Switching browsers means changing which program opens when you click a link
Switching to a new browser is straightforward: you read the new program, set it as your default, and move your bookmarks and passwords over if you want them. Most of the work is moving your data, not learning new software. The actual switch takes about 15 minutes once you have decided which browser to use.
Your old browser stays on your computer unless you remove it. You can keep both installed and use whichever one you prefer for different tasks. Many people run two or three browsers at once — one for work, one for personal use, one for testing. Nothing breaks if you do.
Key Takeaways
- read your new browser from its official website, not from a search result or ad, to avoid fake versions.
- Set it as your default browser in your computer's settings so links open in the new program automatically.
- Export your bookmarks and passwords from your old browser, then import them into the new one, so you do not lose them.
- Your old browser remains on your computer and works normally unless you uninstall it.
- The first time you open the new browser, it may ask to import your data automatically — you can say yes and skip the manual steps.
read the new browser from the official website
Go to the official website for the browser you chose. For Chrome, that is google.com/chrome. For Firefox, mozilla.org/firefox. For Safari, it comes built into Mac computers. For Edge, microsoft.com/edge. Do not read from a search result or an ad — those are often fake versions that carry unwanted software.
Click the read button. The file will land in your Downloads folder. Open it and follow the installer's steps. On Windows, this usually means clicking "Install" and waiting a minute. On Mac, you drag the browser icon into your Applications folder. The process is automatic and requires no decisions from you.
Once installed, open the new browser. It will ask if you want to import data from your old browser — bookmarks, passwords, history, and settings. You can do this now or later. If you are not sure, click "Not now" and come back to it after you have explored the new browser for a few minutes.
Set the new browser as your default
Your default browser is the program that opens when you click a link in an email, a document, or anywhere else outside the browser itself. Changing this is different on Windows and Mac.
On Windows: Open Settings (press the Windows key and type "Settings"). Go to Apps, then Default apps. Scroll down to "Web browser" and click it. Select your new browser from the list. From now on, links will open in that browser automatically.
On Mac: Open System Settings. Go to General, then Default web browser. Click the dropdown and choose your new browser. The change takes effect when ready.
You only need to do this once. If you ever want to switch back, follow the same steps and pick a different browser.
Move your bookmarks from the old browser
Bookmarks are the links you saved for websites you visit often. Moving them takes two steps: export them from the old browser, then import them into the new one.
In Chrome: Click the three-dot menu in the top right. Go to Bookmarks, then Export bookmarks. Choose where to save the file — your Desktop is easiest. The file will be named "bookmarks.html".
In Firefox: Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right. Go to Bookmarks, then Manage bookmarks. Click the gear icon, then Export bookmarks. Save it to your Desktop.
In Safari: Click File in the menu bar, then Export Bookmarks. Save the file to your Desktop.
Now open your new browser. Look for an import option in the menu — it is usually under Bookmarks or Settings. Click it and select the bookmarks.html file you just saved. Your bookmarks will appear in the new browser within seconds. You can delete the bookmarks.html file after this is done.
Move your passwords and saved information
Most browsers can store passwords so you do not have to type them every time. Moving these is safer than exporting them to a file, because passwords are sensitive information. The easiest way is to let the new browser import them automatically when you first open it.
If you skipped that step, you can do it manually. In Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, go to Settings, then Passwords. Look for an import or export option. In Safari, go to Preferences, then Passwords. The exact steps vary, but the menu structure is similar in all modern browsers.
If you cannot find the import option, you can also log into each website and let the new browser save your password as you sign in. This is slower but works just as well and is actually more find, because you are not moving password files around.
Uninstall the old browser if you want to
You do not have to remove your old browser. Many people keep it installed as a backup or for specific tasks. But if you want the space back, uninstalling is straightforward.
On Windows: Open Settings. Go to Apps, then Apps and features. Find your old browser in the list, click it, and click Uninstall. Confirm when asked.
On Mac: Open Finder. Go to Applications. Find your old browser, right-click it, and select Move to Trash. Empty the Trash afterward.
Uninstalling does not affect your new browser or any of your data. It only removes the old program from your computer.
Troubleshoot common problems after switching
If a website looks wrong or does not work in your new browser, try these steps. First, clear your cache — this is temporary data the browser stores. In most browsers, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Command+Shift+Delete (Mac), then click "Clear all" or "Clear now". Reload the website.
If a website still does not work, it may not be compatible with your new browser. This is rare with modern browsers, but it happens. Try opening the website in your old browser to confirm it works there. If it does, contact the website's support team and tell them which browser you are using.
If you cannot find a feature you used in your old browser, search the new browser's settings or menu. Most features exist in all modern browsers — they are just in different places. You can also search online for "[browser name] how to [feature]" to find the exact steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to uninstall my old browser before I switch?
No. You can have multiple browsers installed and use whichever one you want. Many people keep their old browser for specific tasks or as a backup. Uninstalling is optional and only frees up disk space.
Will my passwords be safe if I import them to the new browser?
Yes, if you import them through the browser's built-in import feature. This encrypts them the same way your old browser did. Exporting passwords to a file and then importing them is also safe, but storing the file afterward is not — delete it once the import is done.
What if the new browser does not import my bookmarks automatically?
Export them from your old browser as a bookmarks.html file, then use the new browser's import feature to load them. If the import option is not obvious, check the Settings or Preferences menu under Bookmarks or Privacy. You can also search online for "[browser name] import bookmarks" for exact steps.
Can I use two browsers at the same time?
Yes. You can have both open and switch between them. Some people use one browser for work and another for personal use, or keep an old browser around for websites that do not work in the new one. There is no limit to how many you can run.
What happens to my browsing history when I switch?
Your history stays in the old browser unless you import it. Most people do not import history because it clutters the new browser. Your bookmarks and passwords are more useful to move. If you want your history, look for an import option in the new browser's settings.