Ready to switch things up and give Microsoft Edge the top spot on your computer? Making Edge your go-to browser is super simple. All you need to do is head into your Windows Settings, find the “Default apps” section, select Microsoft Edge from the list, and click a single button to make it the default. That’s it. From then on, any time you click a web link, it will pop open right in Edge. It’s a quick change that puts all of Edge’s features at your fingertips.
Tutorial – How to Make Edge Default Browser
These steps will walk you through the Windows settings menu to officially set Microsoft Edge as your primary web browser. It’s a straightforward process that gives you full control over how your computer opens web links and files.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings.
First, you need to get into your computer’s main control panel, which is the Settings app.
You can do this easily by clicking the Start Menu button and then clicking the little gear icon for Settings. Another quick way is to press the Windows key and the letter ‘I’ on your keyboard at the same time.
Step 2: Navigate to the Apps section.
Once you are in the Settings window, look for an icon labeled “Apps” and click on it.
This section is where you manage all the programs installed on your computer, from uninstalling them to changing their default behaviors.
Step 3: Select Default apps.
Inside the Apps menu, you will see an option on the left-hand side called “Default apps.” Go ahead and select that.
This is the central hub for telling Windows which program you want to use for different tasks, like viewing photos, playing music, or, in our case, browsing the internet.
Step 4: Find and select Microsoft Edge.
Now, you’ll see a list of all the applications on your computer. Scroll down until you find “Microsoft Edge” and click on it.
This will take you to a dedicated page for all the default settings related to the Edge browser.
Step 5: Click the “Set default” button.
At the very top of the Microsoft Edge default settings page, you will see a button that says “Set default.” Click this button.
A little checkmark will appear next to it, confirming that Windows now recognizes Microsoft Edge as your main browser for opening most web-related links and file types.
Once you click that “Set default” button, the change happens instantly. Now, whenever you click a link in an email, a document, or another app, it will automatically launch in a new Microsoft Edge window or tab. Any web files you download, like HTML files, will also open with Edge by default. You have successfully made the switch.
Tips for Making Edge Your Default Browser
- Pin Edge to your taskbar. For even quicker access, right-click the Edge icon on your taskbar and select “Pin to taskbar.” This keeps it front and center.
- Import your old data. Don’t start from scratch. Use Edge’s built-in import tool to bring over your bookmarks, saved passwords, and browsing history from Chrome or Firefox. You can find this in Edge’s settings under “Profiles” and then “Import browser data.”
- Explore the unique features. Take a moment to check out what makes Edge different. Try out Vertical Tabs to organize your tabs on the side of the screen, or use Collections to save and group web content for projects.
- Sign in with a Microsoft account. If you sign in, you can sync your browser settings, passwords, and history across all your devices that have Edge installed, including your phone.
- Customize your new tab page. You can change what you see every time you open a new tab. Choose an inspirational background image, a focused layout, or a news feed to keep you updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I want to make Edge my default browser?
Microsoft Edge has come a long way. It’s built on the same foundation as Google Chrome, so it’s fast, secure, and compatible with all the same websites and extensions. Plus, it has unique features built-in, like a powerful PDF reader, a shopping tool that finds coupons for you, and performance settings like Sleeping Tabs to save your computer’s resources.
Will this change my default browser on my phone?
No, it won’t. The settings you change on your Windows computer only apply to that specific device. To make Edge the default on your smartphone, you’ll need to go into the settings on your iPhone or Android device and change the default browser there.
Can I switch back to my old browser?
Absolutely. You can change your mind at any time. Just follow the exact same steps, but instead of choosing Microsoft Edge in the “Default apps” list, select your preferred browser, like Chrome, Firefox, or Opera, and click its “Set default” button.
Does making Edge the default browser import my passwords and bookmarks?
No, setting Edge as the default browser does not automatically transfer your personal data. This process just tells Windows which program to use for opening web links. You have to manually import your bookmarks, passwords, and other data using the import tool inside Edge’s settings.
What if the “Set default” button doesn’t work?
In some versions of Windows, you might need to set defaults for specific file types. If the main button doesn’t seem to do everything, scroll down on that same page. You will see a list of file types like .html, .pdf, and protocols like HTTP. You can click on each one and choose Microsoft Edge from the list that pops up to set them individually.
Summary of Steps
- Open the Windows Settings app.
- Go to the Apps section.
- Click on Default apps.
- Find and select Microsoft Edge from the application list.
- Click the “Set default” button at the top of the page.
Final Thoughts
Making the switch to a new default browser can feel like a big step, but as you’ve seen, the process is surprisingly simple. In just a few clicks, you can completely change your primary window to the web. The question of how to make Edge default browser is one we see a lot, and it’s great that Windows has made the process so user-friendly. You’re not just changing an icon on your desktop; you’re choosing the tool that will handle your daily dose of news, entertainment, shopping, and work.
Microsoft Edge is a genuinely strong competitor in today’s browser market. It has shed the old reputation of Internet Explorer and emerged as a fast, feature-rich, and resource-efficient option. Its deep integration with the Windows operating system means it often runs a little smoother and uses a bit less battery on laptops compared to third-party alternatives. Features like Collections offer a unique way to organize your thoughts and research, while the built-in security tools work quietly in the background to keep you safe from online threats.
Ultimately, the best browser is the one that works best for you. I encourage you to give Edge a real try after setting it as your default. Import your bookmarks, explore the settings, and use it for a few days. You might be pleasantly surprised by how intuitive and powerful it is. If you decide it’s not for you, switching back is just as easy. But by taking control of your default apps, you’re customizing your computer to fit your needs perfectly, and that’s always a smart move.
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.