Chrome is already Google's browser, so you cannot make Google the default inside Chrome itself

Chrome is built by Google and uses Google Search by default. What you might be looking for is one of two different things: making Chrome your default browser across your whole computer (so links open in Chrome instead of Safari, Firefox, or Edge), or changing your search engine within Chrome if you have switched to something else.

If you want Chrome to open when you click links in emails, documents, or other apps, follow the steps for your operating system below. If Chrome is already your browser but you switched away from Google Search, the search engine section shows how to switch back.

Key Takeaways

  • Making Chrome your default browser means links from other apps will open in Chrome instead of your current default.
  • On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and select Chrome as your default browser.
  • On Mac, open Chrome, go to Settings > Default Browser, and click "Make Default".
  • If you have changed your search engine away from Google within Chrome, you can switch back in Settings > Search Engine.
  • Some work computers or school devices may not let you change the default browser due to administrator settings.

Setting Chrome as default on Windows

Open your Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click Apps in the left sidebar, then click Default Apps.

Scroll down until you see Web browser. Click on whatever browser is currently listed there (usually Microsoft Edge). A menu will pop up showing all the browsers on your computer. Click Google Chrome. Windows will confirm the change when ready, and from that point forward, links from emails, documents, and other applications will open in Chrome.

Setting Chrome as default on Mac

Open Google Chrome. Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner and select Settings. In the left sidebar, click Default Browser. You will see a button that says Make Default — click it. Your Mac will ask you to confirm; click Chrome in the dialog that appears.

If the "Make Default" button is grayed out, Chrome is already your default browser. If you see a message saying you cannot change this setting, your computer may be managed by an organization (your workplace or school), and an administrator has locked this choice.

Switching back to Google Search within Chrome

If Chrome is your browser but you have accidentally changed your search engine to Bing, Yahoo, or something else, you can change it back. Open Chrome, click the three vertical dots in the top right, and select Settings. Click Search engine in the left sidebar.

Under "Search engine used in the address bar", you will see a dropdown menu showing your current search engine. Click it and select Google. From that moment on, when you type in the address bar, Chrome will search using Google instead.

What to do if you cannot change the default browser

If you try to set Chrome as default and the option is grayed out, disabled, or you get an error message, your device is likely managed by an organization. This is common on work computers, school laptops, and devices issued by employers or educational institutions.

Contact your IT department, help desk, or school's technology support. Tell them you need Chrome set as the default browser. They can either change it for you or explain whether it is intentionally restricted. Do not try to work around these restrictions — they exist for security and management reasons, and bypassing them can cause problems with your device or your access to work or school systems.

Why Chrome might not stay as your default

Occasionally, after you set Chrome as default, another browser or process will change it back without asking. This happens most often when you install a new program that assumes it should be the default, or when Windows updates reset your settings.

If this happens, straightforward repeat the steps above to set Chrome as default again. If it keeps changing back, check what programs you have installed recently — uninstalling the one that made the change will usually stop it from happening again. You can also check your Settings > Apps > Startup to see which programs run when your computer starts, and disable any that you do not recognize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will making Chrome my default browser delete my other browsers?

No. Setting Chrome as default only means links will open in Chrome. Your other browsers stay on your computer and work normally. You can still open them manually whenever you want.

Does making Chrome default affect my passwords or bookmarks?

No. Your passwords, bookmarks, and browsing history stay exactly where they are. Changing the default browser is purely about which program opens when you click a link.

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

Windows and Mac do not support this. You can only have one default browser for all links. However, you can manually right-click a link and choose "Open with" to pick a different browser for a single link.

What if I want to use Google Search but keep a different browser as my default?

You can. Your default browser and your search engine are separate settings. You can use Firefox or Safari as your default browser while still using Google Search within that browser.