Set Chrome as default in Windows, Mac, or Linux

Making Chrome your default browser means every link you click outside of an app — in email, documents, or search results — opens in Chrome instead of whatever browser came with your computer. The steps differ slightly by operating system, but the process takes less than a minute on any of them.

On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, go to Apps, then Default apps. Scroll down to Web browser and click the current default (usually Microsoft Edge). A menu appears showing installed browsers — select Google Chrome and confirm. Windows will ask you to confirm the change once more.

On Mac, open Chrome, click Chrome in the top menu bar, then Settings. Go to Default browser and click "Make Google Chrome the default browser." Your Mac will open System Settings to confirm; click the dropdown next to your current default browser and select Chrome.

On Linux, the method depends on your desktop environment. In GNOME (Ubuntu's standard), open Settings, go to Default Applications, and set Chrome as the Web browser. In KDE Plasma, open System Settings, go to Startup and Shutdown, then Default Applications, and select Chrome for Web Browser.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users find the default browser setting in Settings > Apps > Default apps, where you select Chrome from the web browser dropdown.
  • Mac users set Chrome as default through Chrome's own Settings menu, which then opens System Settings to confirm the change.
  • Linux users access default applications through their desktop environment's settings — GNOME and KDE Plasma have different locations but the same principle.
  • Once set, every link from outside Chrome automatically opens in Chrome, including links from email, PDFs, and other applications.
  • You can change your default browser back at any time using the same steps, so testing Chrome as your default carries no permanent consequence.

Why Chrome might not be set as default after installation

Installing Chrome does not automatically make it your default browser. Windows, Mac, and Linux all protect the existing default — usually Edge on Windows or Safari on Mac — so you have to choose the change yourself. This is intentional: your operating system assumes you want to keep using what you already have unless you say otherwise.

If you installed Chrome but never set it as default, every link still opens in your old browser. Some people prefer this — they use Chrome for specific tasks but keep their original browser as the everyday choice. Others assume the installation did the job and wonder why links still open elsewhere.

What happens when you set Chrome as default

Setting Chrome as default changes only where links open from outside Chrome itself. Links you click inside Chrome still open in Chrome. Bookmarks, favorites, and saved passwords stay in their original browser — changing the default does not move them.

If you use multiple browsers (Chrome for work, Firefox for personal browsing, Safari because it came with your Mac), setting one as default just means that's where random links land. You can still open any browser manually and use it whenever you want. The default is only what happens when you have no choice — when you click a link in an email or PDF and your computer needs to know which browser to use.

Changing your default browser back

You can switch your default browser back to Edge, Safari, Firefox, or any other installed browser using the exact same steps. Open your operating system's default apps settings, find the web browser option, and select a different one. There is no penalty for changing — you can test Chrome as your default for a week and switch back if you prefer your original browser.

Some people set Chrome as default, realize they prefer something else, and switch back within days. Others make the change and never think about it again. The choice is entirely yours and reversible at any moment.

When Chrome might not appear in the default browser list

If you open your default apps settings and Chrome does not appear in the browser list, Chrome is not installed on your computer. read it from google.com/chrome, run the installer, and let it finish completely. Once installation is done, Chrome will appear in your default browser options.

On rare occasions, a corporate network or school computer might restrict which browsers can be set as default. If you see the browser list but Chrome is grayed out or missing, contact your IT department — they may have locked the setting to keep everyone on a specific browser.

Syncing your data when you switch to Chrome as default

If you have been using another browser as your default, your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history are still in that browser. Chrome can import these from Edge, Safari, Firefox, and most other browsers. Open Chrome, click the menu (three dots in the top right), go to Settings, then Import bookmarks and settings. Choose your old browser from the list and select what you want to copy over.

You can import bookmarks without making Chrome your default, and you can make Chrome your default without importing anything. They are separate choices. Many people import their bookmarks first, test Chrome for a few days, and then set it as default once they feel comfortable with it.

Troubleshooting: Chrome keeps resetting to not-default

On Windows, some antivirus programs or system utilities can reset your default browser without asking. If you set Chrome as default and it reverts to Edge or another browser, check whether you have software that manages system settings. Windows Defender and most mainstream antivirus programs do not do this, but some third-party utilities do.

If resetting happens repeatedly, open your antivirus or system utility settings and look for an option about default apps or browser protection. Disable it if you want to keep Chrome as default. You can also check Windows Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions to see whether any app has permission to change your defaults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does making Chrome default delete my bookmarks in other browsers?

No. Your bookmarks, passwords, and history stay in their original browser. Setting Chrome as default only changes where links open from outside any browser. If you want your bookmarks in Chrome, use the import feature in Chrome Settings to copy them over.

Can I set Chrome as default for some links but not others?

No. Your operating system has one default browser for all links outside of apps. You cannot set different defaults for different types of links. You can manually open any browser you want, but the automatic default applies to everything.

Will setting Chrome as default slow down my computer?

No. Changing the default browser does not affect your computer's speed. Chrome uses the same amount of memory and processing power whether it is your default or not. The only change is where links open.

What if I share my computer with other people?

On Windows and Mac, each user account can have its own default browser. If you share a computer, changing your default in your own account does not affect other users' accounts. Each person can set their own preference independently.

Can I undo setting Chrome as default if I change my mind?

Yes. Use the same steps to set a different browser as default. You can switch back and forth as many times as you want. There is no limit to how many times you can change your default browser.