Windows

How to change the default browser on Windows 11

Photo of Abu Bakar Saadat

By

Author · View profile

Updated 8 October 2026 · Checked October 2026

Device: Microsoft Cloud PC · Software: Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 (build 26200.9457)

Publisher: Saadat Rafiq

2 min read5 steps

Screenshot from the guide: How to change the default browser on Windows 11

howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-change-the-default-browser-on-windows-11/ · Checked October 2026 · Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 (build 26200.9457), Microsoft Cloud PC

In this guide
  1. Install the browser first
  2. Open Settings and choose Apps
  3. Click Default apps
  4. Click your browser in the list
  5. Click Set default
  6. Good to know
  7. Sources
Quick answer

Open Settings, choose Apps, then Default apps. Click the browser you want, such as Chrome or Firefox, and click Set default at the top of its page.

4 of 5 steps with real screenshots · 1 official source below

Device
Windows
Shown on
Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 (build 26200.9457), Microsoft Cloud PC
App
Settings
Path
Settings › Apps › Default apps
Real screenshots
4 of 5 steps
Checked
October 2026
Sources
1 official, linked below

Step by step

Take this guide with you

Print it, or pick "Save as PDF" in the print window.

Steps
Also include

  1. Install the browser first

    Download Chrome, Firefox, Brave or another browser from its official website and run the installer.

  2. Windows screenshot: Open Settings and choose Apps
    Zoomed in on the setting. Tap to see the whole screenTap the picture to see it full size

    Open Settings and choose Apps

    Press Windows + I and click Apps on the left.

  3. Windows screenshot: Click Default apps
    Zoomed in on the setting. Tap to see the whole screenTap the picture to see it full size

    Click Default apps

    A list of every installed app appears under Set defaults for applications.

  4. Windows screenshot: Click your browser in the list
    Zoomed in on the setting. Tap to see the whole screenTap the picture to see it full size

    Click your browser in the list

    Scroll, or type its name into the Search apps box, then click it.

  5. Windows screenshot: Click Set default
    Tap the picture to see it full size

    Click Set default

    The button is at the top of the browser's page, next to "Make ... your default browser". Web links, HTML files and web shortcuts now open in that browser.

About this guide

Windows 11 opens links in Microsoft Edge until you tell it otherwise. Switching takes four clicks once the other browser is installed.

No other browser could be installed on our Cloud PC, so the screenshots show the page for Microsoft Edge. Every browser has the same page with the same Set default button.

Good to know

PDF files may still open in Edge. On the same page, click .pdf and choose the app you prefer.

Links inside some Windows features, such as the search box and Widgets, may still open in Edge.

Most browsers also offer a "Make default" button in their own settings, which brings you to this page.

In short: Settings, Apps, Default apps, choose the browser, Set default.

Sources

Links checked in October 2026. Menus and features can change after software updates. These steps match the version named at the top.

Did this guide work for you?