Chrome is already Google's browser, so you cannot set Google as your default

Google Chrome is made by Google. When you open Chrome, you are already using Google's browser. There is no separate "Google browser" to set as your default — Chrome itself is the Google product.

What you might be looking for is one of two things: making Chrome your default browser across your whole computer (so links from email, documents, and other programs open in Chrome instead of Safari, Edge, or Firefox), or changing your search engine inside Chrome from Bing or another option back to Google Search.

Both are straightforward, and the steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or a Chromebook.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome is Google's browser, so you cannot set a separate Google browser as your default — you can only make Chrome itself your default.
  • On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and select Chrome as your default browser.
  • On Mac, open Chrome, go to Chrome menu > Settings > Default Browser, and click "Make Default".
  • If you want Google Search as your search engine inside Chrome, go to Settings > Search Engine and select Google from the list.
  • Chromebooks use Google by default for everything, so no changes are needed.

Making Chrome your default browser on Windows

Open your Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the Settings app. Go to Apps in the left sidebar, then select Default Apps.

Scroll down until you see Web Browser. Click on whatever browser is currently listed there (it might say Edge, Firefox, Safari, or another name). A menu will pop up showing all the browsers installed on your computer. Click Google Chrome.

Windows will confirm the change when ready. Any link you click in email, Word documents, or other programs will now open in Chrome instead of your previous default.

Making Chrome your default browser on Mac

Open Chrome by clicking its icon in your Dock or Applications folder. Click the Chrome menu at the top left of your screen (next to the Apple logo), then select Settings.

In the left sidebar, click Default Browser. You will see a button that says Make Default. Click it. Mac will ask you to confirm; click Open when prompted.

After this, links from Mail, Safari, and other Mac programs will open in Chrome. If you ever want to switch back to Safari or another browser, follow the same steps and select that browser instead.

Changing your search engine to Google inside Chrome

If Chrome is already your default browser but your searches are going to Bing, Yahoo, or another search engine, you need to change your search engine setting. Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings.

In the left sidebar, click Search Engine. You will see a list of search engines. Click on Google to select it. Chrome will when ready use Google for any search you type in the address bar.

If Google does not appear in the list, click Manage Search Engines, find Google in the full list, and click the three dots next to it, then select Make Default.

What to do if Chrome will not let you set it as default

On Windows, if the "Make Default" option is greyed out or does not work, your computer may have a policy set by your workplace or school. Contact your IT department — they control which browsers you can use.

On Mac, if you see a message saying Chrome cannot be the default browser, restart your computer and try again. If it still does not work, go to System Settings > General > Default Web Browser and select Chrome from the dropdown menu there instead.

On a Chromebook, Chrome is always the default and cannot be changed — Chromebooks are built to run Chrome only.

Why Chrome might not stay your default

Sometimes after a Windows update, Edge becomes your default browser again. This is normal — Windows occasionally resets defaults after major updates. You can set Chrome back to default using the same Settings > Apps > Default Apps path described above.

On Mac, if Safari keeps becoming your default after you restart, check whether you have a work profile or parental controls set up. These can override your choice. If you manage your own Mac and this keeps happening, restart your computer and try the Chrome menu > Settings > Default Browser route again.

Chromebooks and Google services

If you are using a Chromebook, Chrome is your only browser and Google is your only search engine. You cannot change either one. Everything on a Chromebook runs through Chrome and connects to Google services by design — there are no settings to adjust.

If you are signed into a Google account on your Chromebook, your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history sync across all your devices automatically. This is built in and cannot be turned off, though you can choose what types of data sync in your Google account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between Google and Google Chrome?

No. Google Chrome is the official browser made by Google. "Google" is the company; "Chrome" is their web browser. They are the same product — you cannot read or install a separate browser called just "Google".

Will setting Chrome as default change my search engine automatically?

Not necessarily. Making Chrome your default browser only controls which program opens links. Your search engine is a separate setting inside Chrome. You may need to change both separately if your search engine is currently set to Bing or Yahoo.

Can I set Chrome as default if my computer is managed by my workplace?

Probably not. Managed computers often have policies that lock the default browser to Edge or another choice. Contact your IT department to request a change, or ask whether you can use Chrome for personal browsing.

What happens to my bookmarks and passwords if I make Chrome my default?

Nothing changes. Your bookmarks, saved passwords, and browsing history stay exactly where they are. Making Chrome your default only affects which program opens when you click a link — it does not touch your data.

Do I need to do anything special on my phone or tablet?

On Android phones and tablets, open Chrome, tap the three dots, go to Settings > Apps and Notifications > Default Apps > Browser App, and select Chrome. On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > Apps > Default Browser App and choose Chrome. The steps are the same concept as on a computer.