How do I change the default browser on my computer?

Tired of your current browser's interface? Want to try out the features of a newcomer on the market? Changing your default browser on your laptop is very easy! Follow our detailed guide for a smooth transition and discover the technical intricacies behind this simple action.

Riding the wave of choice: Why change browsers?

Choosing a web browser is a personal decision, influenced by your needs and preferences. Are you looking for an intuitive interface? A clean design? Specific features? Speed? Enhanced security? Whether it's Chrome , Firefox , Edge , Opera Vivaldi , or Brave , each browser has its own strengths. Don't hesitate to explore the different options to find the one that suits you best.

Steps to change your default browser on Windows 10 & 11

Windows 10/11 :

Method 1: Windows Settings

• Start menu and select Settings .

• Click on Applications , then on Default Applications .

• In the Web Browser , click on the browser currently set as default.

• Select the browser you wish to use as your default browser from the list of available applications.

Method 2: From the browser

1. Open the browser you want to set as your default browser.
2. In your browser settings, look for the option to set your default browser. The location of this option may vary depending on the browser.
3. Click on the option and follow the on-screen instructions.

macOS :

• Click the Apple in the upper left corner of the screen and select System Preferences .
• Select General .
• Open the Default Web Browser and choose your preferred browser.

Linux :

The procedure varies depending on the Linux distribution used. However, you can usually find the option to change the default browser in the system settings or in the applications menu .

Navigation tips: Managing file associations and protocols

Associate file types with your preferred browser

In addition to web browsing, browsers can also handle certain file types, such as PDFs, MP3s, or HTML. To associate a file type with a specific browser:

• Windows : Right-click on a file of the type you want to associate. Select Open with > Choose a default app . Choose your preferred browser and check the box Always use this app to open .XXX files (where XXX corresponds to the file extension).
• macOS: Right-click on a file of the type you want to associate. Select Get Info . In the Open with , click the drop-down menu and choose your preferred browser.

Mastering protocols: Opening specific links in your preferred browser

Protocols define the actions to be performed when certain links are opened. For example, the " http:// " protocol is used to open web pages. You can modify the protocol associations to open them in your preferred browser:

• Windows : In the Start menu search bar, type " default apps settings ". Select Choose default apps by protocol . Find the protocol you want to change and choose your preferred browser.

• macOS: Click the Apple > System Preferences > General . Click the Defaults next to the Default Web Browser . Select your preferred browser for each protocol.

Conclusion

Changing your default browser is a simple process that can offer many advantages. By choosing a browser that meets your needs and taking the time to configure your preferences , you can improve your internet browsing experience. Feel free to explore the different browsers available and choose the one that suits you best.