How to Change the Default Browser in Windows 11

While the overhauled UI in Windows 11 is eliciting a mixed response,the removal of a myriad of featuresis enraging many Windows users. However, in relief to many Windows 11 users, Microsoft hassimplified the process of setting your default browserin recent updates. So if you are wondering how you can set the default browser in Windows 11, we have got you covered. Follow this step-by-step guide to change your default browser in Windows 11.

Change Default Browser in Windows 11 (April 2022)

Windows 11 may have added some interesting new features, but it also made many things unnecessarily convoluted for reasons best known to Microsoft. Notably, you should be runningWindows 11 KB5011563 cumulative updateor newer to experience the simpler and easier way of changing default apps on Windows 11. But fear not, we have also included a separate set of instructions to change the default browser in Windows 11 for those running older builds.

Install a Third-Party Web Browser of Your Choice

Microsoft Edge is the default web browser in Windows 11. The first step towards changing that would be to install a browser of your choice. There are a plethora of high-qualitythird-party browsers available on Windows, including Chrome (Free), Firefox (Free), Opera (Free), and many more.

Any browser that’s compatible with Windows 10 is also compatible with Windows 11. Install the web browser of your choice and follow the guide below to change the default browser in Windows 11.

Note:We are using Google Chrome for demo purposes here. The process will remain identical for Firefox, Opera, or any other browser. If you do not like Google Chrome because of all the privacy implications, check out thebest Chrome alternativesyou can use on Windows.

Steps to Set the Default Browser in Windows 11 (Windows 11 KB5011563 and newer)

Steps to Set the Default Browser in Windows 11 (Older Builds)

Note:You can also click on the “Make Default” button within Chrome (or Firefox) settings to directly get to the Default apps page in Windows 11.

Note:The default browser in Windows 11 is Edge Chromium, so you need to search for Microsoft Edge here if you have clean installed the OS. If you have upgraded from an existing Windows 10 installation, your default settings have carried over, so you need to search for your default browser app in Windows 10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How to set Google Chrome as the default browser in Windows 11?

You can set Google Chrome as the default browser in Windows 11 from the “Default apps” section of the Settings app. We have detailed the instructions to change the default Windows 11 browser in this article.

Q: Why can’t I set Chrome as my default browser in Windows 11?

If you are not able to set Google Chrome as the default browser, you could try resetting Chrome from“chrome://settings/reset”. If that didn’t work, reinstalling Chrome should help.

Q: What’s the default browser in Windows 11?

Microsoft Edge based on Chromium is the default browser in Windows 11. However, you can choose to change it if you prefer other browsers.

Change Default Browser From Microsoft Edge to Google Chrome in Windows 11

Although Microsoft took its time, we’re glad that the one-click option to set a default browser is finally available in Windows 11. With that said, you now know how to change the default browser in Windows 11. Even though the process is a bit more complicated than Windows 10, you will hopefully be able to use a browser of choice instead of being forced to use Microsoft’s default option.

If you are looking to undo some of the other Windows 11 changes no one asked for, check out how toswitch back to the Windows 10-style Start Menudesign. If even that doesn’t impress you, learn how todowngrade to Windows 10 from Windows 11. On the other hand, if you are perfectly happy with Microsoft Edge and want to keep using it, check outhow to enable Efficiency Mode in Microsoft Edgeto improve battery life. Also, you should check out thebest Minecraft Edge tips and tricksto learn about more cool features.

Subin B

Subin writes about consumer tech, software, and security. He secretly misses the headphone jack while pretending he’s better off with the wireless freedom.

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