To make Google Chrome your default browser on a computer, you need to change your system’s default app settings so that all web links automatically open in Chrome.
On a Windows computer, open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner. Then go to “Settings” and find the “Default browser” section. Click “Make default.” This will redirect you to Windows settings, where you must confirm Chrome as the default browser for web links like HTTP and HTTPS.
On macOS, open Chrome and click “Chrome” in the top menu, then select “Settings.” Under the “Default browser” section, click “Make default.” Your system settings will open, allowing you to choose Chrome as the default web browser.
Alternatively, you can set Chrome as the default directly from system settings. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps, search for “Web browser,” and select Chrome. On macOS, go to System Settings > Desktop & Dock (or General in some versions), then choose Chrome as your default web browser.
Set Chrome as your default web browser
Important: If you don't have Google Chrome on your computer yet, first download and install Chrome.
- On your computer, select Start
.
- Select Settings
Apps
- Under "Set defaults for applications," in the search box, enter
Chrome. - Select Google Chrome.
- At the top, next to "Make Google Chrome your default browser," select Set default.
- To make sure the change is applied to the correct file types, review the list under the "Set default file types or link types."
To easily open Chrome later, add a shortcut to your taskbar. Learn how to create a shortcut for Chrome.
- On your computer, select Start
.
- Select Settings
.
- Open your default apps:
- Original version: Select System
- Creators Update: Select Apps
- Original version: Select System
- At the bottom, under "Web browser," select your current browser.
- In the "Choose an app" window, select Google Chrome.
To easily open Chrome later, add a shortcut to your taskbar. Learn how to create a shortcut for Chrome.
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, select More
- In the 'Default browser' section, click Make default.
- If you don't find the button, Chrome is already your default browser.
To easily open Chrome later, add a shortcut to your dock. Learn how to create a shortcut for Chrome.
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, select More
- In the 'Default browser' section, click Make default.
- If you don't find the button, Chrome is already your default browser.
To easily open Chrome later, add a shortcut to your taskbar. Learn how to create a shortcut for Chrome.
Once you complete these steps, any link you click in emails, documents, or other apps will open automatically in Chrome.
If the option is not available, ensure Chrome is installed and updated to the latest version. Restarting your computer can also help apply the changes properly.
In summary, setting Chrome as your default browser ensures a consistent browsing experience and allows all web content to open directly in Chrome.
