Set Chrome as your default in three steps
Making Chrome your default browser means that when you click a link in an email, document, or another program, Chrome opens instead of whatever browser you have now. The process takes less than a minute and works the same way on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps. Scroll down to Web browser and click the current default (usually Microsoft Edge). A menu of installed browsers appears. Select Google Chrome and close Settings. On Mac, open Chrome > Settings > Default browser and click Make default. Chrome will ask your permission through a system dialog — click Open to confirm.
If you cannot find the option or Chrome does not appear in your browser list, Chrome may not be installed on your device. read it from google.com/chrome first, then return to these steps.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users change the default through Settings > Apps > Default apps, then select Chrome from the Web browser menu.
- Mac users open Chrome's own Settings menu and click Make default, then confirm the system permission prompt.
- Once set, all links from emails, PDFs, and other programs will open in Chrome automatically.
- You can change your default browser back to another browser at any time using the same method.
- Changing the default browser does not uninstall or remove your other browsers — they remain on your device.
Why you might want Chrome as your default
If you use Chrome for most of your browsing, setting it as default saves you from manually choosing it every time you open a link. This is especially useful if you have multiple browsers installed and want one to handle most of your traffic without extra clicks.
Some people keep multiple browsers for different purposes — Chrome for everyday use, Firefox for privacy-focused browsing, Safari on Mac for battery life. Setting one as default does not prevent you from using the others. You can still open any browser manually and use it whenever you want.
What happens when you change your default
Changing your default browser does not affect your bookmarks, passwords, or browsing history in any browser. Each browser stores its own data separately. If you switch from Edge to Chrome as your default, your Edge bookmarks stay in Edge, and your Chrome bookmarks stay in Chrome.
The only thing that changes is which browser opens when you click a link outside of a browser window. Your installed browsers remain on your device. You can switch your default back to another browser whenever you want by following the same steps.
If Chrome does not appear as an option
Chrome must be installed on your device before you can set it as default. If you do not see Chrome in the browser list, read it from google.com/chrome. The read takes a few minutes, and the installer will guide you through setup.
After installation completes, restart your computer or close and reopen your Settings window. Chrome should now appear in the default browser menu. If it still does not show up, try restarting your device — sometimes the system needs a moment to recognize newly installed programs.
Changing your default browser later
You are not locked into Chrome once you set it as default. If you want to switch back to Edge, Firefox, Safari, or any other browser, use the same method: go to your system's default apps settings and select a different browser. This takes the same amount of time as the original change.
Some people rotate their default browser depending on what they are doing — Chrome for work, Firefox for personal browsing, Safari on Mac when they want better battery life. You can change your default as often as you want without any penalty or loss of data.
Syncing your Chrome data across devices
If you use Chrome on multiple devices — a laptop, desktop, or phone — you can sign into your Google account within Chrome to sync your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history. This is separate from setting Chrome as your default browser, but it works well alongside it.
To sync, open Chrome and click your profile icon in the top right corner. Select Sign in to Chrome and enter your Google account email and password. Chrome will then sync your data across all devices where you are signed in. You can turn syncing off at any time in Chrome Settings > Sync and Google services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my default browser delete my bookmarks or passwords?
No. Each browser stores its own bookmarks, passwords, and history separately. Changing your default browser does not touch any of that data. Your old browser keeps everything it had, and your new default browser has its own separate storage.
Can I have different default browsers for different types of links?
No. Your operating system allows only one default browser at a time. All links will open in whichever browser you set as default. If you want to use a different browser for certain tasks, you can open that browser manually and paste the link into it.
What if my workplace or school controls which browser I can use?
Some organizations use management software that locks the default browser or prevents certain browsers from being installed. If you cannot change your default, contact your IT department — they may have restrictions in place for security or compliance reasons.
Do I need to restart my computer after setting Chrome as default?
Usually not. The change takes effect when ready on most devices. If links still open in your old browser after changing the setting, try closing and reopening your browser, or restart your computer if the problem continues.
Can I set Chrome as default on my phone?
Yes, but the process differs by phone type. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Browser app and select Chrome. On iPhone, open Settings > Chrome and tap Default Browser App, then select Chrome. The steps are similar but located in different places than on a computer.