To change the default browser in Windows 11, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps, select the browser you want, such as Google Chrome or Firefox, and select Set default. Windows then opens web links and web files in that browser.
Install the browser first. It has to be on your PC to appear in the list. If you want Chrome, see how to install Google Chrome on Windows 11.
Applies to: Windows 11. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 24, 2026.
Set your default browser in Settings
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Apps > Default apps.
- Under Set defaults for applications, type the browser’s name in the search box or scroll to it, then select it.
- Next to Make [browser name] your default browser, select Set default.
The list of file and link types below the button now shows your new browser for .htm, .html, HTTP, HTTPS, and similar types. For a Chrome-specific walkthrough, see how to set Chrome as the default browser in Windows 11.
Set it from inside the browser
Most browsers offer to become the default when you first open them, or have a button in their settings:
- Google Chrome: select the menu (⋮) > Settings > Default browser > Make default.
- Firefox: select the menu (☰) > Settings > General, then Make Default.
- Microsoft Edge: select Settings and more (…) > Settings > Default browser > Make default.
The browser usually opens the Windows Default apps page for you, where you select Set default.
Change one file or link type
If you want PDFs to open in a different app from web pages, set them one at a time:
- In Settings > Apps > Default apps, type the file or link type, such as
.pdforHTTPS, in the Set a default for a file type or link type box. - Select the app shown under it.
- Choose the new app and select Set default.
To change PDFs specifically, see how to change the default PDF viewer in Windows 11.
If links still open in Microsoft Edge
- Check the link types: in your browser’s Default apps page, make sure HTTP, HTTPS, .htm, and .html all show your browser. Select any that don’t and change them.
- Outlook links: Outlook has its own setting for which browser opens links. See how to change the default browser in Outlook on Windows 11.
- Some Windows features: a few built-in features may still open Microsoft Edge, depending on your region and version of Windows 11. If Edge also keeps running in the background, see how to turn off Microsoft Edge in Windows 11.
- After an update: if your choice was reset, repeat the steps above.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove Microsoft Edge completely?
Edge is part of Windows 11 and in most regions can’t be uninstalled through Settings. You can stop using it by setting another default browser and unpinning Edge from the taskbar. See how to remove Microsoft Edge as the default browser.
Why isn’t my browser in the list?
It isn’t installed, or it’s a portable version. Install the browser from its official website or the Microsoft Store, open it once, and check the list again. If the PC is brand new, our guide to setting up a new Windows 11 laptop covers the other first-day settings.
Does changing the default browser move my bookmarks?
No. Import them in the new browser. Most browsers have an Import browser data or Import bookmarks option in their settings.
Using Windows 10? See how to change the default browser in Windows 10.
If you can’t change your browser because your PC is in S mode, see how to switch out of S mode in Windows 11.
To pick which app opens videos and music, see how to change the default media player in Windows 11.
If your browser keeps changing its search engine or start page, reset Microsoft Edge settings first.
To change which search engine Edge uses, see how to make Google the default search engine in Windows 11.
If a site only works in Internet Explorer, see how to open Internet Explorer sites in Windows 11 with IE mode.
Default apps also decide which app opens email links. To make those links open Gmail, see how to set Gmail as the default email in Windows 11.
If the browser you want isn’t installed yet, see how to install Firefox on Windows 11.
Microsoft’s guide is Change your default browser in Windows. More help is on our Windows 11 Help & Guides page.
Related: how to download Google Chrome on Windows 11.
Related: how to set default apps in Windows 11.
Related: change from Bing to Google on Windows 11.
Related: How to Uninstall Edge on Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.