How to Make Chrome Default Browser When Opening Links
Are you tired of switching between multiple browsers when you click on links? Do you often find yourself opening multiple tabs in Google Chrome and then switching to Safari or Firefox? If so, you’re not alone. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Chrome default browser when opening links.
Before We Begin
Before we dive into the solution, let’s quickly review some important points:
- Chrome has a built-in feature: Chrome has a feature called "Preferred Browser" that allows you to set your default browser for new tabs and new windows.
- Default browser override: While the preferred browser feature is a good starting point, it doesn’t guarantee that your preferred browser will be your default browser for all web pages.
- Not a one-size-fits-all solution: There are different types of browsers, and your preferred browser might not be the best option for everyone.
Step 1: Enable Preferred Browser in Chrome
To enable the preferred browser feature in Chrome, follow these steps:
- Open Chrome and go to Settings ( Gear icon )
- Click on More settings ( three vertical dots icon )
- Scroll down to the Advanced section
- Check the box next to Show more settings to open the Advanced settings page
- Scroll down to the Security section
- Click on the Show advanced settings button
- Click on Content settings at the bottom of the page
- Scroll down to the Search engine section
- Click on the Manage search engines button
- Check the box next to Google to enable it
- Click on Save to save the changes
Step 2: Set Your Preferred Browser as Default for New Tabs and New Windows
To set your preferred browser as the default browser for new tabs and new windows, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings ( Gear icon )
- Click on More settings ( three vertical dots icon )
- Scroll down to the Advanced section
- Check the box next to Show more settings to open the Advanced settings page
- Scroll down to the Default search engine section
- Select your preferred browser (e.g., Google Chrome) from the list of available browsers
- Click on Save to save the changes
Alternative Solution: Using a Browser Shortcut
If you prefer to use a different browser shortcut for specific websites, you can create a shortcut in Chrome to open your preferred browser:
- Right-click on the webpage you want to use your preferred browser for
- Click on Save page as ( or Save link as )
- Choose Save as shortcut from the dropdown menu
- Enter the path to your preferred browser executable (e.g., C:Program FilesGoogleChromeApplicationchrome.exe)
- Give your shortcut a name (e.g., Google Chrome)
- Click Save to save the shortcut
Using a Browser Extension
Another alternative solution is to use a browser extension that allows you to set your preferred browser as the default browser for new tabs and new windows. Here’s how to install and configure the extension:
- Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store ( e.g., Google Chrome Extension Store )
- Open the extension and follow the installation instructions
- In the extension’s settings, select your preferred browser (e.g., Google Chrome)
- Click on Save to save the extension
Table: Browser Shortcut Settings
| Browser Shortcut Name | Preferred Browser | Shortcut Path | Default Browser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Google Chrome | C:Program FilesGoogleChromeApplicationchrome.exe |
Google Chrome |
Table: Browser Extension Settings
| Extension Name | Preferred Browser | Extension Path | Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome Extension | Google Chrome | C:Program FilesGoogleChromeApplicationchrome.exe |
Yes |
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can easily make Chrome default browser when opening links. The preferred browser feature is a powerful tool that allows you to choose your preferred browser for new tabs and new windows. You can also set your preferred browser as the default browser for new tabs and new windows using the alternative solutions mentioned above. Additionally, you can use browser extensions to set your preferred browser as the default browser for new tabs and new windows. With these steps, you’ll be able to streamline your browsing experience and reduce the number of browser switches.
