Set Edge as your default browser in Windows Settings

The fastest way to make Edge your default browser is through Windows Settings. Open Settings, go to Apps, then select Default apps. Scroll down until you see Web browser, click it, and choose Microsoft Edge from the list that appears. Windows will when ready use Edge to open any links you click in email, documents, or other programs.

This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The setting takes effect right away — you do not need to restart your computer. If you change your mind later, you can return to the same screen and pick a different browser.

Key Takeaways

  • The quickest route is Settings > Apps > Default apps > Web browser, then select Microsoft Edge.
  • Edge becomes your default when ready after you choose it; no restart required.
  • You can also set Edge as default by opening it, going to Settings > Default browser, and clicking "Make default".
  • If Windows asks you to confirm the change through a popup, click the option to switch to Edge.
  • Changing your default browser does not uninstall other browsers or prevent you from using them manually.

Use Edge's built-in default browser button

Open Microsoft Edge and go to Settings (the three-dot menu in the top right, then Settings). Select Default browser from the left sidebar. You will see a button that says Make default. Click it, and Edge will ask Windows to set itself as your default browser.

This method is simpler if you are already using Edge and do not want to dig through Windows Settings. The result is identical — Edge becomes your default for all links and web content.

Confirm the change if Windows shows a popup

On some versions of Windows 11, clicking "Make default" in Edge opens a small popup asking you to confirm. The popup shows Edge's icon and a button labeled Switch anyway or Yes. Click it to complete the change.

This extra step is a safety feature — Windows wants to make sure you actually intended to change your default browser, not that you clicked by accident. Once you confirm, Edge is set as your default.

What happens after you set Edge as default

Once Edge is your default browser, clicking any link in email, Word documents, PDFs, or other programs will open that link in Edge instead of whatever browser you were using before. Shortcuts on your desktop that point to websites will also open in Edge. Your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords stay in whichever browser you were using before — changing your default does not move them.

You can still open other browsers manually and use them whenever you want. Setting Edge as default only changes what happens when you click a link; it does not prevent you from using Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser.

Undo the change and switch back

If you want to switch to a different default browser later, follow the same steps: go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Web browser, or open Edge's Settings > Default browser. Pick whichever browser you prefer, and it becomes your new default. You can change your default browser as many times as you want.

Switching back does not affect Edge itself — the browser stays installed on your computer, and you can still open it manually whenever you choose.

Troubleshooting if the change does not stick

Occasionally Windows does not register the change on the first try. If you set Edge as default but links still open in a different browser, try this: open Settings > Apps > Default apps again, scroll to Web browser, and check what it shows. If it still lists your old browser, click on it and select Edge again. Sometimes the setting needs to be confirmed twice.

If the problem continues, restart your computer and try once more. A restart clears temporary settings that might be interfering. After the restart, go back to Settings > Apps > Default apps and verify that Edge is listed as your web browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does setting Edge as default remove my other browsers?

No. Changing your default browser only changes what opens when you click a link. Chrome, Firefox, and any other browsers you have installed stay on your computer and work normally. You can still open them manually anytime.

Will my bookmarks and passwords move to Edge?

Not automatically. Each browser keeps its own bookmarks, history, and saved passwords. If you want to use your bookmarks in Edge, you can import them: open Edge Settings > Profiles > Import browser data, choose your old browser, and select what you want to copy over.

Can I set different default browsers for different types of links?

Windows does not support that. You can only set one default browser for all web links. However, you can always right-click a link and choose "Open with" to pick a different browser for a single link.

What if a website or program forces a different browser to open?

Some older websites or programs are programmed to open a specific browser regardless of your default setting. In those cases, you can still use your default browser — just copy the web address and paste it into Edge's address bar, or use Edge's address bar to search for the site.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing the default?

No. The change takes effect when ready. You can start using Edge as your default right away without restarting.