How to Make Google Chrome Default Browser

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers around the world, and many people love using it for its speed, simplicity, and versatility. If you frequently use Chrome to access the Internet, setting it as your default browser is a beneficial move. This guide will explain step-by-step how to make Google Chrome your default browser. We will cover various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Additionally, we will discuss making Chrome the default browser on a mobile device, be it Android or iOS.

Understanding the default browser

Before we go into the steps to set Google Chrome as your default browser, it's important to understand what a 'default browser' is. The default browser is the web browser that your computer or device automatically uses when you open a web link. For example, if you click a hyperlink in an email or document, or open a web file such as an HTML document, your system will use the default browser to open the link or file.

Choosing a default browser can streamline your online activities, and ensure that all web links you open will load in your preferred browser, without having to manually select it every time.

Steps to set Google Chrome as default browser on Windows

Windows is one of the most widely used operating systems, and making Chrome your default browser can improve your user experience. Here's how you can do it:

Windows 10 and Windows 11

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click the three-dot menu at the top-right corner of the window to open Settings.
3. In the Settings menu, click Default browser on the left sidebar.
4. Click the Make Default button. If Chrome asks you if you want to make it the default browser, accept the prompt.
5. The Windows Settings panel will appear, with the option to choose your default apps. Scroll down to find the Web Browser section.
6. Click on the current default browser (often Microsoft Edge) and a list of installed browsers, such as Chrome, will appear.
7. Select Google Chrome from the list to set it as the default.

Windows 7 and Windows 8

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Go to the three-dot menu and go to Settings.
3. Locate the default browser.
4. Click the Make Default button. Follow the on-screen steps, which may include accepting the system change.
5. If you're redirected to the Control Panel, go to Programs > Default Programs > Set your default programs.
6. Find Chrome in the list and click Set this program as default.

Now, Chrome should be your default web browser on Windows, leading to a more seamless experience when browsing web links and the internet.

Setting Google Chrome as the default browser on macOS

If you are using a Mac, you can easily make Google Chrome your default browser. Here is the simple process you need to follow:

1. Open System Preferences. You can find this in the Apple menu at the top left of your screen, or by searching in Spotlight.
2. Click General, which is usually located at the top of the Preferences window.
3. In the General preferences window, look for the Default web browser section.
4. Click the dropdown menu next to the Default web browser option.
5. Select Google Chrome from the list of installed browsers on your Mac.

Now, whenever you open a web link or certain types of Internet-related files, like HTML documents, from your Mac, Chrome will launch.

Setting Google Chrome as the default browser on Linux

For Linux users, the steps may vary slightly depending on the distribution you are using, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, or others. Here is a general method for the GNOME desktop environment, which is commonly found on many Linux distributions:

1. Open Settings from your desktop environment menu.
2. Go to the Details section.
3. Look for the Default Applications tab or option.
4. Explore the web, web browser or Internet applications - this terminology may vary depending on the Linux distribution.
5. Click on the Default browser section and select Google Chrome from the list.

Alternatively, when you first install or open Google Chrome, it often gives a prompt asking if you want to set it as the default browser. You can also use command line instructions to set the default, but this method is usually more advanced and varies widely across distributions.

Make Google Chrome the default browser on Android

Most Android devices have Google Chrome already installed as the default browser, provided that Android is owned by Google. However, if you have installed another browser but want to switch back to Chrome, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap Apps or Apps & notifications (this may vary depending on your device manufacturer).
3. Tap Advanced to view more options based on the initial configuration.
4. Find Default Apps and tap on it.
5. Select the Browser app option.
6. Select Google Chrome from the available browsers on your device.

Set Google Chrome as the default browser on iOS

For iPhone and iPad, Safari is the default browser, but you can change this setting in iOS 14 and up:

1. Make sure you have installed Google Chrome from the App Store on your device.
2. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
3. Scroll down until you find Chrome and tap on it.
4. Tap the default browser app.
5. Select Chrome.

After these changes, any web link opened on your iOS device will use Chrome instead of Safari or any other browser.

Conclusion

Making Google Chrome your default browser across different platforms ensures a seamless browsing experience. Whether it's on your personal computer, work laptop, or mobile device, you now have a consistent interface and set of features offered by the Chrome browser. This move simplifies your web activities and aligns them with many web services optimized for Chrome, thanks to its widespread use.

Remember, while Google Chrome is a favorite for its speed and integration with Google services, keeping it as the default browser depends on your personal or work needs. The process is simple and can be changed at any time, allowing you to make the decision that best suits your browsing habits.

In this detailed guide, we have explained each step in simple terms and provided comprehensive instructions for different operating systems and devices, so you can easily switch to Google Chrome as your default browser.

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