Switching your default browser on Windows 10 is supposed to be a straightforward task, but sometimes it feels like Windows has a mind of its own. You click through the menus, pick your favorite browser, and then — surprise! — next time you click a link, it opens in some other app. Frustrating if you’re trying to get seamless control over what opens when. Generally, the process involves heading into Settings > Apps > Default Apps, then selecting your preferred browser under “Web browser.” But in practice, it doesn’t always stick, especially after Windows updates or if some other program sneaks in and resets defaults…
So here’s a semi-reliable way to make sure your chosen browser stays your default and doesn’t keep flipping back to Edge or something else. It involves some extra steps — because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary — but it tends to work better in the long run.
How to Fix the Default Browser Setting on Windows 10
Method 1: Change Default Browser from Settings (the usual way)
This helps if your system is acting up and not keeping your preference. It’s the first thing to try because it’s easy to access, and on some setups, it does the trick — at least temporarily.
- Go to Start Menu, then click on Settings (the gear icon).
- Head into Apps and look for Default Apps in the sidebar.
- Scroll down to Web browser. You might see Microsoft Edge or another browser listed there.
- Click on that icon, and a list of installed browsers should appear — pick the one you want permanently.
- Close Settings. Now, test by clicking some links — they should open with your chosen browser.
On some setups, especially after Windows updates, this doesn’t quite save your choice. So, if it keeps reverting, move to this next method.
Method 2: Use the “Set Defaults by App” trick
This is kind of weird, but sometimes forcing your preferred browser to register as the default app helps Windows “remember” it better. It’s useful if the previous method doesn’t stick after reboot or updates.
- Open Settings > Apps > Default Apps.
- Scroll down and click on Choose default apps by file type. This opens a list of file extensions and associated apps.
- Look for common link types like .htm, .html, or .webp. Click on the current associated app, then pick your preferred browser.
- Also check HTTP and HTTPS protocols — make sure they’re assigned to your preferred browser.
- Reboot your PC, then test — links should open in the correct browser now.
This can feel a bit tedious, but on some machines, it finally makes Windows “stick” to your choice, especially after big updates or troubleshooting.
Method 3: Use registry tweaks (a bit more advanced)
This is kind of overkill, but if none of the above work, tweaking the registry can force Windows to recognize your default. Not recommended unless you’re comfortable with regedit because messing around here can break Windows. But, on one setup it worked perfectly after changing a few keys.
- Open Regedit by typing it into the Start Menu.
- Navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Associations\UrlAssociations\http\UserChoice - Look for ProgId. It should say something like ChromeHTML or FirefoxURL.
- If it doesn’t match your preferred browser, double-click and change the value to the correct ProgId for your browser. You can find a list of common ProgIds online, or sometimes they’re visible in the registry keys under the browser’s app data.
- Do the same for https if needed.
- Close regedit, reboot, and test.
This is more technical, but on certain machines, it’s the only thing that works reliably long-term. Just remember: always back up your registry before making changes.
Other tips if nothing sticks
Sometimes, the problem is that a program or update is resetting your defaults, especially if you’re using beta versions or preview builds. Keep your browsers updated, and occasionally check your defaults after Windows updates.
Also, some browsers have their own settings to set as default. For example, Chrome and Firefox both let you set them as default directly inside their options. Do that, then double-check your system default settings if you’re still having trouble.
When all else fails, a full reinstall of your preferred browser might help, especially if some registry entries or configs got messed up. Also, check for Windows updates or repair your Windows install if defaults keep flipping unexpectedly.
Summary
- Open Settings > Apps > Default Apps
- Select your preferred browser under Web browser
- Use “Choose defaults by file type” to assign HTTP/HTTPS
- If needed, tweak registry keys for persistent defaults
- Reboot and test links
Wrap-up
Changing the default browser shouldn’t be this complicated, but Windows loves to make it a game of whack-a-mole. Sometimes a combination of these methods is needed to really lock it in. The key is patience and a bit of poking around — and maybe a registry backup just in case. Hopefully, this saves some headache for someone trying to get their browser to stay put. Good luck and happy browsing!