How to change the default browser in Windows 11
Open Settings > Apps > Default apps, click the browser you want (for example Google Chrome), and click Set default at the top. Windows then uses it for web links, HTML files and the common web file types.
You can also choose the browser for individual file types (like .pdf) on the same page.
Applies to Windows 11 (2023 and later updates). Make sure the browser is installed first.
Set your default browser
Settings method
- Press Win + I and open Apps > Default apps.
- Search for or click your browser in the list.
- Click Set default next to Make [browser] your default browser.
- Optional: scroll down and change specific types such as .pdf to the browser you prefer.
From the browser itself
- Chrome: open Settings > Default browser > Make default - this opens the Windows page above.
- Firefox: Settings > General > Make Default.
- Edge: Settings > Default browser > Make default.
Links still open in Edge
Some Windows features (such as Widgets, search results in the Start menu, and some help links) have opened in Microsoft Edge regardless of your default. In the EEA, Windows respects your default browser for these. Elsewhere, there's no setting to change this for every system link.
If the Set default button is missing
Update Windows via Settings > Windows Update. On older Windows 11 versions you have to change each type (.htm, .html, HTTP, HTTPS) individually in the browser's Default apps page.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Windows keep changing my default browser?
A browser update or reinstall can ask to become default. Decline the prompt, or set your choice again.
How do I make PDFs open in Adobe Reader instead of the browser?
In Default apps, search for .pdf and choose Adobe Acrobat.
Does this work on Windows 10?
Yes: Settings > Apps > Default apps > Web browser.