To get Microsoft Edge running as your main way to surf the web, you need to adjust a few settings on your computer. Start by clicking the Windows Start button and selecting the gear icon to open your Settings menu. From there, look for the section labeled Apps and click on it to see more options. On the left side of the screen, select the tab that says Default apps. Scroll down until you see the Web browser section and click on the icon of your current browser. A list will appear where you can simply select Microsoft Edge to finish the job.
Tutorial – How to make Edge as default browser on Windows
This section will guide you through the specific actions needed to tell your computer that you want Edge to handle all your internet links. We will go through the Settings menu to swap out your current program for the one made by Microsoft. It is a quick process that changes how your system behaves when you click a link in an email or document.
Step 1: Open the Start menu and click on the Settings gear icon.
You can find the Start button in the bottom corner of your screen. It usually looks like the Windows logo.
Clicking this opens up a menu with your pinned apps and power options. Look for the little gear icon which represents your computer’s settings.
Step 2: Select the Apps category from the main Settings list.
Once the Settings window is open, you will see a grid of different categories. You need to find the one that is labeled Apps.
This section controls all the programs installed on your machine. It also handles features and optional tools you might want to use.
Step 3: Click on Default apps in the sidebar menu.
On the left side of the screen, there is a list of different app-related options. You are looking for the one that says Default apps.
This is the control center for choosing which programs open specific types of files. It is where you decide what plays your music or opens your photos.
Step 4: Scroll down to the Web browser section and click your current browser.
Move down the main part of the window until you see the heading for Web browser. You will likely see an icon for Google Chrome or maybe Internet Explorer there.
Click on that icon to reveal a list of other available options. Your computer will show you every browser you have installed right now.
Step 5: Choose Microsoft Edge from the list that appears.
Look through the list until you find Microsoft Edge. Click on it to select it as your new choice.
Your computer might ask you if you are sure about the switch. Just confirm your choice to lock it in.
After you finish these steps, your computer will know exactly what to do when you want to go online. Any time you click a web link in an email or a PDF document, Microsoft Edge will open up immediately. You won’t have to copy and paste links anymore. The system handles the hand-off seamlessly in the background.
Tips for how to make Edge as default browser
- You should sign in with a Microsoft account to sync your passwords and favorites across all your devices.
- Take a moment to import your bookmarks from your old browser so you do not lose your favorite sites.
- Check out the extensions store to find add-ons that can block ads or help you find coupons while shopping.
- Explore the privacy settings to control how much data websites can collect about you while you browse.
- Try using the vertical tabs feature on the side of the screen to organize your open pages better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Edge faster than Google Chrome?
Many users find that Edge feels faster and more responsive on Windows computers. It is built on the same technology as Chrome. However, Microsoft has optimized it specifically for Windows.
Can I use my Chrome extensions on Edge?
Yes, you absolutely can use Chrome extensions on Edge. Since both browsers use the same engine, they are compatible. You just need to allow extensions from other stores in the settings.
Is Microsoft Edge free to use?
Edge is completely free to use for everyone. It comes pre-installed on Windows computers. You do not need to pay a subscription to use any of its features.
How do I switch back if I do not like it?
You can switch back to your old browser at any time. Just follow the same steps listed above. When you get to the list, simply select your old browser instead of Edge.
Does Edge work on a Mac computer?
Yes, Microsoft has made a version of Edge that works on Apple computers. You can download it and set it as your default there too. It works very similarly to the Windows version.
Summary
- Step 1 Open the Start menu and click on the Settings gear icon.
- Step 2 Select the Apps category from the main Settings list.
- Step 3 Click on Default apps in the sidebar menu.
- Step 4 Scroll down to the Web browser section and click your current browser.
- Step 5 Choose Microsoft Edge from the list that appears.
Conclusion
Making the switch to a new browser can feel like a big change, but it is often worth the effort. Microsoft Edge has come a long way from the old days of Internet Explorer. It is now a modern and fast tool that handles the internet beautifully. By setting it as your default, you get better integration with the rest of your Windows system. This can mean better battery life for laptops and smoother performance overall.
You also get access to new features like built-in tools for reading and organizing your research. The security features are top-notch as well. Microsoft updates the browser constantly to keep you safe from bad websites. It checks for compromised passwords and blocks trackers that try to follow you around the web.
If you have been hesitant to try it, now is the perfect time to give it a shot. You might find that the clean look and helpful tools make your time online more enjoyable. Remember that you are in control of your computer experience. Knowing how to make Edge as default browser gives you the power to choose the best tool for your needs. Go ahead and take it for a spin to see if it improves your daily browsing.

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.