Windows/Mac - Setting the Default Browser

The default browser is the web browser that is automatically used when opening a web page or clicking on a web link. This document explains how to choose the default browser for both Windows and OS X.

Windows

Internet Explorer 10 and 11

  1. In Internet Explorer, go to Tools (gear icon) > Internet Options.
  2. Click the Programs tab.
  3. Click Make Internet Explorer the default browser. You may optionally check the box that makes Explorer tiles open on the desktop. If you leave this unchecked, they will open in the metro interface. You can also specify how you want to open links.

    Internet Options window

  4. Internet Explorer 7, 8, and 9

    1. In Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Internet Options.
      • Note: In newer versions of Internet Explorer, the Tools menu is represented by a Gear icon.
    2. Click the Programs tab.
    3. Click Make default. You may optionally check the box if you want Explorer to always check if it is the default browser.

      Internet Options window

    Internet Explorer 6

    1. In Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Internet Options.
    2. Click the Programs tab.
      At the bottom of this window, check the box labeled Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser.
    3. Click OK.

      Internet Options window

    4. Restart Internet Explorer.
      A window should appear asking whether Internet Explorer should be made the default browser. Click Yes (you may optionally uncheck the checkbox).

    Firefox (Versions up to 34)

    1. In Firefox, go to the orange Firefox button, then select Options > Options.
      • Note: In older versions of Firefox, go to Tools > Options.
    2. Click Advanced, and then open the General tab.
    3. Click Check Now, and then click Yes in the new window that pops up. You may optionally check the box if you want Firefox to always check if it is the default browser.

      Internet Preferences window

    Firefox (Version 35+)

    1. Open Firefox.
    2. Go to the menu button in the upper right hand corner, depicting 3 horizontal bars.
    3. Click on the Options, which has a gear symbol.
    4. Under the General tab, click on Make Firefox My Default Browser.

      firefoxdefaultscreenshot

    Google Chrome

    1. In Chrome, click on the Customize and control Google Chrome icon lines.
      • Note: In older versions of Chrome, click on the wrench icon wrench.
    2. Click Settings.
    3. Under "Default Browser," click Make Google Chrome my default browser.

      Chrome Settings - Change default browser

    OS X

    Safari

    1. Open Safari.
    2. Go to Safari > Preferences.
    3. While on the General tab, select the browser you want to use as default from the drop down menu.

      Internet Preferences window

    Firefox (Versions up to 34)

    1. Open Firefox.
    2. Go to Firefox > Preferences.
    3. Click on the Advanced tab and then on the General tab.
    4. Under "System Defaults," click Check Now and then click Yes in the window that pops up. You may optionally check the box if you want Firefox to always check if it is the default browser.

      Firefox Advanced Options

    Firefox (Version 35+)

    1. Open Firefox.
    2. Go to the menu button in the upper right hand corner, depicting 3 horizontal bars.
    3. Click on the Preferences, which has a gear symbol.
    4. Under the General tab, click on Make Firefox My Default Browser.

      ScreenShot2015-01-28at3.03.33PM(1)

    Google Chrome

    1. Open Chrome.
    2. Go to Chrome > Preferences.
    3. Under "Default Browser," click Make Google Chrome My Default Browser.

      Chrome Settings - Change default browser



    Keywordswindows mac os x setting default web browser internet explorer netscape ie mozilla safari chrome google   Doc ID918
    OwnerHelp Desk KB TeamGroupDoIT Help Desk
    Created2001-02-15 19:00:00Updated2024-02-26 13:02:09
    SitesDoIT Help Desk, KB Demo, Parkland College, Peking University (北大) Test KB, University of Illinois Unified
    Feedback  9   4