The steps differ by operating system, but the process takes less than a minute

Your default browser is the one that opens when you click a link in email, a document, or anywhere else outside a browser window. Changing it means going into your system settings, not your browser itself — the browser can't change its own default status. On Windows, macOS, and most phones, the setting lives in a single menu, though the exact path varies.

You do not need to uninstall your old browser or do anything to it. Once you set a new default, the old one stays on your computer and works normally; it just won't open automatically anymore.

Key Takeaways

  • The default browser setting lives in your operating system, not in the browser application itself.
  • On Windows 10 and 11, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and select your browser from the list.
  • On macOS, open System Settings > General > Default web browser and pick from the dropdown menu.
  • On iPhone and Android, the setting is in your phone's main Settings app under Apps or Applications, not in the browser app itself.
  • Changing your default does not remove or affect your old browser — it simply stops it from opening automatically.

Changing your 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 it, and a list of installed browsers will appear. Select the browser you want to use as your default. Windows will confirm the change immediately, and you can close Settings.

If you do not see your browser in the list, it may not be installed yet, or Windows may not recognize it as a browser. Most common browsers — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — appear automatically once installed.

Changing your default browser on macOS

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

Click the dropdown menu and select your browser from the list. The change takes effect immediately. Close System Settings when you are done.

If your browser does not appear in the dropdown, make sure it is installed and has been opened at least once. Some browsers need to run once before macOS recognizes them.

Changing your default browser on iPhone

Open the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap the name of the browser you want to set as default — for example, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Tap Default Browser App and select it from the list that appears.

You must have the browser installed before it will appear in this menu. Once you set it as default, links from Mail, Messages, and other apps will open in that browser instead of Safari.

Changing your default browser on Android

Open the Settings app. Tap Apps or Applications (the name varies by phone maker). Look for Default apps or Default applications, then tap Browser app or Web browser.

Select the browser you want to use. Some Android phones also let you set a default by opening a link in your chosen browser, then tapping Always when the system asks which app to use.

If you do not see a default browser setting in your Apps menu, try opening a link in your preferred browser and selecting Always when prompted. This achieves the same result on some devices.

What happens to your old browser after you change the default

Your previous default browser remains installed and fully functional. You can still open it manually and use it normally. The only change is that links clicked outside the browser will no longer open in it automatically.

You can switch back to a different default at any time by following the same steps. There is no penalty for changing your default browser, and you can do it as often as you want.

Why links sometimes still open in the wrong browser

If you set a new default but links still open in your old browser, the most common cause is that your old browser is still set as default in your system settings. Check the settings again to confirm the change took. On Windows, restart your computer after changing the default — sometimes the system needs to refresh.

Another possibility is that certain apps (like Outlook or Slack) have their own browser settings that override your system default. If a specific app always opens links in the wrong browser, look in that app's settings for a browser preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to uninstall my old browser before setting a new default?

No. Changing your default browser does not require you to remove the old one. Both browsers can coexist on your computer. You can uninstall the old browser if you want to free up space, but it is not necessary just to change your default.

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

No. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay in whichever browser you saved them in. Changing your default browser does not touch any of that data. If you want to move bookmarks to a new browser, you can export them from the old browser and import them into the new one through each browser's settings menu.

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

No. Your operating system allows only one default browser for all links. However, some apps (like email clients) let you choose which browser they use independently. Check the settings in individual apps if you need that level of control.

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

Make sure the browser is fully installed and has been opened at least once. Some browsers need to run once before your operating system recognizes them. If it still does not appear, try reinstalling the browser or checking the browser maker's support page for your operating system.