☑️ How to set Google Chrome as default browser in Windows 11
– Reviews News
- To make Chrome the default browser in Windows 11, you need to adjust your file association settings.
- This process is a bit different from Windows 10 and requires a few extra steps.
- If you need to set the default browser in Windows 11, be prepared to do so with all related file types and web protocols.
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Although Microsoft Edge is a decent browser, users still prefer to browse the web with different software as it increases the number of features and usability.
The latest version of Windows supports most browsers, and if you're looking for a new one, be sure to check out our list of the best Windows 11 browsers.
Using a more capable browser can have a big impact on how you browse the web, the level of security while doing so, and many other benefits.
Although Microsoft has tried to bring Edge into the 21st century, adding some of the features that other browsers have enhanced, most people will prefer to use Chrome, which, in addition to better security features, offers direct connectivity users' Gmail accounts.
This connection between the Gmail account and other Google services is one of the most important differences between these software options.
However, changing the default apps for different tasks isn't always as easy as expected in the latest version. Changing the default web browser is no different at all.
However, it's still possible to switch browsers, and in today's guide, we'll show you how to make Chrome the default web browser in Windows 11.
Is Google Chrome better than Edge?
For a long time, Google Chrome was far superior to Edge, but after a massive overhaul, the browser can now hold its own against Chrome.
The new version runs on the Chromium engine, which makes it quite similar to Chrome. With a new engine, the browser can also run Chrome extensions, but there may be compatibility issues in some cases.
In terms of resources, Edge is much smaller, making it a better option if you're using a PC with low RAM.
In terms of security, both browsers are pretty secure, but some would say Chrome has the upper hand in that department, with better protocols throughout.
The last difference we need to mention is cross-platform availability, as this is extremely important for most users.
Chrome and Edge are available on all platforms, but many phones Android come with Chrome pre-installed, making it simple and easy to sync and share data between devices.
Is Chrome a better browser? The answer is not so simple. Even though it is more popular and offers better integration with Google services, Edge is surely catching up. This is a personal preference, but our research suggests Chrome is a better choice for most users.
How popular is Google Chrome?
Google Chrome has been the most popular browser on all platforms for years. Currently, the browser has a market share of 68,5%, down 1% from last year.
It is followed by Safari with a 9,5% market share and Microsoft Edge with 8,22%. It is worth mentioning that Edge almost doubled its market share compared to last year.
As you can see, Chrome is undoubtedly the most popular web browser out there, and it's no wonder that many users want to make it their default browser on their PC.
How to make Chrome the default browser in Windows 11?
Change file association settings
- Click on the Start button taskbar.
- Select now Settings.
- In the left pane, select Applications. In the right pane, choose Default applications.
- Select now Google Chrome from the list.
- Click on the first file type in the list. In our case, it is .htm.
- Select Google Chrome in the list and click Okay.
- Select the next file type and repeat the steps above. Do this for all file types that Microsoft Edge is assigned to.
Although you can change file associations for all extensions, here are the essential extensions you should change:
- HTM
- HTML
- HTML
- WEBP extension
- XHT
- XHTML
- FTP
- HTTP
- HTTPS
After replacing Edge with Chrome for all file types, Chrome will become the default browser in Windows 11.
NOTE
You can also use the Set as default option in Chrome to switch browsers, but this will only open the Default apps section in the Settings app.
Why is it so complicated to change the default browser in Windows 11?
Microsoft changed the way default app switching works in Windows 11, and now you don't have access to different categories like web browser, email client, photo viewer, etc.
Instead, you will get a list of apps, and when you select the app, it will show you the list of file types that can be associated with that app.
Now you have to manually set the default application for each file type. This gives users more control, but the vast majority of users don't need such detailed settings for default apps.
With Windows 11, the process of changing the default application can take a few minutes, whereas in previous versions it only took a few seconds.
We still don't know why Microsoft decided to change this, but we hope this process will be simplified soon. Fortunately, we have a guide on how to change the default browser in Windows 11, so be sure to check it out.
What is the best browser to use on Windows 11?
As mentioned above, all major browsers work perfectly on the latest version of Windows, and choosing the best one depends on your personal preferences.
Each browser has its advantages, but if we had to choose one, we would probably choose Opera because it is built on the Chromium engine and offers unique features.
As you can see from the table above, Opera not only has amazing features but also has the least resource impact compared to other options.
Besides amazing browsing speeds and stability, Opera also offers a free VPN and many other useful features, while also giving you access to a specialized gaming browser, Opera GX.
Changing the default browser for Chrome in Windows 11 isn't as easy as it used to be, and the process now takes a few minutes at most.
We still don't know why Microsoft changed the way app defaults work, but you should know that this change affects all apps, not just web browsers.
Although this option is not accessible as efficiently as in previous versions of Windows, users can customize how Windows 11 works, with some additional cool new features that may be useful for most users and some beginners.
Do you know of any other method that can be used to change the default apps? Let us know in the comments below.
SOURCE: Reviews News
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