How to Set Default Browser in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of Windows 10 automatically opening links in Microsoft Edge? Whether you prefer Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or Brave — setting your default browser ensures every link, email, and document opens in the browser you choose.

In this detailed, beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through how to set your default browser in Windows 10, step by step. You’ll also learn how to fix issues if Windows won’t save your default, plus a few pro tips for a smoother browsing experience.

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🌐 Why Set a Default Browser in Windows 10?

Before we start, let’s quickly understand why it matters.

• Consistency: Every link opens in your preferred browser.

• Speed: Skip the “open with” prompt every time you click a link.

• Customization: Enjoy your chosen extensions, themes, and saved passwords.

• Privacy: Control your data and privacy settings with the browser you trust.

By default, Windows 10 often sets Microsoft Edge as your main browser. But you can easily switch to another one in just a few clicks.

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🧭 Method 1: Set Default Browser from Windows 10 Settings

This is the easiest and most common method to change your default browser.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open Windows Settings
   Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

2. Go to Apps
   Click Apps → Default apps in the sidebar.

3. Find “Web browser”
   Scroll down until you see the Web browser section.
   You’ll likely see Microsoft Edge listed there.

4. Choose Your Preferred Browser
   Click Microsoft Edge → Choose an app → Select your browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Brave, etc.).

5. Confirm the Change
   Once selected, your new browser will appear under “Web browser.”

🎉 Done! From now on, all links and web pages will open in your chosen browser.

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🧩 Method 2: Set Default Browser Directly from Your Browser

Most modern browsers have a built-in option to make them default automatically.

Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome.

2. Click the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner.

3. Select Settings → Default browser.

4. Click Make default.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox.

2. Go to Menu (≡) → Settings → General.

3. Under “Startup,” click Make Default.

Opera Browser

1. Open Opera.

2. Go to Settings → Default Browser.

3. Click Make Opera the default browser.

Microsoft Edge

You can also set Edge as default again by going to:

Settings → Apps → Default apps → Web browser → Microsoft Edge.

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🧱 Method 3: Set Default Browser by File Type or Protocol

If some links still open in the wrong browser, you can assign defaults more precisely.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Default apps.

2. Scroll down and click Choose default apps by file type.

3. Assign your browser for:

   • .htm

   • .html

   • .shtml

   • .xht

   • .xhtml

You can also click Choose default apps by protocol and set:

• HTTP → Your browser

• HTTPS → Your browser

This ensures every web-related link opens correctly.

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⚙️ Method 4: Using Control Panel (Old Method)

If you prefer the old-school way:

1. Open the Control Panel (search it in the Start menu).

2. Click Programs → Default Programs → Set your default programs.

3. Find your browser in the list and click Set this program as default.

4. Click OK to confirm.

While Microsoft has phased this out, it still works in many Windows 10 builds.

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🧰 Fix: Windows 10 Keeps Resetting Default Browser

Sometimes Windows reverts back to Edge automatically after an update or crash. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Update Your Browser

Make sure you’re using the latest version. Outdated browsers may not stay set as default.

2. Use Administrator Account

Only admin users can permanently change default apps.

3. Reset Default App Settings

Go to:

Settings → Apps → Default apps → Reset to Microsoft recommended defaults
Then, reassign your browser manually.

4. Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes a patch fixes this bug. Go to:

Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for updates.

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🔒 How to Stop Microsoft Edge from Opening Automatically

If Edge keeps popping up even after setting another browser as default:

• Disable “Microsoft Edge Startup Boost”:

  1. Open Edge.

  2. Go to Settings → System and performance.

  3. Turn off Startup boost and Continue running background apps when Edge is closed.

• Disable Edge from startup:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Go to the Startup tab.

  3. Right-click Microsoft Edge → Disable.

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📱 Bonus: Set Default Browser for Specific Apps

Some apps (like Outlook, Teams, or Adobe Reader) may still open links in Edge.

Here’s how to change that:

1. Open the app’s Settings or Preferences.

2. Look for a “Web Links” or “Default Browser” option.

3. Select your preferred browser manually.

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💡 Pro Tips for a Smooth Browser Experience

• Sync your data: Log in to your browser account to sync bookmarks and passwords.

• Install extensions: Use password managers, ad blockers, and productivity tools.

• Enable dark mode: Easier on your eyes, especially at night.

• Use multiple profiles: Keep work and personal browsing separate.

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🧮 Comparison: Popular Browsers for Windows 10

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🚀 Advanced Tip: Use Command Prompt to Check Default Browser

You can verify your default browser via Command Prompt (for advanced users).

1. Press Windows + R → Type cmd → Enter.

2. Run this command:

   start http://www.google.com


   It will open your current default browser instantly.

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🧩 What If My Browser Isn’t Listed in Default Apps?

If your browser doesn’t appear in the list:

• Reinstall it from its official website.

• Restart your computer.

• Then recheck Settings → Apps → Default apps → Web browser.

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🏁 Conclusion: Take Control of Your Browser

Changing your default browser in Windows 10 is quick and simple. Just head to Settings → Apps → Default apps, and select your favorite browser.

Whether you prefer Chrome’s speed, Firefox’s privacy, or Brave’s built-in protection — you now have full control over how and where your web links open.

Take a few minutes to make this change — it’ll save you countless clicks later!

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❓ FAQs About Setting Default Browser in Windows 10

1. How do I set Chrome as my default browser in Windows 10?
Go to Settings → Apps → Default apps → Web browser → Google Chrome.

2. Why can’t I change my default browser?
Make sure you’re using an admin account and that your browser is fully updated.

3. Does changing my default browser affect Microsoft Edge?
No. Edge remains installed but won’t open links by default.

4. Can I have more than one default browser?
No, Windows 10 only allows one default browser at a time.

5. How do I reset all default apps in Windows 10?
Go to Settings → Apps → Default apps → Reset to Microsoft recommended defaults.

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🧾 Summary: Key Takeaways

🔑 Quick Tip: Once you’ve set your default browser, test it by clicking a link in an email or document — it should open exactly where you want!