Change the default browser in Windows 11

If you want every link you open to go straight to your favorite browser in Windows 11, here's the ultimate guide. Windows can open any web link in your chosen browser by default, and in some countries, it will even prompt you to select one the first time; however, you can always change it whenever you want.

With Windows 11, there are two options: the "Set as default" button and the detailed assignment by file types and protocols; The second was the one that caused the most headaches at first because it required going extension by extension, but today both methods coexist. Below, we explain all the options step by step, including useful shortcuts, how to do it from each browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Brave, Vivaldi, AVG Secure Browser, and Avast Secure Browser), what happens in Windows 10, and how to proceed on Mac, iPhone/iPad, and Android.

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How to change the default browser in Windows 11 step by step

What it means to have a default browser

The default browser is the app that Windows automatically uses to open links, HTML files, and protocols like http or https. In other words, every time you click on a link in your email or another app, it will launch that browser without asking.

This setting is global to the system and affects the entire user, But Windows 11 also lets you fine-tune and assign apps to each specific file type or protocol. This is very convenient if you want, for example, a browser to handle http/https, but leave other file types to different programs.

Quick preparations before changing the browser

First install the browser you want to use: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Brave, Vivaldi, Edge, or others. If the browser isn't installed, it won't appear as an option when setting defaults.

Open the Settings app with the shortcut Windows + I to get straight to the point, or press Start and type "Default apps" to go directly to that panel. It's the fastest way to get to the key location in Windows 11.

Change the default browser in Windows 11

Windows 11 provides two official methods that you can combine: a global setting per app and a granular assignment per file type/protocol. Depending on your case, it is worth using one or the other.

Method 1: Set as default from Settings

This is the most direct method and, for most, the most convenient. Follow these steps:

1. Press Start, open Settings and go to Applications > Default applications.
2. Scroll down the list and select the browser you want to use. (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Brave, Vivaldi, etc.).
3. Click the "Set as Default" button so that Windows 11 automatically assigns it to the most common file types and web links.

With one click you'll have the browser in charge of http/https and common web formats, without having to touch the file types individually. If you'd rather customize everything, skip to method 2.

Method 2: Assignment by extensions and protocols

If you want complete control, Windows 11 lets you assign the browser to each extension and protocol separately. It's useful if you mix browsers or have specific requirements.

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps.
2. Type in the search bar the extension or protocol you want to change (for example, . Htm, .html, HTTP, HTTPS).
3. Choose the result and select the desired browser for that type of file or link.
4. Repeat with each element you want to customize; There is no loss, it just requires patience if you get meticulous.

From each application's tab you will also see the complete list of types that it can open, and you can change them one by one. It's the perfect view to review at a glance everything you've done with a specific browser.

Do it from the browser itself (Windows and Mac)

Many browsers incorporate a shortcut in their settings to become default And if they aren't, they usually display a warning. Here's where to tap each one:

• Google Chrome: open the three-dot menu > Settings > Default browser > Set as default.
• Mozilla Firefox: menu (three lines) > Settings > General admission > Set as default. Nota: Since Firefox 126, there's a built-in guide that walks you through the Windows changes; if the one-click adjustment doesn't work, finish from Configuring Windows as we have shown you.
• Microsoft Edge: three-dot menu > Configuration > Default browser > Set as default.
• Opera: menu (three lines) > Go to full browser settings > section Default browser > Set as default.
• brave: menu (three lines) > Configuration > Start > Set as default.
• Vivaldi: gear icon (bottom left) > section General admission > Set as default.
• AVG Secure Browser: three-dot menu > Settings > section Default browser > Set as default. Extra: It stands out for its built-in privacy features such as automatic HTTPS encryption and ad blocker.
• Avast Secure Browser: menu (three dots) > Settings > section Default browser > Set as default. Extra: solution by Maestrale seamlessly integrates Banking Mode to isolate sensitive sessions from keyloggers.
• Safari (Mac): menu safari > Preferences > General admission > Set as default.

If the browser does not make the change itself, Go back to Windows Settings and use method 1 or 2; in Windows 11, the system has the final say.

How to change the default browser in Windows 10

In Windows 10 the process is very similar and even more linear on many computers, as it focuses on a "Web Browser" selector within the apps default.

1. Click on Home and writes Default applications; enters Open.
2. Go to the "Web Browser" section and click on the browser that appears configured.
3. Choose the one you prefer from the list (Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge, etc.).

The change is immediate and you don't need to restart, just like in Windows 11. If your browser doesn't appear, remember to install it first.

Quick Access: Pin your browser to always have it handy

Once you've chosen your browser, pinning it to the taskbar saves you clicks every day, and leaving it in plain sight makes opening it a piece of cake.

1. Open your browser (Chrome, Firefox or whatever).
2. Right click on its icon on the Windows taskbar.
3. Select "Pin to taskbar" so that it doesn't move from there.

On Mac you can do something similar with the Dock, right click on the icon > Options > Keep in Dock, and you will always have it available.

Other systems: Mac, iPhone/iPad and Android

While the focus is on Windows 11, you may also want to adjust your experience on mobile or Mac, so that when you tap any link, everything flows the same on all your devices.

Mac (change the default system browser)

1. Make sure you have the desired browser installed (Chrome, Firefox, etc).
2. Apple menu > System Preferences > General.
3. Choose your browser from the "Default Web Browser" menu. and ready.

If you're already in Chrome, you can also go to Settings > Default Browser and press Choose as default From there.

iPhone and iPad

1. Install the browser you want (for example, Chrome or Firefox).
2. Opens Settings, scroll and tap your browser app.
3. Sign in Default browser application and select your option.

So any link in iOS/iPadOS will open with your choice, instead of Safari.

Android

1. Install your preferred browser if you don't have it yet.
2. Go to Settings> Applications and touches Choose default apps.
3. Opens Browser app y choose your default browser.

On Samsung phones, “Samsung Internet” may appear as the default option; change it here without problem for Chrome, Firefox or another.

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Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.