Using a third-party browser as your default web browser can be useful for a variety of reasons. Here’s how to do it on Windows.
Browsing the Internet is one of the main activities that users do on their PC and the default browser plays a crucial role in your browsing experience. Although Microsoft Edge , the default browser on Windows, is a great web browsing program, many people prefer to use third-party alternatives such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera for various reasons.
If you are also part of this group of users and want to know how to change the default browser on Windows , you will certainly find the instructions that we have decided to provide you in this in-depth article useful where, precisely, we will show you step by step how to replace Microsoft Edge with a third-party browser and, if necessary, how to restore Edge as the default browser. We will also examine some of the best alternatives available for you.
What are the best third-party browsers for Windows?
When it comes to choosing a third-party browser , there are several options to choose from. Here is a quick overview of the best options available.
- Google Chrome: Known for its speed and wide availability of extensions, Google Chrome is one of the most popular browsers in the world. It is appreciated for its intuitive interface and syncing features that allow you to access your bookmarks and settings from any device.
- Mozilla Firefox: Another great alternative is Mozilla Firefox, which is known for its focus on privacy and security. Firefox also offers a wide range of extensions and a customizable interface, making it a solid choice for many users.
- Opera: This browser is known for its unique features, such as a built-in VPN, ad blocking, and “smart” power saving. These features make Opera an interesting option for those looking for something different from the “usual” browsers.
- Brave : Famous for its focus on privacy and speed, Brave automatically blocks ads and trackers, improving browsing performance and security.
- Vivaldi : Created by one of the co-founders of Opera and other industry “familiars,” Vivaldi offers a high level of customization, allowing users to tweak almost every aspect of the browser to suit their needs.
How to Change Edge to a Third-Party Browser on Windows
To change Microsoft Edge with a third-party browser on Windows, simply act from the system settings. When following the instructions listed below, keep in mind that they were written by trying the steps on a PC equipped with Windows 11 .
- Install the new browser: download and install the third-party browser of your choice. You can find the installation files on their official websites, perhaps by searching Google for “download [browser name] site:[browser official site]” . To proceed with the installation, you will then have to click on the download button on the web page that opens, open the installation file and follow the wizard that appears on the screen.
- Open Settings: Open the Start menu , then select the gear icon to access Settings .
- Go to “Apps”: In the Settings window, select Apps in the sidebar on the left of the window, and then click on Default apps .
- Change your default web browser: Scroll down the list on the screen until you find the application you want to make default, click on its name , and click the Set Default button , which should be in the upper right. You should see a check mark next to the button to confirm that the operation was successful.
From now on, every time you open a .html file , it should open with the new default browser you have selected. For completeness of information, we also tell you that as an alternative to the steps just indicated, it is possible in many cases to set a browser as default by clicking on the relative button contained in the notice that appears on the screen in the window of the latter after its first opening.
How to Reset Edge as Default Browser on Windows
In the event that you ever decide to restore Edge as the default browser on Windows, you will have to follow basically the opposite procedure to the one we showed you before.
To proceed, therefore, you will also have to open the Start menu , go to the Apps > Default apps section , select Microsoft Edge and click on the Set as default button . If you deem it appropriate, then, uninstall the third-party browser in case you no longer use it for some reason.