Although Microsoft’s Chromium-powered Edge browser is a significant step up from older EdgeHTML counterpart on Windows, third-party alternatives—such as Chrome and Opera—continue to eclipse it in terms of polish and stability.
Even so, the Redmond-based tech giant doesn’t need to complicate default browser settings in efforts to keep users engaged with Edge.
But don’t worry. If you want to stop using Microsoft Edge, the guide below will help you figure out what you have to do to change the default web browser in Windows 11/10.
Additionally, you will learn how to modify the operating system’s behavior for cases when it overrides your default browser preferences and continues to open links in Edge.
Table of Contents
How to change the default browser in Windows 11
Microsoft does not provide a single setting that you can use to switch default browsers in Windows 11. Instead, you must manually associate your preferred browser with file types and web-related protocols. Problem: You have to deal with more than a dozen of them.
Fortunately, there is an easier way. If you open an external link (through an app like Mail) immediately after installing a third-party browser, the operating system prompts you to choose between available browsing apps.
All you have to do then is check, check the box next to Always use this app, and choose ALRIGHT. That’s it! You have changed the default browser. But you only have one shot there.
So if you opened a link but forgot to check Always use this app then this is how you can change default browser in Windows 11 the hard way.
1. Open Begin menu and select Setting.
2. Select Application > Default Apps.
3. Select the browser you want to set as default — for example: Google Chrome.
4. Select Microsoft Edge Under .htm file type.
5. Choose your preferred browser — for example: Google Chrome—And choose ALRIGHT.
Note: Windows 11 may try to convince you to use Edge as your default browser. Option Still movingand you should be able to continue making changes.
6. Repeat the steps 4–5 for the following file types and protocols in the same screen.
Sign: Just replace whatever is set to Microsoft Edge with your favorite browser.
.html
.shtml
.svg
.webp
.xht
.xhtml
FTP
HTTP
HTTPS
7. Escape Setting application.
You have just finished setting up your preferred third-party browser as the default browser in Windows 11.
How to change the default browser in Windows 10
Compared to Windows 11, it is much easier to change the default browser in Windows 10.
Instead of messing around with individual file types and protocols, you can switch between the browsing apps available through the operating system’s Settings app.
1. Open Begin menu and select Setting.
2. Select Application.
3. Select Default Apps on the sidebar. Then scroll down Web browser section and choose Microsoft Edge.
4. Select the browser you want to set as default — for example: Google Chrome.
5. Exit Setting application.
The browser will now act as the default browsing app in Windows 10.
How to force Windows 11/10 to open all links in default browser
Despite changing the default browser in Windows 11 and Windows 10, both operating systems will continue to open specific links from Microsoft apps and services in Edge. For example, choose a card in News and Interests Widget call Microsoft Edge instead of your default browser.
But that’s where EdgeDeflector comes into the picture. It’s an open source helper app that redirects Edge-only links to your default browser. Here’s how to install and set it up on Windows 11/10.
Note: If Windows Security blocks EdgeDeflector, select More information > Run anywhere and you will be able to continue using it.
Install EdgeDeflector on Windows 11/10
1. Download the latest version of EdgeDeflector from GitHub.
2. Run EdgeDeflector_install.exe file.
3. Select Setting.
Setting up EdgeDeflector in Windows 11
1. Open Begin menu and select Setting.
2. Go to Application > Default Apps.
3. Scroll down and select EdgeDeflector.
4. Select Microsoft Edge Under MICROSOFT-EDGE protocol.
5. Select EdgeDeflector and choose ALRIGHT.
6. Exit Setting application.
Set up Edge Deflector in Windows 10
1. Open Begin menu and select Setting.
2. Select Application.
3. Switch to Default Apps on the sidebar. Then scroll down and select Choose default application by protocol.
4. Select Microsoft Edge next to the MICROSOFT-EDGE protocol.
5. Select EdgeDelector.
6. Exit Setting application.
Enjoy using your new default web browser
Changing the default browser (especially on Windows 11) is a tricky business. Despite receiving a lot of setbacks, Microsoft only seems to be stepping up its efforts in forcing users to use its native browser. But no matter how much better the Chromium version of Edge is than before, the limited selection is just a bad taste.
That said, if you’re still looking for a solid web browser, here are some lightweight alternatives you might want to consider. Also, try these browsers that you may not have heard of before.
