Depending on what operating system we are using on our computer, the most normal thing is that when starting it for the first time it incorporates a certain web browser , which in most cases tends to coincide with the one developed by the manufacturer of that same OS . For example, in the case of Windows this is what happens with Edge, and in the case of macOS with Safari.
However, in case you prefer to opt for other web browsers that work just as well, or even in some cases more stable and faster, such as Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome, the truth is that most of operating systems , such as the ones we have mentioned above, allow us to configure which web browser we want to use by default .
And what does it mean that we have a default web browser? Basically, it will be the one used by the operating system when, for example, we click on a link that leads to a Web page, either through the email application or through access with a direct link created as a file.
But we must bear in mind something fundamental: before selecting a new browser as the default option, it is essential to have it installed . To carry out the change we explain how you can do it, and also very easily.
Choosing our default web browser on Windows
If you use Windows as your computer’s operating system, it is very likely that Internet Explorer is the default web browser (although it is true that the company decided to leave Internet Explorer 11 as the last stable version). Or, well, Microsoft Edge , which has replaced the previous one since mid-2015, and which we can actually find by default on Windows 10 devices.
Luckily, changing our default browser in Windows is extremely simple and straightforward. Just go to the Start menu and type “Default programs .” Once this is done, we must click on this button and click on Set default programs , which will load a list of all the programs that, at that moment, are installed on the computer.
Now we must select the web browser that we want to use , scrolling through the list on the left to find the browser that we want to set as the new default. Obviously, we must have installed it before.
To do this, click on Set this program as default , at which time Windows will configure our new browser to open all links, Internet shortcuts and extensions.
Choosing our default web browser on macOS
Modifying our default web browser in macOS is also an extremely simple and straightforward option. You just have to go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences .
Once here, go to General , and then click on the Default Web Browser menu. The Default Web Browser option will appear in this window. It will be right in this section where you can choose your default browser, within the different applications that you have installed.
You will see how probably the option that appears in a basic way by default will be Safari. But if you have other browsers already installed, such as Google Chrome, when you click on this section, a drop-down menu will appear showing other previously installed web browsers.
Once chosen, the change will be carried out automatically, without having to do anything else.
