What setting a default browser does

When you set a default web browser, your computer or phone opens links in that browser automatically — whether you click a link in an email, a document, or a text message. Without a default set, your device may ask you each time which browser to use, or it may open links in whatever browser was last installed.

The steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Android. Each operating system stores this setting in a different place, and some make it easier to change than others.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 and 11, you change your default browser in Settings under Apps, then Default Apps.
  • On Mac, you open System Settings, go to General, then Default Web Browser, and pick from the dropdown menu.
  • On Android, you go to Settings, Apps, then look for your current default browser and choose "Open by default" to change it.
  • The browser you want to set as default must already be installed on your device before you can select it.
  • Changing your default browser does not uninstall your other browsers — they remain on your device and you can still open them manually.

Setting a default browser on Windows 10 and 11

Open the Windows Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click Apps in the left sidebar, then click Default apps.

Scroll down until you see Web browser. Click on whichever browser is currently listed there. A window will pop up showing all the browsers installed on your computer. Click the one you want to use as your default, and Windows will switch it immediately. You do not need to restart your computer.

If the browser you want does not appear in the list, it is not installed yet. You will need to download and install it first — most browsers are free and available from the Microsoft Store or directly from the browser maker's website.

Setting a default browser on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions of macOS). Click General in the left sidebar, then look for Default web browser near the bottom of the window.

Click the dropdown menu next to it and select the browser you want to use. The change takes effect immediately. If you do not see your preferred browser in the list, make sure it is installed on your Mac first.

Setting a default browser on Android

Open the Settings app and scroll down to find Apps. Tap it, then look for your current default browser in the list — it may be called Chrome, Firefox, Samsung Internet, or another name depending on what you have installed.

Tap the browser name, then tap Open by default. You will see options for how links should open. Select the browser you want to use going forward. On some Android phones, you may instead see a button that says Set as default — tap that and confirm your choice.

If you want to switch back to a different browser later, follow the same steps and select a different one from the list.

What happens if you do not set a default

If no default browser is set, your device will either ask you to choose every time you click a link, or it will use whatever browser was most recently installed or last used. This can be inconvenient if you prefer one browser but keep getting prompted or sent to another.

Setting a default prevents this interruption and ensures links open in the browser you actually want to use. You can always change it again later if you switch to a different browser.

Changing your default browser later

You can change your default browser as many times as you want using the same steps above. Your old default browser will remain installed on your device — changing the default does not remove it. You can still open it manually and use it whenever you want.

If you uninstall your default browser, your device will usually switch to another browser automatically, or it will ask you to choose a new default the next time you click a link.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does setting a default browser delete my other browsers?

No. Setting a default browser only changes which one opens links automatically. All your other browsers stay installed and you can still open them by clicking their icons or searching for them in your apps.

Can I set different default browsers for different types of links?

No. Your device uses one default browser for all links. However, you can manually open any link in a different browser by right-clicking it (on Windows or Mac) or long-pressing it (on Android) and selecting "Open with" or a similar option.

What if my browser does not appear in the default browser list?

The browser must be installed on your device before it shows up in the list. Download and install it first from the Microsoft Store, Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or the browser maker's website, then return to your default settings and select it.

Will changing my default browser affect my bookmarks or saved passwords?

No. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay in each browser where you saved them. Changing your default browser does not move or delete any of that information.