How to Remove Microsoft Edge as the Default Browser (2024)

Do you want to remove Microsoft Edge as the default browser in Windows 11? It’s easy! This article provides step-by-step instructions.

Start by opening the Settings app from the Start menu. Then, choose “Apps” and select “Default apps”. Here, you’ll find categories such as Web browsers, Email clients, and Photo viewers. Click on “Web browsers”, and pick an alternative browser from the list.

With this process, you can remove Microsoft Edge and replace it with a browser of your choice. Enjoy uninterrupted browsing with the features you need.

It’s worth remembering that Microsoft Edge isn’t the only option. There are lots of browsers available, so you can customize your web experience.

StatCounter GlobalStats data from October 2021 shows that Google Chrome is the most popular web browser worldwide, with a market share of 63%. Firefox follows with 4% of global usage share. This demonstrates that users have many alternatives to choose from.

Why Remove Microsoft Edge as Default Browser?

In today’s tech-driven world, Microsoft Edge is a popular default browser. But, you may want to remove it as your default browser for various reasons. Here’s why:

Limited features. Microsoft Edge has some features, but lacks advanced ones that other browsers have.
Personal preference. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to web browsers.
Compatibility issues. Some websites and apps don’t work with Microsoft Edge.
Privacy concerns. You may have privacy concerns with Microsoft Edge.
Performance optimization. Microsoft Edge may use too many system resources or crash often.

It’s up to you to decide if you want to remove Microsoft Edge as your default browser. It gives you the opportunity to explore new browsers with new features. It allows you to choose what you need, instead of using a pre-determined default option.

Step 1: Accessing the Default Apps Settings

Gain access to the Default Apps Settings and take away Microsoft Edge as the default browser on Windows 11. Here’s what to do:

Click the Windows icon at the bottom left of your screen. This’ll open the Start menu.
Select “Settings”, which is a gear icon, in the Start menu. This’ll launch the Windows Settings app.
Click on “System”, which is a computer monitor icon, in the Settings app.
On the left side panel, you’ll see various categories. Choose “Default apps”.
When you click “Default apps”, find the section titled “Web browser”. Click the present default browser (most likely Microsoft Edge) to open its options.
A list of available web browsers will appear. Pick a different web browser, as per your preference, to swap out Microsoft Edge.

It’s significant to note that these steps will just change the default browser for your user account, not for all users on your computer.

Apart from these steps, you can consider using alternative methods such as right-clicking on a web browser shortcut and selecting “Open with” > “Choose another app” to set up a different default browser.

Step 2: Changing the Default Web Browser

Switch up the default web browser on your Windows 11 computer – it’s easy! Follow these steps:

Click the Start button and then select “Settings” from the menu.
In the Settings app, go to “Apps” and click on “Default apps” from the left-hand side.
Scroll down to the section titled “Web browser”. See what’s currently set as the default? (It’s Microsoft Edge in this case).
A list of available browsers will show up. Pick the one you want to use as your default. (Example: Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox).
Once you’ve chosen, close the Settings app.

Voila! You’ve changed your default browser in Windows 11. One thing to note though – some programs may open links using Microsoft Edge even though you set a different default browser. This is because these programs are designed to use a specific browser for some functions. Remember this if you ever experience any unexpected instances where Microsoft Edge opens instead of your picked browser.

Pro Tip: Make sure to regularly check your default apps settings. Operating system updates or new programs can sometimes reset them without you knowing.

Step 3: Confirming the Changes

Confirm now! The changes you made – gone is Microsoft Edge as your browser. Bye bye!

Conclusion

To finish, changing Microsoft Edge to another browser in Windows 11 is simple.

Go to Settings, choose “Apps” and then “Default apps”.

Hit “Web browser” and pick your favorite.

It’s important to think of compatibility and features Microsoft Edge provides before deciding.

Pro Tip: Install a new browser and set it up before removing Microsoft Edge, to avoid any problems with online activities.