As was the case with Windows 10, Microsoft Edge browser is the default web browser in Windows 11 as well. The new Edge browser, based on Chromium, is a fast and secure web browser for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
It’s normal for a company to ship and set its web browser as the default browser in its operating system. What’s not normal is that not offering an easy way to let users change the default web browser to an app of their choice.
Yes, Windows 11 does allow changing the default web browser to Firefox, Chrome, or any other web browser of your wish. But changing the default web browser via the Settings > Apps > Default apps page is not straightforward. Not only novice users but experienced users might also need assistance to change the default web browser in Windows 11.
Luckily, users who prefer Firefox over Edge or any other web browser can easily make Firefox the default web browser in Windows 11. The best part is that Firefox makes it possible without opening Windows 11’s Settings app.
Method 1 of 3
Set Firefox as default in Windows 11 via Firefox preferences page
Step 1: Launch the Firefox app on your Windows 11 computer.
Step 2: Click on the application menu icon (refer to the picture below) and click Settings to open the Firefox Settings (preferences) page.
Alternatively, you can type about:preferences in the address bar and then hit the Enter key to quickly open the same page.
Step 3: Here, on the left side, make sure that General is selected.
Step 4: On the right side, in the Startup section, click on the Make Default button. That’s all you need to do from your end to make Firefox the default browser.
Method 2 of 3
Set Firefox as default via Settings in Windows 11
Step 1: Open the Windows 11 Settings. On the left side, click Apps.
Step 2: Now, on the right side, click Default apps.
Step 3: Scroll down the apps list to find the Firefox entry. Click on its entry.
Step 4: The resulting page shows the file types for which Edge, Firefox, or any other browser is the default.
To make the Firefox as the default web browser, you need to set Firefox as the default for .htm, .html, HTTP, HTTPS, .webp, .PDF file types.
To do that, click on a file type, select Firefox from the list and then click the OK button.
Method 3 of 3
Another way to set Firefox as default in Windows 11
Step 1: In the Firefox browser, click on the Application menu and then click Settings.
Step 2: In the Startup section, select the Always check if Firefox is the default browser option.
Step 3: Restart the Firefox browser to see the following prompt.
Step 4: Click the Make primary browser button to set Firefox as default in Windows 11.
Our how-to export Firefox passwords guide might also interest you.
Tony Caffalette says
Every time I restart my computer Firefox is no longer my default browser. My backup browser, Vivaldi, always takes the default browser spot and Firefox becomes the secondary browser. I have to make Firefox my primary ever time I restart.