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How to Set Chrome as Default Browser on Windows 11

This guide explains how to change Windows 11’s default browser from Microsoft Edge to Google Chrome.

note

Due to Windows 11's design restrictions, some steps require a third-party tool that may stop working after major Windows updates.

warning

This was written in 2022. Instructions and information might be outdated.

Changing Your Default Browser to Chrome​

  1. Select the Start button.

Windows Start button highlighted in green on the task bar.

  1. Search Default apps.

Windows Start Menu Search Box with 'default apps' written and highlighted in green.

  1. Under Best matches, select Default apps

Windows Start Menu Best Match with 'Default apps' highlighted in green.

  1. Select Google Chrome.

Windows Default Apps with Google Chrome highlighted in green.

  1. Select HTTPS.

Windows Default Apps Google Chrome page with 'HTTPS Microsoft Edge' highlighted in green.

  1. Select Google Chrome.

Windows Menu 'How do you want to open this?' with 'Google Chrome' highlighted in blue.

  1. Select OK.

Windows Menu 'How do you want to open this?' with the 'OK' button highlighted in green.

  1. Repeat steps 5, 6, and 7 for all necessary file associations.
tip

It's recommended to change the default settings for .htm, .html, and .pdf extensions.

Due to Windows 11 design restrictions, changing the default browser for widgets and search requires a workaround.

To change the default browser for widgets, a free external software is required.

note

The following steps require a third-party tool that may stop working after major Windows updates.

  1. Download the EdgeDeflector installer.

website with the software installer highlighted in green.

  1. Run the EdgeDeflector installer.

Windows context menu for downloaded file with the 'Open' option highlighted in green.

  1. Select the Start button.

Windows Start button highlighted in green on the task bar.

  1. Search Default apps.

Windows Start Menu Search Box with 'default apps' written and highlighted in green.

  1. Under Best matches, select Default apps

Windows Start Menu Best Match with 'Default apps' highlighted in green.

  1. Select EdgeDeflector.

Windows 'Default apps' page with EdgeDeflector highlighted in green.

  1. Select Microsoft Edge.

Windows 'Default apps' page with 'MICROSOFT-EDGE' highlighted in green.

  1. Select EdgeDeflector.

Windows Menu 'How do you want to open this?' with 'EdgeDeflector' highlighted in blue.

  1. Select OK.

Windows Menu 'How do you want to open this?' with the 'OK' button highlighted in green.

If EdgeDeflector stops working after Windows 11 updates, check the software's website for new updates.