How to Set a Default Browser on Windows 11 and 10: Quick Steps (2026)

By Satish · Last updated: November 1, 2026 · Based on Microsoft Support’s “Change default apps in Windows” article, read this month. Microsoft’s page documents the button labels for Edge only; other browsers use the same Settings area, but labels can differ.

Contents

• Steps to set a default browser on Windows
• Make Edge the default browser
• Make Chrome or another browser the default
• If the default keeps changing
• FAQ

How to set a default browser on Windows: step by step

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Apps → Default apps.
3. Select the browser you want to use.
4. Choose the link and file types it should open (for example web links) and set the browser for each, or use the “Set default” button if your version shows one.

Make Microsoft Edge the default browser

Microsoft documents these exact steps: in Settings → Apps → Default apps, under “Set defaults for applications” select Microsoft Edge, then next to “Make Microsoft Edge your default browser” select Set default. After that, set your page when Edge opens: how to set a homepage in Microsoft Edge.

Make Chrome, Firefox or another browser the default

Use the same Default apps screen: pick the browser from the list, then assign it to the link types you want it to handle. Microsoft’s article does not give exact button labels for other browsers, so follow what Windows shows. Many browsers also offer a “Make default” option inside their own settings. If you do not have Chrome on a Mac, see can you download Google Chrome on a MacBook.

If the default browser keeps changing

• Check which apps ask to become the default after updates.
• Remove browser-hijacking extensions or unwanted software.
• On a work PC, administrators may set the default through policy.

How to set a default browser on Windows: the short version

To recap how to set a default browser on Windows: open Settings, go to Apps, then Default apps, pick your browser and set it for web links. Knowing how to set a default browser on Windows also helps when an update or another app changes your choice.

Now you know how to set a default browser on Windows 11 and Windows 10 in a minute or two.

Source, as read in November 2026: Microsoft Support: change default apps in Windows.

Default browser on Windows: FAQ

How do I set a default browser on Windows 11?

Open Settings, go to Apps, then Default apps, select your browser and set it as the default for web links.

Is it different on Windows 10?

Microsoft’s article gives the same Settings → Apps → Default apps path for both.

How do I make Chrome my default browser on Windows?

Use Settings → Apps → Default apps and choose Chrome, or use Chrome’s own default-browser option in its settings.

Why won’t Windows keep my default browser?

An update, another app or a work policy may be resetting it.

Does the default browser change my homepage?

No. The homepage is set inside each browser.