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Here's how to set your default browser in Windows 10

Setting your default browser is easy -- follow these simple steps to learn how.

Nate Ralph Associate Editor
Associate Editor Nate Ralph is an aspiring wordsmith, covering mobile software and hardware for CNET Reviews. His hobbies include dismantling gadgets, waxing poetic about obscure ASCII games, and wandering through airports.
Nate Ralph
2 min read

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Screenshot by Nate Ralph/CNET

Mozilla's CEO is not very happy with Microsoft's decision to make Microsoft Edge the default browser in Windows 10. But don't worry: Switching the default browser -- and all of the default apps -- is really easy.

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Set your default through your browser's settings, or when you install the browser. Screenshot by Nate Ralph/CNET

The absolute easiest way to select your default browser is to make that choice when you first install it. You can also just head to your browser's settings and make the selection there -- yes, even in Firefox.

But if you need yet another option, you can set the systemwide default for your Web browser (and a wide range of other apps) right in Windows. Follow these steps to ensure that you're using whatever your preferred app is.

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You can reach the settings app right from the Action Center. Screenshot by Nate Ralph/CNET

Step 1: Head over to the Settings app

You've got a few options here. The easiest is to head to the Action center and selecting "All settings." If you're on a device with a touch screen, swipe in from the right. If you're using a mouse and keyboard, click the Action center icon on the bottom right corner of the taskbar, or press Windows Key + A to get there.

Step 2: Head to System, and then default apps

System is the option on the top left. Click (or tap) it, and you'll see a few more settings. The default apps section is down near the bottom of the column on the left.

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Just pick the browser you'd like to use. Screenshot by Nate Ralph/CNET

Step 3: Scroll down to Web browser, and make your choice

Web browser is down at the bottom of the list. Click it, and you'll be able to choose from all of the browsers you've got installed.

And that's it. If you want to change the rest of your default apps, you can do that here too. You can also choose the default apps for particular file types, or particular protocols -- if you'd like to use a particular app for any email address or map links you click, for example.