What it means to set Chrome as default, and why you might want to

Setting Google Chrome as your default browser means that when you click a link in an email, a document, or anywhere else on your computer, Chrome will open that link instead of whatever browser currently opens it. Your computer comes with a built-in browser — Microsoft Edge on Windows, Safari on Mac — and that is what launches links by default until you change it.

You might want Chrome as your default if you use it most of the time, if you have bookmarks and passwords saved there, or if a website works better in Chrome than in other browsers. The process takes less than a minute and you can change it back anytime.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Chrome, click the menu button (three dots), go to Settings, select Default Browser, and click Make Default.
  • On Mac, open Chrome, click Chrome in the menu bar, select Settings, go to Default Browser, and click Make Default.
  • Your computer may ask you to confirm the change in a system dialog — click the button that says Yes or Confirm.
  • You can change your default browser back to Edge, Safari, or any other browser using the same steps in that browser instead.

Setting Chrome as default on Windows

Open Google Chrome on your computer. In the top right corner, you will see three vertical dots stacked on top of each other — this is the menu button. Click it.

From the menu that drops down, click Settings. A new window or tab will open showing Chrome's settings page. On the left side, you will see a list of options. Click Default browser.

You will now see a section that says "Default browser" with a button underneath that says Make default. Click that button. Windows will show you a confirmation dialog — a small window asking you to confirm the change. Click the button that says Yes or Confirm (the exact wording depends on your Windows version). Chrome is now your default browser.

Setting Chrome as default on Mac

Open Google Chrome on your Mac. At the very top of your screen, you will see the menu bar with Apple, Finder, and other options. Click Chrome in that menu bar.

A dropdown menu will appear. Click Settings. The Chrome settings page will open in a new window. On the left side, click Default browser.

You will see a section labeled "Default browser" with a button that says Make default. Click it. Your Mac may show a confirmation dialog asking you to confirm. Click Confirm or Yes. Chrome is now your default browser.

What happens after you set Chrome as default

Once Chrome is set as default, any link you click outside of Chrome will open in Chrome instead of your previous default browser. This includes links in emails, text messages, documents, and web pages. If you have multiple browser windows open, the link will open in a new tab in Chrome.

Your other browser is still on your computer and still works — it is just no longer the one that automatically opens links. You can still open it and use it whenever you want.

Changing your default browser back

If you decide you want a different browser as your default, the process is identical. Open that browser, go to its Settings, find Default browser, and click Make default. Your computer will switch to that browser for opening links.

You can switch back and forth between browsers as your default as many times as you want. There is no limit to how many times you can change it, and changing it does not delete anything from your other browsers.

Troubleshooting: Chrome will not stay as default

On some Windows computers, especially those managed by a workplace, your system administrator may have locked the default browser setting so you cannot change it. If you click Make default and nothing happens, or if Chrome stops being your default after a restart, this is likely the reason. Contact your IT department or system administrator — they can change the setting for you or explain why it is locked.

On Mac, if you do not see the Default browser option in Settings, make sure you are running a recent version of Chrome. Older versions do not have this feature. You can also set Chrome as default through System Settings: click the Apple menu, go to System Settings, click General, then Default web browser, and choose Google Chrome from the dropdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will setting Chrome as default delete my bookmarks or passwords in other browsers?

No. Changing your default browser does not touch anything in your other browsers. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history stay exactly where they are. You can still open those browsers and use them normally.

Can I set Chrome as default for some links but not others?

No. Your computer has one default browser for all links. However, you can right-click a link and choose which browser to open it in, which lets you override the default for individual links.

What if I do not see the Make Default button?

On Windows, make sure you are in the Default browser section of Settings — not a different settings page. On Mac, try updating Chrome to the latest version. If the button still does not appear, your system administrator may have restricted this setting.

Does setting Chrome as default affect my phone or tablet?

No. Your phone and tablet have their own default browser settings, separate from your computer. You set those defaults in your phone or tablet's own settings, not from your computer.