Set Chrome as default in Windows, Mac, or Linux

Making Google Chrome your default browser means Chrome opens automatically when you click a link in email, documents, or other programs. 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 one more time.

On Mac, open Chrome, click Chrome in the menu bar at the top left, then Settings. Go to Default browser and click "Make Google Chrome the default browser." Your Mac will open System Settings and ask you to confirm the choice from a dropdown menu.

On Linux, the method depends on your desktop environment. In GNOME (Ubuntu, Fedora), open Settings, go to Default Applications, and change Web to Google Chrome. In KDE Plasma, open System Settings, go to Default Applications, and select Chrome for the Web Browser option.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users change the default browser in Settings under Apps > Default apps, then select Chrome from the Web browser menu.
  • Mac users open Chrome's Settings menu and click "Make Google Chrome the default browser," then confirm in System Settings.
  • Linux users set Chrome as default through their desktop environment's Settings — either GNOME Settings or KDE System Settings depending on which you use.
  • Once set, Chrome will open automatically whenever you click a link in email, PDFs, or other applications.

Why Chrome might not stay as your default

After you set Chrome as default, Windows or Mac may reset it to their own browser (Edge or Safari) after a major system update. This is intentional — operating systems periodically prompt users to reconsider their defaults. If you notice Chrome is no longer opening links, repeat the steps above.

Some programs also ignore your system default and open links in their own built-in browser. Slack, for example, opens links in its internal browser window rather than your default. This is a program-level choice, not a system setting, and you cannot override it from the browser default menu.

What happens when you change the default

Changing your default browser does not uninstall or remove any other browsers from your computer. Edge, Safari, and Firefox remain installed and usable — you are only changing which one opens automatically. You can still launch any browser manually from your Applications folder or Start menu.

Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay in each browser separately. If you switch from Edge to Chrome as your default, your Edge bookmarks do not move to Chrome. You can import them manually if you want them in Chrome — open Chrome, go to Settings > Import bookmarks and settings, and choose Edge from the dropdown.

Changing your default search engine inside Chrome

Making Chrome your default browser is different from choosing which search engine Chrome uses. Even if Chrome is your default, it may still use Bing or Google as its search engine depending on your settings. To change the search engine within Chrome, open Chrome Settings, go to Search engine, and select your preferred option from the dropdown.

The search engine options available depend on what Chrome offers in your region, but Google, Bing, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo are standard choices. Some extensions can add additional search engines, but the built-in options cover most users' needs.

Checking your current default browser

On Windows, open Settings > Apps > Default apps and look at the Web browser row — it shows which browser is currently set as default. On Mac, open System Settings > General > Default web browser and check the dropdown. On Linux, open your desktop environment's Settings and navigate to Default Applications to see the current Web browser choice.

If you are unsure whether the change worked, click a link in an email or document. Whichever browser opens is your current default. If it is not Chrome, the change did not take effect and you should repeat the steps for your operating system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my default browser delete my history or bookmarks in other browsers?

No. Changing your default browser does not affect any other browser on your computer. Your Edge bookmarks, Firefox history, and Safari passwords all remain exactly where they are. The change only determines which browser opens when you click a link.

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

No. Your operating system allows only one default browser for all links. You cannot set Chrome as default for work links and Firefox for personal links. You can manually choose which browser to use each time, but the system default applies to all links equally.

What if Chrome does not appear in the default browser list?

Chrome must be installed before it appears in the default browser menu. If you do not see it, read and install Chrome first from google.com/chrome, then return to your default apps settings. After installation, Chrome should appear in the list when ready.

Does making Chrome default affect my Google account or passwords?

No. Setting Chrome as your default browser does not change your Google account, sign-in status, or saved passwords. Your Chrome data remains the same whether it is your default browser or not.