On Windows 10/11, open Settings, go to Apps > Default apps, click on Web browser, and select your preferred browser from the list, ensuring it’s installed first. 2. On macOS, click the Apple menu, go to System Settings, navigate to General > Default web browser, and choose your preferred browser, making sure it’s installed and launched if not visible. 3. If the browser doesn’t appear, reinstall or relaunch it to register with the OS, and re-check settings after system updates if defaults revert. 4. Advanced users can set defaults by file type in Windows to control which app opens specific link types. Changing the default browser ensures all links open in your preferred app, and the process is quick and reversible.

Changing your default browser on a computer is a simple way to make sure links you click open in the browser you prefer—whether it's Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari (on Mac), or another. Here’s how to do it on the most common operating systems.

On Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows lets you set a default browser easily through the Settings app.

1. Open Settings (press Windows I).
2. Go to Apps > Default apps.
3. Scroll down to Web browser—you’ll see the current default (e.g., Microsoft Edge).
4. Click on it, then choose your preferred browser from the list (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc.).

Note: On Windows 10, after selecting a new browser, you may be redirected to the Microsoft Store if the app isn’t installed. Make sure your preferred browser is installed first.

In Windows 11, if your browser doesn't appear in the list, click “Look for an app in the Microsoft Store” or ensure it's properly installed.

For some browsers (like Chrome), you might also need to confirm the change within the browser itself—it often prompts you after installation.

On macOS (Mac Computers)

Apple makes it easy to switch your default browser through System Settings.

1. Click the Apple menu (?) and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions).
2. Go to Desktop & Screen Saver or search for Default web browser.
   • In newer macOS versions (Ventura and later), go to General > Default web browser.
3. Select the browser you want to use (e.g., Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, etc.).

Make sure your preferred browser is installed. If it doesn’t show up, open the browser first—some apps register themselves only after being launched.

Tips and Common Issues

• Browser not showing up? Reinstall or relaunch the browser—it may need to register with the OS.
• Keeps reverting? Some versions of Windows may reset defaults after updates. Re-check Default Apps after major updates.
• Set per-file type? Advanced users can use “Choose default apps by file type” in Windows to control exactly which app opens .html, http, and https links.

Basically, just go to your system’s default apps settings, find the web browser option, and pick the one you actually use. It’s quick, and once set, all links from emails, documents, or apps will open the way you want.

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