💻 Cross-Platform Sync: Same bookmarks and passwords on PC, Mac, and mobile.

Method 1: Use Chrome’s Built-in Option

Chrome makes it simple with a Set as Default button.

Steps:

  1. Open Google Chrome.

  2. Click the three-dot menu (top-right).

  3. Go to Settings.

  4. From the left panel, select Default browser.

  5. Click Make default.

Windows will redirect you to Default Apps settings → confirm Chrome as the default.

✅ Fastest method for most users.

Method 2: Change Default Browser from Windows Settings

You can also do this directly in Windows 11.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Apps > Default apps.

  3. Scroll down and click on Google Chrome.

  4. You’ll see a list of file types and link types (e.g., .html, .htm, .pdf, HTTP, HTTPS).

  5. For each one currently set to Microsoft Edge, click it → select Google Chrome → press OK.

👉 At minimum, change these:

  • .htm, .html

  • HTTP, HTTPS

Now, all your links and web files open in Chrome.

Method 3: Set Chrome as Default via “Open With” Option

If you just want Chrome for certain file types:

Steps:

  1. Right-click on a web file (like .html).

  2. Select Open with > Choose another app.

  3. Select Google Chrome.

  4. Check Always use this app → Click OK.

✅ Handy for specific file associations.

Extra Step: Set Chrome as Default PDF Viewer (Optional)

By default, Windows 11 opens PDFs in Edge. If you’d like Chrome instead:

Steps:

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Default apps.

  2. Search for .pdf file type.

  3. Change from Microsoft Edge to Google Chrome.

Troubleshooting

1. Chrome doesn’t appear in the list of apps?

2. Links in Windows apps still open in Edge?

  • Some system apps (like Widgets, Cortana, or News) still force Edge.

  • Workaround: Use a tool like EdgeDeflector or MSEdgeRedirect to reroute links.

3. Windows keeps switching back to Edge?

  • Run Windows Update to ensure your system is current.

  • Reapply the default browser setting in Chrome.

Chrome vs. Edge: Quick Comparison

Feature Google Chrome Microsoft Edge
Speed ✅ Fast ✅ Fast
Extensions ✅ Huge library Limited
Google Integration ✅ Seamless ❌ Limited
Privacy Controls Strong but Google-linked Strong with Microsoft focus
Default in Windows ❌ No ✅ Yes

Conclusion

Making Chrome your default browser on Windows 11 ensures that every web link, file, and document opens in Chrome—not Edge.

You can do this either through Chrome’s own settings or via Windows Settings > Default apps. For extra convenience, you can even set Chrome as your default PDF viewer.

If you want the best browsing experience across all your devices, setting Chrome as default is the way to go.

FAQs

1. Why does Windows 11 keep switching back to Microsoft Edge?

Some updates reset defaults, but you can reapply Chrome as your default.

2. Can I uninstall Microsoft Edge?

No, Edge is built into Windows 11. But you can safely ignore it once Chrome is default.

3. Is Chrome faster than Edge?

Both are fast, but Chrome offers better extension support and Google integration.

4. Does Chrome drain more battery than Edge?

Yes, Chrome may use slightly more power. Edge is more optimized for battery life.

5. Can I make Chrome default only for certain file types?

Yes, using the Open with > Always use this app option.

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