How to Change the Default Browser in Windows 11 (2026)
Microsoft deliberately makes changing the default browser in Windows 11 complicated. But there is a quick trick. Here is how to do it properly.
Quick Method: From the Browser Itself
The fastest way is to let the browser you want to use configure it for you.
In Chrome: Menu (three dots) → Settings → Default browser → Make default
In Firefox: Menu → Settings → General → Make Default
In Brave: Menu → Settings → Default browser → Make default
This takes you directly to the correct Windows screen automatically.
Method via Windows Settings
- Settings → Apps → Default apps
- Find the browser you want to use (Chrome, Firefox, Brave…)
- Click on it and press Set default
In Windows 11 22H2 and later there is a direct Set default button. In older versions you had to assign each file type (.html, .htm, .pdf, etc.) separately, which was extremely tedious.
If Edge Still Opens Certain Links
Windows 11 forces some links (system notification links, Cortana and Copilot searches) to open in Edge even after changing the default browser. To fix this:
- Install the EdgeDeflector or MSEdgeRedirect extension (free) which redirects those links to your default browser
- Or simply use the Windows Search and open results in your browser
Why does Windows 11 keep setting Edge as the default?
Some Windows updates can reset the default browser to Edge. This is a questionable Microsoft practice. If it happens, repeat the process of setting your preferred browser as default. It can also happen after reinstalling Chrome or Firefox.
How do I set Firefox as the default browser for PDF in Windows 11?
Settings → Apps → Default apps → find Firefox → Set default. This includes .pdf. If not, search for the .pdf file type in the default apps list and manually select Firefox.
Can I have two default browsers in Windows 11?
Not directly — only one can be the default at a time. However, you can use tools like Browser Chooser 2 (free) that shows a menu to choose the browser every time you open a link.
Conclusion
The fastest way: open Chrome, Firefox or Brave, go to Settings and find the option to set it as default. The browser takes you directly to the correct Windows screen. If Edge still opens some links, install MSEdgeRedirect to redirect them.
