How to Change the Default Web Browser in Windows 11/10.
While Microsoft’s Chromium-based Edge browser is a significant improvement over its old Windows counterpart EdgeHTML, third-party alternatives like Chrome and Opera still outshine it in terms of flawlessness and stability.
Read : Change Default Web Browser in Windows 8
Even so, the Redmond tech giant unnecessarily complicates the default browser settings in an attempt to get users to stick with Edge.
But don’t worry. If you would like to stop using Microsoft Edge, the instructions below should help you understand what you should do to change the default web browser in Windows 11/10.
In addition, you will learn how to change the behavior of the operating system in cases where it overrides the default browser settings and continues to open links in Edge.
Read : How to Set Two Default Search Engines On Any Browser
How to Change the Default Browser in Windows 11
Microsoft does not provide any option that can be used to switch default browsers in Windows 11. Instead, you must manually associate your preferred browser with the appropriate file types and protocols pertaining to the network. Problem: You have to deal with over a dozen of them.
Fortunately, there is an easier way. If you open an external link (via an app such as Mail) right after installing a third-party browser, the operating system should prompt you to choose between the available apps to view.
All you have to do is select, select the Always use this app checkbox and click OK. Voila! You have changed your default browser. But you only get one chance.
So, if you’ve already opened the link, but forgot to check the “Always use this app” checkbox, then here’s how you can change the default browser in Windows 11 by your own experience.
1. Open the “Start” menu and select “Settings”.
2. Select Apps> Default Apps.
3. Select the browser you want to use as default, such as Google Chrome.
4. Select Microsoft Edge under the .htm file type.
5. Select your preferred browser, such as Google Chrome, and click OK.
Note. Windows 11 may try to convince you to use Edge as your default browser. Either way, select Toggle and you can continue making changes.
Read : 10 Tips to Speed Up Slow Windows 10 PC
6. Repeat steps 4-5 for the following file types and protocols on the same screen.
Hint: just replace whatever is set up in Microsoft Edge with your preferred browser.
.html
.shtml
.svg
.webp
.xht
.xhtml
FTP
HTTP
HTTPS
7. Close the Settings app.
You have just completed setting up your preferred default third-party browser on Windows 11.
How to Change the Default Browser in Windows 10
Compared to Windows 11, changing the default browser in Windows 10 is much easier.
Instead of fiddling with individual file types and protocols, you can switch between available viewing applications through the operating system’s Settings app.
1. Open the “Start” menu and select “Settings”.
2. Select “Applications”.
3. Select Default Apps from the sidebar. Then scroll down to the web browser section and select Microsoft Edge.
4. Select the browser you want to use as default, such as Google Chrome.
5. Close the Settings app.
The browser should now work as the default viewer on Windows 10.
How to Force Windows 11/10 to Open All Links in Default Browser
Despite changing the default browser in Windows 11 and Windows 10, both operating systems will continue to open certain links from Microsoft apps and services in Edge. For example, selecting a card in the News & Interests widget launches Microsoft Edge instead of the default browser.
But this is where EdgeDeflector comes in. It is an open source helper application that only redirects links to Edge to your default browser. Here’s how to install and configure it on Windows 11/10.
Note. If Windows security is blocking EdgeDeflector, choose More> Run Anyway and you can continue using it.
Install EdgeDeflector on Windows 11/10
1. Download the latest EdgeDeflector from GitHub.
2. Run the EdgeDeflector_install.exe file.
3. Select “Install”.
Configure EdgeDeflector on Windows 11
1. Open the “Start” menu and select “Settings”.
2. Open Applications> Default Applications.
3. Scroll down and select EdgeDeflector.
4. Select Microsoft Edge using MICROSOFT-EDGE protocol.
5. Select EdgeDeflector and click OK.
6. Close the Settings app.
Configure Edge Deflector on Windows 10
1. Open the “Start” menu and select “Settings”.
2. Select “Applications”.
3. Switch to default apps in the sidebar. Then scroll down and select “Select default applications by protocol.”
4. Select Microsoft Edge next to the MICROSOFT-EDGE protocol.
5. Select EdgeDelector.
6. Close the Settings app.
Also Read : 10 Tips to Speed Up Slow Windows 10 PC
Enjoy Using Your New Default Web Browser
Changing the default browser (especially on Windows 11) is not easy. Despite many criticisms, Microsoft appears to be only stepping up its efforts to impose its default browser on users. But no matter how much better the Chromium version of Edge is compared to the previous one, limiting your choices is just bad form.
That said, if you’re still looking for a reliable web browser, then here are some lightweight alternatives that you might want to consider. Also, feel free to try out these browsers that you may have never heard of before.
How to Change the Default Web Browser in Windows 11/10
How to Change the Default Web Browser in Windows 11/10
windows 11 browser
windows 11 browser
how to change default browser windows 10