Open Settings › Apps › Default apps, search for the browser, choose it, and set the supported web link and file types. Windows may offer a single Set default button; individual associations remain visible below it. Check that both HTTP and HTTPS now show the new browser.
What this covers
- Windows 11 with an installed browser that registers web associations
What it does not cover
- ×Links forced into an organization-managed or app-embedded browser
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedInstall and open the browser
ReversibleComplete its first-run setup and update it before changing Windows associations.
Open Default apps
ReversibleGo to Start › Settings › Apps › Default apps and search for the browser by name.
Set the browser default
ReversibleChoose Set default when offered, then review HTTP, HTTPS, .htm and .html associations below.
Test a link outside the browser
ReversibleOpen a web link from Mail or a document and confirm the chosen browser handles it.
Open Apps, then Default apps
ReversibleChoose the browser under 'Set defaults for applications' and use 'Set default' next to the option to make it your default browser.
Check file and link types if some links still open elsewhere
ReversibleThe same page lists the types each app can open, so set the browser for HTTP and HTTPS links and for the file types you care about.
Open a link from another app to confirm the change took
ReversibleClick a web link in your mail or messaging app. If it opens in the new browser, the default is set; if not, check the link and file types under Default apps.
Windows 11
Where the setting is and what it covers
Windows keeps defaults per app and per file or link type.
- Path
- Settings, Apps, Default apps. Under 'Set defaults for applications' select the browser and choose 'Set default'.
- Per type
- The same page lets you search for a file extension such as .txt or for a link protocol, select an app to see which file and link types it can open, and choose the app for a specific type.
- Applies to
- Microsoft says the process applies to both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the default keeps reverting or the option is grayed out, the device may be managed by an organization, so ask the administrator rather than changing more settings.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions about “How to change the default browser in Windows 11”
Does one click change everything?+
Microsoft's steps set the browser as the default from one button, and the same Settings page lets you set an app for individual file and link types.
Is it the same on Windows 10?+
Microsoft says the process applies to both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Where exactly do I click?+
Microsoft's steps are Settings, Apps, Default apps, choose the browser under 'Set defaults for applications', then select 'Set default' next to the option to make it your default browser.
Can I set a different app for PDFs or web files?+
Yes. The same Default apps page lets you search for a file extension such as .txt or a link protocol and choose the app for that type.
Why does Windows keep asking which browser to use?+
Some apps and links prompt for a choice, and Windows stores a default for each link and file type. Setting your browser as the default for http, https and HTML files in the default apps settings usually stops the prompts.
Does changing the default browser remove the old one?+
No. Changing the default only decides which browser opens links. The old browser stays installed with its bookmarks and settings, and you can switch back at any time.
What if the setting keeps reverting?+
Check for group policy or work-managed devices, and update the browser, since some installers reset defaults. Reapply the choice after major Windows updates.