Ever since the first release of Windows 10, I have been using the new Microsoft Edge as my primary web browser. Earlier this week, I decided to switch to Google Chrome for some time as even the Microsoft Edge browser is now based on the Chromium desktop browser.
Downloading and installing Chrome on Windows 10 was effortless as the installation was very fast, just like the web browser. After the installation, surprisingly, Chrome didn’t display any page asking to set it as the default web browser.
Clicking the Make Default button under Chrome settings opened the Settings > Apps > Default apps page of Windows 10 instead of setting Chrome as default. It looks like in Windows 10, we need to manually change default browser settings under the Settings app or Default Programs to change the default web browser. Windows 10 doesn’t allow a third-party browser or software to set itself or any other program as the default web browser. Users need to set the default search engine manually.
In Windows 10, Microsoft Edge is the default browser and is impressive. But if you prefer Google Chrome and would like to set it as the default browser, as said before, the procedure has changed. The current version of Chrome, at least, does nothing but display the above message when you click the Make Google Chrome the default browser button.
Set Chrome as the default browser in Windows 10
Complete the given below directions to set Google Chrome as the default browser in Windows 10.
Method 1 of 2
Step 1: Open the Settings app. To do so, open the Start menu and then click the Settings/gear icon. Alternatively, you can use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app quickly.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps > Default apps page.
Step 3: Click on the Edge browser entry (or any browser other than Chrome) to reveal Choose an app, and then click Google Chrome to set it as the default browser. That’s it!
Method 2 of 2
Make Chrome the default using Default Programs
Step 1: Open Default Programs by typing Default Programs in the taskbar search box and then pressing Enter key. If the Start/taskbar search doesn’t show Default Programs, open the Control Panel, change View by to Small icons, and then click Default Programs to open the same.
Step 2: Once Default Programs is launched, click the first link titled Set your default programs.
Step 3: On the left side, scroll down to see the Google Chrome entry, click on it, and then click the Set this program as default option available on the right side to set Chrome as your default browser in Windows 10.
Hope this helps!
And if you are on Windows 11, refer to our how to set Chrome as default in Windows 11 guide.
kalyan says
even after i set chrome as default when i am opening a pdf it going and opening from microsoft edge idk why can someone help pls
Laura Desrochers says
when following steps to make Google Chrome my default browser, it does not show up in list of available apps to choose from. clicking on apps store in the list shows only apps I know nothing about. This is frustrating. I am tired of going to Edge first and then taking myself to google the one I am comfortable using
Ambra says
Not anymore. Option to do so was disabled with the latest Windows f*ck-update April 2019. I work in InfoSec, and when I wasn’t able to find any workarounds online, I spoke directly with Microsoft when they called me back per my request. The option to change the browser isn’t available at this time. The April 2019 f*ck-update bricked my laptop, and the Lenovo from which I’m typing right now I’ve had for not quite three days. It’s so very, completely, totally and utterly worth it for me to shell out $500 in addition to the $290 I paid for this when I return this for a MacBook Pro with dualboot.
David Lohmeier says
I can’t believe the 100+ “expert” articles describing how to do something that doesn’t work and these guys are still cranking this stuff out. I’ve got the updated 10 and in the previous version you were able to get Chrome onto the list of browser choices – that’s impossible now. Even Chrome hasn’t figured out how to do it. HOWEVER Firefox managed to figure out a way to get on the list of choices when you do the set up there and then you can set it as the default and it seems to be sticking so far.I’ve been wanting to jump the Chrome ship for a while now and it seems like the cyber-gods are forcing that decision. For the best.
After this, I’m switching over to Mac – I can’t believe that people are accepting this as “the way it is” because it’s Microsoft. I thought the FTC had outlawed monopolies decades ago. GO FIREFOX
ROBERT says
first and most importantly – THERE IS NO APPS SELECTION IN SYSTEM TAB UNDER SETTINGS – NONE. SELECTINGI CHROME ANYWHERE ELSE MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO DIFFERENCE IN OPENING THE HOME PAGE/BROWSER-NONE.
George Marshall says
Neither works. I get a message that there is no default app. Neither Chrom nor Firefox is listed.
admin says
Bjarne Kristensen,
Did you follow the instructions in Method 2?
Bjarne Kristensen says
All good, but the problem is that it is not called Defoult Programs any more, but Default Apps. None of the two steps will show Chrome on the list on my machine anyway.
Serge De Maseneer says
Great super.
In belgium most financial apps refuse to work with edge and all applications where you need to use your electronic identification card don’t work with edge since it is just not secure enough.
So this is a lifesaver.
PS Microsoft has been convicted before in Europe for not promoting other browsers. I guess a new lawsuit should be in order
Bill Walker says
Exactly what I needed. Method one would not work but method 2 did the trick.
Thanks for the post.
Diana says
Excellent. Many thanks.